if you don't buy kids shoes from clarks

[festiveface]

where do you get them from?

i don't like clarks because they always seem to look far too big and ds1 is a size 6 now (big 6) as it is!

but they both have wide feet and i am never sure they fit properly otherwise.

I got 2 of my DDs' shoes from BHS. Took five minutes to pick them and pay. Boys' got theirs from M&S and Matalan. DD1 is a half-size so will have to brave Clarks - last time I looked in, it was a zoo.

I hate Clarks - and all the monopoly/self-styled superiority/mummy guilt thing.

Well after 10 years I broke with tradition and bought dd shoes that were not from Clarks or Startrite - got her a pair in Next! They were not a whole lot cheaper than Clarks tbh and I will have to see how they last....

We get Startrite or Ecco from a local independent shop. I'm still reeling from spending £122 yesterday!!! One pair of school shoes, two pairs of trainers and two pairs of plimsolls.

Startrite from an independent shop for dd - very narrow feet with a high instep and intoes so needs well fitted everyday shoes. ds is much easier to get a fit for, medium to wide fit, so usually Startrite for school, Geox for home (never pay full price btw!) and he likes Skechers trainers atm.

Both of my boys have an average width, and this year I got them both measured at Clarks, but bought DS1's shoes from Ravel.

Start-rite fit dd better. Clarks shoes are generally not deep enough for her and ds has them as the boys shoes are nicer, not orange imitation trainers.

Hope this of interest but I buy all my Start-Rite and Clarks shoes from www.shoesforkids.co.uk . They sell loads of others types also and go out of their way to find narrow or wide fitting shoes.

Try going to www.shoesforkids.co.uk They sell Clarks and Start-Rite at half the price the high street stores sell at!

I go to Next or M+S and try the shoes on. Sizes vary widely depending on the shop / style of shoe.

Startrite - either from Russell and Bromley or One small step. Mainly because I prefer their styles.

we've often gon eto an independent shoe shop in nearby town as they have narrower sizes. But they are a bit fuddy duddy. Or John Lewis for a funkier choice

I go to an independent shoe shop. Get ricosta, ecco or similar. Seem to fit better and to be less hideous than clarkes.
DD has very narrow feet, and ds has very wide feet (she's a D/E width and ds is a G/H). And yet always seem to have a lot of shoes to choose from whereas clarks am usually left with one godawful pair to choose from.

Message withdrawn

Start Rite and Mod 8 (a French label)

I realy like start-rite and always get them for my DD. I have bought clarks before but have regretted it as the quality is no ware near as good. Also the leather is only surface dyed whereas start-rite are dyed right through.
If your child is a standard F width then you could get away with off the peg shoes but if you cild is narrower or wider then you must chose a shop that measures and can fit the width.