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

Robust and neutral will see them through, also well fitted with a little growing room.

Variety is key. We have wellies (with added welly socks!) for snow or wet weather and warm 'ugg' style boots for cold days. I'd love to find a boot that would meet all those winter weather needs :)

Make sure they have good grips on the bottom not just from snow but from slippy pavements with leafs on etc xx

I try and find enclosed shoes for my daughter to see her through the winter. When we go to have them fitted, I take an extra pair of socks to make sure they fit around those for when it's really cold.

Top tip - for good quality shoes but at a fraction of price then shop at the outlet centres, you really can save a lot of money

A god pair of wellies are the winter essentials!

Two pairs of boots, slightly big to allow for two pairs of socks to be worn, plain black (so the school does not send them back home! Had a little white stripe round the sole once), leather sturdy and waterproof, cosy lined. I also have wellingtons with thermal liners for when the couple of feet of snow comes.

Just have a good look online and in the shops. You want something warm and study to keep their feet dry and comfy at the same time!

have a good look at the stitching! you need good quality seems x

Waterproof and no holes in the patterns. DD can't handle laces yet so either lace effect or buckles / zip etc. We've avoided furry lined boots as DD charges around a lot and complains she gets too hot on milder days. We try to avoid patent or suede to try to keep them looking nice for as long as possible.

Try outlets, I have found great bargains at clarks at Ashford outlet!

Don't go for the cheapy shoes always choose leather as that keeps their feet dry in the wet and they also stop the feet from excessive sweating.

looks for something sturdy that is suitable for all weathers

I make sure my son has a few different pairs and the most helpful advice for durable shoes has come from other mums! There are so many brands out there, I find personal recommendations best

try some on in the shops then look around online for the cheapest price

Snow boots for muddy wet weather, wellies are too cold for their feet in winter. Good boots and nice shoes to wear with party clothes, trainers for sports and with jeans!

Have several pairs of footwear to enable drying/polishing & rotating shoes as it is good for the feet too. Purchase leather so it can be polished & feet can breathe. The soles need to provide good grip in poor weather. I prefer an ankle strap, or lace up, & avoid slip on styles as they encourage children to screw their toes up to keep them on as the shoes relax with wear. Avoid decorated footwear unless just for party use. Boots need to be waterproof & thermal lined for winter warmth.

I avoid white for winter shoes as they look grubby quickly when faced with mud and puddles. Waterproof is essential and I like them to be warm with a nice lining. The most important thing is that they are well fitting with room for growth too.

Snow boots, wellies, trainers and smart boots are essential for the winter - something for every occasion!

I always let my dd chose, she never likes what I pick, and then doesn't wear them, it's just not worth it.

Find somewhere where the staff are experienced and not just on work experience!

Always look at the soles and bend them about to get a feel for how robust they are.

It's a must for them to be robust and waterproof. I'll never forget the year we bought our DS2 a pair of leather Converse, which of course had the little "eyelet" holes in the sides like proper Converse - not very useful when running through puddles on the playground! His socks were soaked through every day and after a couple of weeks we had to replace them with some more solid shoes!

I always buy a good quality suede boot - preferably with a fur lining for extra warmth. Some wellies are good with thick/welly socks for the wetter days, and some trainers as a good back-up too if it's not too cold.