When you have children, all you want is for them to have the best of everything and be happy. So when Harry started walking around, I knew it would be time for us to think about getting him a pair of proper shoes. I wasn't sure how it would work as he didn't even like socks, but the time comes for every little boy to get his first shoes. I have been told countless times we have to look after our children's feet so I headed off to the most well-known High Street shoe shop, Clarks.
I had Clarks shoes as a child, as I had very narrow feet and they were the only ones my mum could find to fit me. So I thought Clarks would be a good start for Harry. I had a look on the website before I went so I wouldn't be a complete novice when I turned up in the shop. I found out that there are a few different types of shoes for Harry's age, which was then 11 months. There are cruisers, for children like Harry who were standing and walking around holding the furniture, and First Shoes for toddlers who can walk unaided. I decided Harry
was in the Pre-Walkers category.
When I arrived in my Clarks shop, which was actually part of a large Mothercare store, I went over to the display and my partner and I had a good look at all the shoes. I was a bit surprised at the prices, almost as much as the price of adult shoes! Pre-Walkers cost around £20, but the First Shoes are from £26 to about £32! The ones we chose were called "Shovel" and were little blue leather shoes, with a velcro strap across the top of the foot, and a sturdy but flexible sole. We sat there for a bit and an assistant soon came over.
We told her this would be Harry's first pair of shoes and she explained the different types to us. We determined he would definitely need Pre-Walkers and I showed her the ones we liked. She got out her measuring device, and measured Harry's socked feet. It turned out he was 4G, and she went off to get the shoes in his size. When she returned, she put them on him, and fastened them, then got him to stand up. She did a thorough feel of his feet in the shoes to make sure they fitted and that we were happy.
Now came the nice touch. We told we would indeed be buying the shoes for Harry and she told us as they are his first shoes, they will take a picture for us. So she got her Polaroid camera and took a picture of him on the floor with his shoes. It got put into a special cardboard frame, and a wonderful keepsake. The date, shoe size and fitter's name were written on the back, which is a lovely touch. Also, we got a little "Feet Size Card", which is a cardboard mini-folder with pieces of paper which allow you to record your child's size everytime you get them measured, again a nice keepsake!
I was incredibly impressed with how professional the staff were, and how she explained everything about the different shoe types to us. The service when we got Harry's pair of shoes recently was also superb. Although he was wriggly and didn't want to co=operate, they were very patient and got us to fork out another £28 for some light-up blue leather shoes in a 6 1/2 G! Again, we were given a piece of paper with his size and date to add to our folder, and told to re-measure him in 6-8 weeks, as children's feet grow so fast!
The shoes themselves are of great quality. Harry is an active little boy, yet the shoes have lasted very well, and don't scuff easily either. They are machine washable which is handy with mucky toddlers, and seem lovely and soft and comfortable to wear. I know that they are quite expensive for shoes, but in my opinion, I want to make sure Harry has shoes which are comfy, and that fit his little feet perfectly. He never moans about putting his shoes on, and I think this is because they're so comfortable and he is rather proud of them! I would most definitely recommend Clarks to any parent wanting shoes for their children, as they are superb, and will last as long as your child's feet fit them!
For more information on Clarks, their styles and other ranges, visit their website; www.clarks.co.uk
Thank you for reading!
P.S. I have added pictures but Ciao won't display them, stupid site.
Pictures of Clarks (Shop)
Harry's summer Sandals from Clarks
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Erm... the pictures are displaying now though. lol. Ayesha x
hughesmonger 31.01.2008 15:56
Well typed out review. ^_^
jesi 30.01.2008 16:31
pictures show at the top (and if press + can see ALL at once including what you titled them) ~ or the display pictures link at bottom or the camera by title of review
. . . ~ ! ♥♥ ! ~ ........................................................... ~ jes ~ ! ♥♥ !
Jan 23rd, 2008
exceptional by (3%):
very helpful by (97%):
