Best place for toddlers shoes?

[GoodGrrrl]

That isn't Clarkes?

I can't and won't spend £26 on a pair of toddler shoes again. Where is cheaper, but with hopefully equally sturdy shoes?

oh er

I thought you were going to say 'where is better than Clarks?' and I was all set to recommend your local independent shoe shop (or John Lewis) that will stock more than one brand, inc Start-rite

but cheaper... um

have you a Clarks outlet near you? Swindon? Street? Cheshire Oaks?

i usually buy at Clarke's, but £26 is silly for shoes i think. I need to make cut backs financially, so i was hoping someone could suggest somewhere good that's cheaper.

I nearly forked out £32.50 for a pair of toddler shoes in John Lewis last week, but just in the nip of time found a pair reduced by 50% in the sale.

It really is outrageous how much these shoes cost.

Depends on how old your toddler is.

I have just paid £22 for a pair of leather Pedipeds for my 16-month-old DS, which are gorgeous and funky and supposed to be the next healthiest thing to bare feet. Also the size is 18-24 months so will fit him for a good long time.

Was from my local indy shop:
www.kitandkaboodle.uk.com/

Am happy to plug as the lady in there was lovely and spent lots of time fitting DS properly.

Also, have you looked in TK Maxx? I got DS measured in Clarks but had a quick look in TK nad picked up a lovely pair of Ecco boots for £15 (RRP £42).

Brantano measure children's feet and they stock all kinds of makes including Start-rite and Hush Puppies.

I have used the Clarks outlet extensively but have resolved not to keep doing it - I'm never very convinced by the measurements they give me (have had dd's feet measured twice in one week and given different sizes) and once you've been measured you're on your own to find shoes, check that they really do fit, etc. etc. And a £26 pair will still cost you £17 or so.

I'd second the posters who recommend independent shops - yes it's more expensive than Clarks but definitely money well spent, especially when you get to school shoes that you really want to last. If, by chance, you're in the North West I'd recommend Best Foot Forward in Preston or Zapatoes in Southport.

nowhere near NW i'm afriad. Hadn't thought of TKMax, will have a look.

Get your child measured at an independent store then shop on EBAY for kids shoes - my friend finds startrite toddler shoes on there for her kids and spends around £8...