Non-Leather, Properly Fitted Shoes

[CommonSenseSuze]

I'm desperately trying to find somewhere that will measure DD's (2 years, 4 months)feet properly, and which also sells decent quality non-leather shoes.

In the summer we've been to Clarks for canvas shoes (although they never seem to fit her properly and her toes are squished!) but this time of year it's all leather.

I'd be EXTREMELY grateful for anyone's advice!

Thanks. :)

Whereabouts are you?

Your best bet would be a childrens independant shoe shop. Can I ask why non leather?

Hi Fimbo, thanks for your reply.

We're in Cheltenham. There don't seem to be any children's shoe shops locally, which is a shame.

Non-leather as I don't agree with the use of animals' skin for shoes. There are great alternatives for adults' shoes, such as these, but it's difficult to find them for children in shops which measure feet properly.

It's not a problem in the summer, but she can't spend the colder months exclusively in wellies (although she'd love to!) :)

There are some vegan kids shoes on line but I think the shop concerned is based in Devon. The only thing I can think of is to have her measured in a "proper" shop and then order from them. Unless you are going to Devon anytime soon.....

I agree with Fimbo - lots of independent shoe retailers also offer a selection of non-leather shoes these days.
I do in my shop - there are lots of parents out there who are vegetarian / vegan or just don't want to purchase leather shoes for moral reasons. It's a growing market and the quality of such shoes has improved dramatically over the past few years.

If you don't want to buy or are having trouble sourcing canvas shoes then try looking for neoprene instead which is a great quality synthetic material and also waterproof so quite good at this time of year.

I do sell ranges of synthetic fitted shoes but also am happy, as are many other independents I know, to check the fit of synthetic shoes bought off the peg if we haven't had stock. My view is that foot health is the important factor not where the shoes were purchased or what they are made of and my staff and I are always happy to help.

You are unlikely to find such shoes in Clarks outlets though - as far as I know they don't tend to stock them but Hush Puppies and Ricosta both do neoprene ranges and there is a brand called Goody Two Shoes which is made by the manufacturers of Buckle My Shoe which is synthetic and very good quality. Princess Stardust is another option you'll probably find but they tend to be slim fitting and come up small so it depends on the width fitting you need.

I have had customers from the outlet in Devon who have bought online and then come in to have them fit checked. They do seem to be very accurate fits on the whole, although not the most attractive shoes on the market.