[Pocahontas]

It's that time of year again when we're off to buy new school shoes. I'm wondering what others think of the benefits of expensive brand name shoes sold through specialist kids shoes versus the ones you can by in your normal chain department stores.

Last your was DS1s FYOS and we bought two pairs of brand name shoes which were properly fitted but very expensive (about 4 times the price of chain store shoes). Do you think it's worth spending the extra money? What do you plan to do?

[mitty82]

I had a post about this the other week. We go to Williams. We have a few different ones here that sell all the same shoes but williams here where I live have the best customer service so I continually go back. I find the shoes last longer!!

[melandned]

clarks - i tried the cheaper ones and they fell apart pretty much within 2 weeks

[BlueEyedBeauties]

I believe its VERY important to have your kids in shoes that are fitted correctly and are comfortable.

Their bones are still growing and are easily disformed if not fitted correctly.

Yes, its easy to pick up a pair of $6 shoes from Kmart (and unfortunately this is all some can afford), but if you can afford the properly fitted shoes, then to me its a no brainer.

It will save a lot of issue further down the line.

We have Clarks for academic shoe and New Balance for sports

[LittleMissPink]

Payless shoes. I buy 2 pairs of shoes ( 1 school and one joggers) in the 2nd pair half price sale in Jan. Usually need another pair mid way through year but my girl is hard on her shoes.

[jameses mum]

Doesn't matter how much I spend he still goes through them by the end of first term.
I don't know what 8 year old boys do to their shoes

[BVB09]

I just purchased DS first school shoes today. We bought them from WILLIAMS where they were properly fitted !

It was a decision between CLARKS & LYNX. We ended up going with the LYNX as it had the added benefits of extra inserts to be taken out as the foot grows. Shoes that can be worn all year round, looks like a sports jogger.

So, the answer to your question is that YES, we do spend the extra money on school shoes.

It also depends on what you can afford.

[lsolaBella]

We go to a specialist kids shoe store.

Previous year DS1 had Clarkes shoes. Last year he had a different EU brand.

Shoes last for the year.

[~*Twilight~Zone*...]

My kids have duck feet and can't wear the ones from Kmart and Target etc as they hurt their feet. I usually have to buy them the expensive ones. Thank dog my DD has finished school. I do find however that they last them the whole year which is certainly good value.

So hard to buy school shoes for kids with large feet.

[gina70]

Athletes Foot. dd will be wearing them 9 hours a day, 5 days a week. I want the best. I believe it is very important to take care of your feet.