Toddler shoes - alternatives to Clarks/Start Rite

[snowboarder]

Are there any? That do width fittings? Baby snowboarder is sturdy and running around and would like some summer shoes, but has weeny but chubby feet (3G) - and clarks etc don't seem to think children with that size feet need sandals or canvas shoes (start at size 4)? Maybe mothercare etc are fine but I just worry and would like to get them fitted properly, esp with his feet being a bit wider than usual. Has anyone bought any of the umi range? Reluctant to buy on internet and damage soft baby feet...

[sanity girl]

Hi, have you tried getting him measured at Biff in Dulwich Village? They are pretty good and have a good range of shoes, not just start rite

[Rhubarb&Custard]

My daughter has off the Clark's / Start-Rite scale width feet - which is depressing when it comes to shoe buying. Definitely try Biff in Dulwich Village - that's the best place to start. You might have to pay more for different brands - but at least you'll get a few options. You're lucky you have a boy - as there tends to be more styles made in the wider fittings for boys than girls. I used to get pretty low when the assistant opened up the boxes and the only choice we had was to go with boys' shoes. I even wrote to Clarks to complain (in one of my weirder moments) - their response was to tell me that there isn't a demand for children with wide feet (!).

Edited to also add - Biff do UMI - a brand we have bought on many occasions. Really good quality and decent designs.

[katgod]

Merlin shoe shop in crystal palace deals with unusual feet I am told and stocks a wide variety of brands.

[The Nappy Lady]

Pares in Blackheath is a lovely shoe shop - lots of choice and can be part if nice day out / lunch or trip to Greenwich park.

They are opposite Blackheath train station, if driving parking around church on Heath tends to be the best bet.

M

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[Fuschia]

You can get feet measured at John Barnett and if not many shoes in stock, get a selection ordered in to Clarks Lewisham or Bromely, to try on

http://www.clarks.co.uk/Firstshoes

http://www.clarks.co.uk/HelpandInfo/StoresInStoreServices

[snowboarder]

Thanks I'll try Biff again - they only offered us start rite before. I just want a light pair of shoes he can wear without socks on holiday really - his feet aren't that odd a shape just a bit weeny to be walking so much.

[Fuschia]

Closest Clarks do in 3g

http://www.clarks.co.uk/find/department-is-kids/fit-is-g/size-is-_3infant/producttype-is-sandals/product-is-20325524?redirected=true

[randomv]

I'd second Merlins in Crystal Palace. They do other makes of shoes with width measurements (my LO is a G) and have some 'good' summer shoes for toddlers too, although that may depend on where baby SB is on the cruising/walking scale.

I got a brand called Garvin there for my LO which Ive been v happy with.

[snowboarder]

Ok not one mini baby sandal that fitted in Biff! Only ONE option to try. We travel further tomo...

[BellendenBear]

When his feet do get longer give the Clark's factory store on Rye Lane a go. Not the biggest selection but occasionally you strike lucky. I just bought some shoes that were originally ?26 for ?5 for my daughter (4G).

[The Nappy Lady]

Snowboarder, phone Pares tomorrow and ask them what they have - saves a wasted journey.

Molly

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