Shoes!!! Big ones!

[LissaQ]

Help! DS is 3.5 with size 11.5 feet. I've been told by our local shoe shops that he'll have to have black school shoes as no toddler shoes go up to that size! I'm desperate to get a decent pair of properly fitted navy shoes/boots for the winter - I don't want to pay a fortune, but I can't bear the thought of him in school shoes now. Apparently navy isn't trendy this year - like he cares! Thanks in advance!

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You've beaten me to it but slightly different problem. DS (4) started Reception this week and has feet 12.5 H width. I have to get him those black plimsole type shoes which come in standard F width fittings. Lady in Clarks said they would never properly fit so I rang school and asked if he could have a pair of proper black trainers instead. They said no. So now I either waste money to get him the plimsoles which the lady in Clarks said will probably fall off as his wide feet are contorting the shape or risk the wrath of the school and buy him something that fits. As children's feet done all come in F widths, how do other people get round this.

The black plimsoles which come with a velcro fastening might work. Trifle.

Ha ha! A thread after my own heart. But I'm five/six years further on than you, with a 9year-old dd1 in size 6 (adult) shoes. Here is what I've learned over the years...

The Start-rite website shows all the styles they do each season, and which colours and sizes they come in. Shoe shops aren't always very forthcoming with this information, so you can go armed with knowing what you want.

Bundgaard are a Danish make that are particularly good for boys' shoes in colours other than black. Nice and robust for the winter, too. Not all UK shops stock them, but plenty do.

Elefanten are a German brand worth looking out for, as is Ricosta (can't find online catalogue, but sure I've seen it somewhere).

For summer, don't forget Birkenstock .

WIth regard to Trifle's problem, I would tell the school where to get off, if necessary backed up by a note from your GP.

lol thought you meant adlut sized 11!

Thanks for all that info - websites very useful - I live in Glossop, lovely for the Peak District, bit hopeless for shoes, but if I know where I'm heading a trip into Manchester isn't so bad! Appreciate the help. Everyone thinks the poor lad is at school already - being tall is not an advantage at this stage!!
PS Plimsoll problem sounds a nightmare! I agree with frogs, school being very unreasonable.