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Original poster

School shoe help

64 replies

Sleepeatrepeat · 12/03/2022 21:49

Apologies if this is the wrong place.

Dd is 8, she needs new school shoes as her current ones are hurting her. Got her measured by an independent shop today and she has gone up a size.

Problem is she is at that age where the styles she likes aren't in her size and what is in her size is really babyish.

She can't wear supermarket shoes so needs to be something similar to clarks or startrite.

Are there any alternatives as she was less than impressed with the offerings today. Extra points for online ordering as she has a dance show tomorrow so I really don't have time to go shopping tomorrow.

Thanks

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HalfShrunkMoreToGo · 12/03/2022 21:57

I've gone right off Clarks over the last couple of years, they just don't seem to last like they used to. I find the Sainsburys Toezone range really good.

justsatfloating · 12/03/2022 21:58

Have you looked at leather vans? Geox maybe, John Lewis online.

Zolla · 12/03/2022 22:16

Have you looked at Bobux? We love their shoes!

I honestly really rate Next shoes. They are excellent quality, come in half sizes & different widths. And half the price of Clarks. DD1s Next winter boots have lasted far longer than DD2s Clarks ones. They still look super smart, the Clarks ones have scuffed badly, look out of shape, the Velcro is crap..

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Original poster
Sleepeatrepeat · 13/03/2022 20:45

She can't wear supermarket shoes unfortunately.

Not heard or bonus...Will look into it.

Have tried Next but they are either too narrow or too wide fitting which has caused aome massive temper tantrums this weekend.

She is nearly 9 but quite grown up in her style, I have always encouraged her to be independent and plough her own path..it is now biting me on the arse big time!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Sleepeatrepeat · 13/03/2022 21:35

Just had a look at Bobux and their biggest size is an eu33 which is a uk 1 so they don't go big enough unfortunately

OP posts:
LittleBearPad · 13/03/2022 21:40

I’m surprised a 1 is too small but what is in her size is too babyish?

What is she looking for in a school shoe? She may have to temper her preferences - school shoes are by definition not very exciting

nearlyspringyay · 13/03/2022 21:49

Mine are in DMs, they're bloody brilliant. They both have hyper mobility and they have really helped with knee pain, they're waterproof, and even with their skinny feet the laces makes them tight enough.

Original poster
Sleepeatrepeat · 13/03/2022 22:40

We have tried DMs in shuh but she said they felt too heavy on her feet. She is very slight so anything like that really does look like she is wearing moon boots.

She wants something like a ballet pump but they don't really do them in under a 3 in clarks. The one pair they do have we tried on and even the assistant said the f fitting is too narrow but the g is too wide.

Everything in her size is either the brogue style or Mary Jane types with flowers and butterflies etc on them.

It's not a case of tempering her demands. She just doesn't want babyish flowers and the like all over her shoes.

@LittleBearPad As for surprised a 1 is too small...she measures a 1.5 so obviously a size 1 is too small. It really isn't rocket science. Her current shoes are a 1 and they are too small and hurting her feet. I'm not in the habit of buying shoes for the sake if it.

OP posts:
LittleBearPad · 13/03/2022 22:50

@Sleepeatrepeat which wasn’t what I meant.
I’m surprised that shoes over a 1 are considered babyish.

Have you looked on the website. There are usually more options.

MrsMoastyToasty · 13/03/2022 22:51

Clinkards do a good range of children's shoes.

BluebellsGreenbells · 13/03/2022 22:54

Ballet pumps are really suitable for school, running, playing, climbing etc she needs something more sturdy.

Zolla · 13/03/2022 23:06

I mean, if Next & Clarks are either too narrow or too wide, you are a bit stuck really.. probably need to go back to Clark’s and ask for an opinion on what will fit her feet.

Also, ballet pumps with no strap are terrible for growing feet & being worn all day. School shoes are a bit naff but they are designed to be comfortable, safe & supportive. There are several pairs of simple pumps with a single strap without butterfly’s etc on in Clarks, Next, Startrite, M&S.. alternatively laces ups are the other supportive option.

