Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Shopping

From everyday essentials to big purchases, swap tips and recommendations. For the best deals without the hassle, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

school shoes

41 replies

BlossomHill · 16/08/2004 20:56

Just out of interest do you buy your school shoes fitted (clarkes, startright) or choose your own size etc (Mothercare, Asda, Matalan etc)?

OP posts:
KateandtheGirls · 16/08/2004 20:58

I always get my kids' shoes fitted. I'll go cheap on their clothes, but I do think that it's important for them to have quality shoes that fit well. They ain't cheap though.

nutcracker · 16/08/2004 20:59

I sometimes try to buy unfitted ones but have never managed it so far as a) I'm never confident that they fit b) Dd1 always seems to be a half size.

Last year i was really dissapointed in the choice from Clarks so this year we are going to Brantano as they have Clarks, Hushpuppies and lots of other makes and they will measure feet and get correct fit, whatever the make of shoe.

Of course all the choice will just mean that Dd1 and I will argue over which ones she can have,but nevermind, i will win as always

charliecat · 16/08/2004 21:00

Clarks, in the sales, a half size bigger than they are on the day, dds shoe size has stayed the same for 1 and a half years so ive had 3 pairs all the same size and im hoping she will fit into the 11.5fs that have been waiting for her for ever!
Doodles throughout the year for playing in.

Original poster
BlossomHill · 16/08/2004 21:03

That's the real reason I am asking NC as I have just bought dd a really nice pair from Asda. Have brought them home and compared them with the quality of her last pair from Start-rite and there is no comparison. Like you say I am not confident that they fit properly and as dd has such narrow feet these ones seem to be gaping slightly. They are leather but feel hard, wheras the startright ones are lovely and soft.
My minds made up, they are going back!

OP posts:
nutcracker · 16/08/2004 21:07

Yeah if you aren't sure then take them back as you'll only worry all the while she has them on.

MeanBean · 16/08/2004 21:10

Brantano is brilliant - measures the feet and about a third of the price of Clarks. Best of both worlds.

M&S have a fitting thing, but you have to know how to use it yourself. However, if you are lucky, the nice shop assistant will help you, although they can't technically take responsibility for it...

hercules · 16/08/2004 21:11

Only used clarkes and startrite. Too important imo not to get properly measured and fitted. I did try hushpuppies but they werent wide enough. I'm not bothered for clothes though as well.

Original poster
BlossomHill · 16/08/2004 21:13

The only thing is dd can be a complete nightmare in shoeshops. Especially if we have a long wait and that is putting me off. Trying to go when it is quiet is impossible as it is so busy at the moment.
You are right though nutcracker I would only worry!
What is Bratano, I haven't heard of that before!

OP posts:
Original poster
BlossomHill · 16/08/2004 21:14

Same here Hercules. I really think it is a waste of money to spend loads on day to day clothes. They only get ruined!

OP posts:
nutcracker · 16/08/2004 21:17

here you go

Original poster
BlossomHill · 16/08/2004 21:21

Thanks for that nutcracker. Guess what? I don't have one anywhere near here!!!

OP posts:
pepsi · 16/08/2004 21:24

My ds 4 is pigeon toed, has a shallow foot (no on the top bit), a high arch and a very thin ankle bone. Went to John Lewis who do all sorts of makes to get measured ....lady there said we couldnt have it any worse for buying kids shoes. Also use Clarks and Startrite. Prices are ludicrous but a chiropodist told me years ago that we should always buy good shoes to help him and once with a good ankle support. My DD's feet are so wide that stuff at Mothercare, etc, just one go on. Its a pricey business for us.

nutcracker · 16/08/2004 21:26

Oh bugger BH. Where abouts are you then ??

Original poster
BlossomHill · 16/08/2004 21:35

Carshalton, Surrey!

OP posts:
lou33 · 16/08/2004 21:39

Choose my own, fitted shoes have always been a disaster.

Earlybird · 16/08/2004 21:41

BlossomHill - know what you mean about it being a nightmare to shop with your children. I always try to visit the store on my own in advance so I already know what I want dd to try on. We went to Peter Jones for shoes about 10 days ago. Thought we had arrived early to be ahead of the crowd.....but was I mistaken! Took about 2 hours - nightmare. By chance, I returned to the floor where the shoe department was located at 2:00, and it was completely empty. Think next time I'll aim to go at that time, as everyone else must have been home having lunch/preparing for afternoon naps.

froot · 16/08/2004 21:49

message withdrawn

froot · 16/08/2004 21:53

message withdrawn

frogs · 16/08/2004 22:20

Just posted in swap shop, and then found this!

My dd1 has just grown out of a pair of startrite Rumba school shoes in size 4.5F (big feet!) without ever having worn them (long story).

If anyone has a dd who could use them, email me on frogs5767hotmailcom, and we can try to sort something out.

Yorkiegirl · 16/08/2004 22:28

Message withdrawn

lou33 · 16/08/2004 22:31

I hate them. And all the stress which comes with my girls begging for them, followed by the tears when I say no.

Original poster
blossomhill · 16/08/2004 22:34

5 year olds in heels, boob tubes and mini skirts I absolutely hate. Why can't the manufacturers realise that it is not acceptable to sell womens clothes for 5 year olds. Makes my blood boil!

OP posts:
Yorkiegirl · 16/08/2004 22:38

Message withdrawn

Yorkiegirl · 16/08/2004 22:39

Message withdrawn

frogs · 16/08/2004 23:11

Ah, but wait till you have a 7yo dd with size 4 feet. Little girls' shoe styles stop at at 1.5, or 3 max, and the only things available in bigger sizes are designed for teenage slappers.

Cue tears and gnashing of teeth (from me and dd). Luckily she's not a girly girl and is happy with Dr Martens or Kickers, but the shoes available in secondary school-type sizes are not a pretty sight.

The start-rite website does however helpfully list all the styles and the sizes and colours they come in.

Swipe left for the next trending thread