Am I the worst mother in the world I've decided not to keep buying expensive Clarks shoes for my 2.3yr old ds?

[dandycandyjellybean]

Having had two completely different sizings on the same day from Clarks shops practically next door to each other last time I bought some, I opted for the larger measurement. I wasn't sure about the fit to be honest, felt they weren't wide enough, but was told by the '12 year old' shop assistant that they were a good fit, and so reluctantly coughed up the £40. Within a few weeks they were leaving red marks across the top of his feet and so I ended up buying him a £3 pair of trainers from Matalan that he has lived in ever since, or his slippers or wellies. (Bought a second pair of trainers a couple of weeks ago! ) Part of me feels quite deliciously rebellious, and the rest of me feels the full load of typical 'terrible mother' guilt. What d'ya reckon?

When DS needed first pair of shoes went to Clarks who tried to sell me something too big because of the width (H fitting). Went to Start-Rite who said they wouldn't sell me what I liked, but what would fit. Have gone to start-rite ever since - DS now 12, and they don't do start-rite in Brussels, so am stuck.

Start-rite are expensive, but worth it. Now he is older, I also buy him Caterpillar or Timberland boots for school as they are wide enough for his feet...and allow for some growth before buying new ones again. I think Start-rite sell those as well, or they did in Plymouth anyway.

Clarks are rubbish - have also been told by 12 year old 'fitters' that they didn't have the right size for my toddling DD but another size would do, on £26 shoes! No, it won't. Go to Startrite upstairs in Russell and Bromley now - just as pricey but just trust them more. Until this weekend when DH decided to buy DD new shoes while they were in town and went to Clarks and they are HUGE. Oh well, she'll grow into them and I'll go back to Startrite next time. Mind you, DD just wants to wear wellies two sizes too big most of the time anyway...