What are your top tips for finding good winter shoes for your DCs? Tell Brantano for the chance to win a £200 Brantano voucher NOW CLOSED

[AngelieMumsnet]

As the weather gets colder, Brantano would love to hear Mumsnetters' top tips for finding good winter shoes for their DCs.

Brantano say: “As we approach autumn and winter, our stores will stock a range of shoes and boots suitable for little feet in the cold and wet weather. As with shoes, our expert fitters will measure and fit boots making sure they are a comfortable fit for your child. Brantano stores are also conveniently located in retail parks, with most open until 8pm so you don’t have to go too far with your little ones."

So how do you try to find good winter shoes for your DCs? Is there anything in particular you look for in winter school shoes? Do you have any tips or tricks for making the winter shoe shopping experience run a little smoother?

Whatever your experiences are, Brantano would love to hear about it!

Everyone who posts their comment on this thread will be entered into a prize draw where one Mumsnetter will win a £200 Brantano voucher.

Please note: your comments may be used anonymously elsewhere on Mumsnet and by Brantano on their website, marketing materials and possible elsewhere, so please only comment if you are happy with this.

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

need 2 pairs - walking boots/proper ski moon boots last best

I agree with the other comments about finding girls shoes, always look in the boys shoes because they have much more choice and they are a lot more practical. These days the shoes for girls seem more to do with how fashionable they are but that usually means they are not really practical enough for everyday wear at school in the winter weather.

Try and build up a good relationship with one range of shoe shops. The staff seem more helpful that way.

Being waterproof is a must!! We try on a few in a shop and I get my Lo's to jump, run & walk in them in the shop to make sure they can handle it :)

When shoe shopping, pick 3 pairs of boots that you know are what you want to buy and let your children choose which pair they want. This way, they are more likely to wear the boots

I think you need to invest in winter shoes for DC and buy a pair of good quality boots, preferably waterproof and leather. Wellies - could be extra boots for very wet weather.

You get what you pay for! Its the one item of clothing we have never gone for a cheap option on.

As we walk/ take public transport absolutely everywhere, I always invest in a really good sturdy pair of winter boots for my DC.

I look for high boots, so knee length (or a little below), with a thinsulate or similar warm lining, roomy enough for thick socks but comfortably snug fitting, good grip on the soles and supportive inner sole (I sometimes buy the inserts separately if the boot ticks all other boxes). Has to be waterproof and I usually spray them with protector spray when I first get them.
I also separately buy snow grip for boots, for years we had to go to contact at a contact centre in all weathers to see DC father, and it was important DC were warm and dry and able to walk comfortably.

The boots also need to look good, I have very style conscious young women on my hands!

I tend to spend a lot on boots given DC grow out of them after one winter, but it is worth it, I spent my childhood in ill fitting bad quality shoes which we constantly falling apart and remember suffering really badly from frost bite on my toes, so I am very careful DC's shoes are fit for purpose.

I also spend ages looking for the right boots for DC and they usually have winter boots ready in time for winter.

Always buy from shops where they have a good fitter available. Check out different styles and see which fit the best, allowing a little room for the foot to grow. Also, ensure that the shoes are wide enough, without cramping the foot.

Shoes need to be of good quality to withstand the weather, and always check where the upper shoe fixes to the sole. Make sure it is sewn rather than 'welded' as the seams can split when children playing.

A good tip is to ensure that you're receiving regular emails from your favourite shops to take advantage of sales and discounts.

Although better quality shoes are more expensive, it's so important to buy children correctly fitting shoes so they don't develop foot problems in later life.

Sturdy and waterproof are the main thing

as long as they are comfortable and practical near enough any thing goes when buying them.

Buy some good quality wellies! They are suitable for pretty much all activities and some of them look really cute so can go with outfits.

Has to be tough wearing for my little boy as he is a typical boy, loves climbing and jumping in puddles.
Definitely my top tip is to have them measured, my mum always had us measured as children and would never buy "cheap shoes"

As long as they are comfortable and waterproof pretty much any thing goes.
I don't like anything to fiddly to get on and off though and my dd must be able to run and climb in them.

go to a place somewhere that will take time to do a proper fitting and go for comfort over fashion every time.

Sturdy and waterproof are a must. I buy snowboots for when it snows as all the boots I have seen have not been lined, therefore there wee feet are toasty warm. back inside.

I look out for warm lined boots for the winter and shoes that cover the whole foot (just in case she decides to jump in puddles)!
We have wellies for wet days too

Get quality leather shoes - spend a bit for a decent brand and they will last and do the job - do not skimp on cheap plastic ones!

My top tip is to involve your child as much as possible in the selection process but only give them options which meet the waterproof, hard-wearing criteria. Otherwise, as has happened to me in the past, they point blank refuse to wear them and want to go out in their favourite canvas shoes and in doing so their little feet will freeze!

You have to make sure they are waterproof and hard wearing. For winter shoes I think it's always worth spending that little bit more on shoes, cheap shoes will not last.

At least two pairs is a good idea in case one pair is wet. Lined (maybe fleecy) leather boots are great as they are warm and fairly waterproof. Wellies are best for rainy days as I don't have to worry about my son jumping in puddles, although I have still to find a fleecy pair in his size.

easier now they are slightly older and have boots with zips, they can zip them their selves

I always think Clarks are the best for fitting and for kids shoes

Go to clarks get feet measured try some on and then wait for the sale!! x

Make sure you have good waterproof protection for them and I have several pairs for both boys as they are always getting them wet and mucky. Canvas is a no no for me this time of year so they tend to stick to boots and leather trainers. They also have a couple of pairs of wellies and some nice fluffy welly warmers to keep there feet snug. I also make sure they have there feet measured first and go for half a size up as they do tend to wear thicker socks in the winter too, my boys take after me and feel the cold :(