How important is shoe width fitting?

[Lpsmum]

I've always gone to Clarks for my nearly 2 yo DS. Today we went to get measured (dreaded it as he is a real sensitive soul) going in wearing 6.5 G's. Anyway he was a star and not a whimper - yippee. However the Clarks lady said oh yes he's gone up a size, so we tried on a new pair and agreed to take them and she said keep them on to wear out of the shop. Fine.
However once home I noticed they are a 7 F - so the width fitting has gone down. So I need your advice as to how important the width measurement actually is as I find it hard to believe he's gone from a G to F. More likely she brought out what she had in a 7 and by recommending we keep them on then I wouldn't notice she'd basically diddled me for the sale.
I have no intention of taking him back for another 2 months so what would you do??

Width fitting can vary depending on the shoe - My DD always measures as an F but usually needs a G but in some styles an F would be right. Its vital to have a choice of width fittings but you need to try on and get whichever fit, regardless of the nominal fitting.

Does his foot bulge out of the shoe at all? Does he seem to be able to walk comfortably?

Mine waffle between H, G & F fittings all the time. The exact width varies a little by the design of the shoe, too. Did you not watch her as she measured to see what numbers would come up? If she checked the width when he was wearing them they should be fine.

When did he last get the fit checked? I think I only get mine checked about every 4-5 months at that age, anyway.

Thanks all. He was last measured in July so 4 months ago...
And no he doesn't seem in any discomfort nor can I see any bulging.... He'd be heartbroken if I tried to take them back as they have a dig-dig (digger) on them and he's even napping now clutching them!
Ok so I'm happy that I'm worrying about nothing and will chill. Phew

I think it only matters if they have very wide feet - can't be comfortable to have the sides of your feet squeezed all day. Cheaper shoes are just standard width, so if your child has average width feet they should fit fine.

I do wish they would make adult shoes in different widths (not just standard and extra wide). I have stupidly skinny feet and have to buy sandals 2 sizes too small to get the right width.

Mine can't get Clarks shoes because their feet are too narrow...
They just about fit a D fitting in Start-Rite, but if anyone knows of another good children's shoe shop which does narrow fittings please let me know!
I think if your children are within the normal width range then it doesn't matter so much whether you buy expensive fitted shoes or not. But if they are very wide or very narrow, you really notice that they walk better in properly fitted shoes.

Having said that I have a friend who works for Clarks head office and she once asked the chief fitting advisor what his children wore... he said they only wore shoes when they absolutely had to, and that most of the time they went barefoot because it is so much better for their feet, posture and walking, which all contribute to back problems etc in later life!

I'm not convinced that it's necessary, as long as you use common sense when buying shoes. However, I've been brainwashed, and only buy start-rite (DC have narrow feet).

I have wide feet (something like a 6G or 5.5H) and have messed them up by wearing cheap not wide enough shoes (developed corns as a result, whilst DH has a huge bunion from poorly fitted shoes in his childhood).

I am not good either at telling how good the fit is on DC, I can't feel their toes at all, I feel best about getting the shop to check the fit for me.

So I think fit is important, especially for people with width above D, and that some people (like me) need expert help to get it right.

If you really think you were diddled OP you need to go back and complain.

Oh I know those shoes with the digger, my 2yo DS would love a pair too!

Some clarks styles are wider fitting so your DC may well get away with an F in that particular style. This has happened to DD before too.

The overall volume of the shoe is the important thing and fitting is a bit of an art. there are lots of different variables that will affect the size eventually purchased inclusing how they fasten, number of straps, depth and even the material used.

To set your mind at rest a 6.5 G will have the same volume size as a 7F - up half a size on length (which is about 2mm) and down a width fitting will be the same size overall.

Not all shoes come in all widths and not all shoes come in half sizes.
If the fitter checked the width and the shoes don't slip, are not causing any problems such as rubbing or friction then I would say you have not been sold a dummy.

If you are in any doubt go back to the shop and ask them to talk you through their checks and set your mind at ease. Any shop worth their salt and your custom will be happy to do so.

Shoes and their sizing is a bit like clothes sizing you are not the same size in every style and shop. The measuring gauges are a starting point and a guide not a definitive measurement - the fitters fingers and eyes are just as important.
However as I said above if it is worrying you please go back and ask about it.