She’s 9, not a teenager. School has a uniform she has to wear & that includes shoes she otherwise wouldn’t choose to wear! Maybe time to put your foot down on this one..

www.marksandspencer.com/kids-leather-riptape-mary-jane-shoes/p/hbp22528267?color=BLACK#intid=prodColourId-22528267

www.marksandspencer.com/kids-leather-freshfeet-school-shoes-8-small-1-large-/p/clp60444924?color=BLACK

www.clarks.co.uk/c/Scala-Dawn-Kid/p/26149549

Quite a few on Next as well.. maybe think about an insole to help with the width issue?

Zolla · 13/03/2022 23:08

*meant to delete the middle link, too small!

Original poster
Sleepeatrepeat · 14/03/2022 06:45

The scala arks ones are the ones that she likes but the f is too narrow and the g are too wide.

She can't wear m&s shoes.

She's happy with the start it's the twee flowers etc she doesn't like.

Our local Clinkards had nothing suitable unfortunately.

OP posts:
RomainingCalm · 14/03/2022 06:59

John Lewis website seems to have a number of options in her size.

I'm nosey though, why can't shoes come from M&S/supermarket?

Mumdiva99 · 14/03/2022 07:31

Clincards. Look online - buy a few pairs and have them delivered to the store....they will fit them and you can return what you don't want.

The style of good fitted shoes is brogue, lace up, Mary Jane......the ballet pumps are not good shoes for running, jumping, walking etc as they are hard to keep on the feet. So most good shoe manufacturers don't do them in the school range.

NameChanger45465465 · 14/03/2022 07:32

Why can't she wear supermarket shoes?

NameChanger45465465 · 14/03/2022 07:34

What about these kickers ?

www.kickers.co.uk/kick-t-bar-junior/13163908.html

Hopefully the link works- never sent a link before.

They look sturdy and not babyish, in a size 1.

Findingthelight1 · 14/03/2022 07:35

Yes - why can't shoes come from M&S or a supermarket? Does she have exceptionally wide feet?!

My DD is a 1.5G and we've had success recently with Toezone, M&S and also some Sketchers bought through Very, of all places.
All are just as good quality as the Clarks boots she has.

Nix32 · 14/03/2022 07:35

Startrite shoes. Great quality, last for ages.

www.startriteshoes.com/girls-shoes/school-shoes

Thewindwhispers · 14/03/2022 08:15

I always hated my school shoes 🤷‍♀️ if she doesn’t like the shoes that fit her, then she’ll just have to wear school shoes she doesn’t like, same as the rest of the uniform.

Do check out the boys section too - no flowers there! But I suspect she won’t like those either…

JudgeRindersMinder · 14/03/2022 08:19

There are some nice loafers on the Start-Rite site. There’s a reason the “better” brands don’t do ballet pump type shoes for school shoes….

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 14/03/2022 08:21

Thankfully our primary allows black trainers. There's time enough ahead for formal dress shoes. At the minute they need comfortable; easy to run and play in. Wellies worn into school on rainy days, snow boots on snowy days.

HereBdragons · 14/03/2022 09:14

People asking why OP’s daughter can’t wear supermarket shoes:
Shoe quality matters in ways other clothing does not. Ideally everyone should wear good quality shoes that are made to bend in the right places and support in the right places and that are a good fit for your feet. Everyone should have access to weather appropriate shoes that support normal foot biomechanics. In reality this is not always possible for everyone because good shoes cost money. There are a lot of incredibly shitty shoes out there. I never buy shoes for myself from clothing brands. Usually they are all style and no substance. I also would never buy supermarket shoes for myself or my children for regular wear. I absolutely would for a halloween costume or a one off party, but not for shoes that are going to be worn day in day out for months. If you’re unlucky enough to have inherited an unusual foot shape (eg very narrow or weird) or have over or under pronation problems or poor connective tissue, then having good shoes is even more important. Not wanting your child to wear supermarket shoes is not a snobby thing in the same insisting on branded tshirts is. It’s more akin to being careful about what carseat you buy or spending more money on raincoats or wintercoats than you do on jeans and hoodies. Shoes have an important job to do and a lot of supermarket offerings are just not up to the task.