tips to get decent priced school shoes

[littleoctonauts]

Hello

I have DS going into Y2 and DD about to start reception. Are there any shops that sell school shoes at a decent mid range price and are still good quality? Like around the £20 mark?

I've tried cheaper school shoes from Sports Direct and they weren't great quality, wore out within a few weeks. I went back to Clarks shoes but they're so expensive especially when you have more than one...

TIA!

Thats great advice, I think I'll definitely invest in a measure gauge!

I measured their feet using the start rite print out which was OK but fiddly.

They both came out as a half size, which will be fun trying to figure out which size works best for them given that each shop is always different with their sizing anyway... am going to try to head out to marks and spencer tomorrow.

Startrite website is excellent. They often have free postage and packing, so you can order several pairs and then return for free, so aren't out of pocket. Personally, I buy at the sale time of year (ie not now) for the following school year - often get shoes which were £40+ for £15. My DC though do seem to grow exactly 1 shoe size per year, so I haven't been caught out...yet!
Other thing to do is get measured in a shop and then buy on line. On eBay, there are a number of people selling last seasons shoes - all brand new. You won't get the best deals in August, but you will get something cheaper.

Agree m&s were great!