Clarks Shoes (Shop) > Reviews (57)

I have a few things in my life that I insist on having the best for. After buying the best for my eyes (I wear specs) I ensure that I treat my feet on reasonably equal terms. Basic rules here are look after the bits that would make a difference to me if they buggered up!

In my younger days I used to buy whatever came to hand (or foot) first and it either rubbed, dropped to bits within a couple of months or was just plain uncomfortable. Now I am a little older I tend to think about what I am buying.

Why Clarks? The image isn't exactly the happenin' fashion statement you may think! That maybe was true when I was a kid at school, dragged down to the local shop with my mom or dad, but things have moved on...

Labels haven't been very important to me - tags like Nike and other such brands don't wash with me. Yet I have stuck with Clarks, a brand name that people know. That's because they make really excellent shoes and that is a fact!

So what do I look for in a decent shoe and the shop they come from:

1) Quality obviously! But Clarks has the knack of making the shoe look like you could run it over in a ten ton truck, it would survive and still look good!

2) Comfort. I can really say honestly that I have never ever had a shoe from Clarks that has been uncomfortable. In the past 5 years I don't even have to tie the laces or do the 'test walk' infront of the mirror - I just know they are spot on!

3) Service. I know it sounds a bit of a cliche but I do like the more traditional service Clarks offers. Reminds me of being a kid again, it has changed very little. It just adds that personal touch which makes me feel happy inside when spending money :)

4) Cost! Now this is a bit of a crunch. Clarks shoes ARE expensive! BUT not if you wait till the end of season sale. I have just bought two pairs of shoes which should have cost £100 (a few pence either way). I paid just under £45. And these shoes have soles on that would put a JCB to shame! Check out the sales - they are very, very good value!

5) The shops are generally tidy and well-laid out. I have not complaints about the decor or anything like that. Infact, when I am on the hunt for foot wear I take little note of whether the building is collapsing about me - my concentration is on much more important things!

When you eventually go to make a purchase you will always be asked if you would like the obligatory shoe protector spray (at additional cost). Good value for the first pair of shoes, annoying when you go back several times and they keep asking if you'd like another can! But hey - they have a job to do and a service to offer and it wouldn't be Clarks if they stopped doing that!

I haven't had to take any shoes back either. But I get the feeling if I did for any reason, Clarks would be willing to assist and would provide good customer satisfaction.

My feet are fine, comfortable and I am writing this wearing £45 worth of chunky boots which I paid £19.99 for. I am cool with this :)

One question - do they still have the automatic foot measuring machine they used to have back in the 70's and 80's?!