Review: Clarks Shoes.

Once John started attempting to take his first unassisted steps back in January, we took him to have his first pair of proper shoes fitted. As per the recommendations of numerous friends, as well as their great reputation, we opted to shop at Clarks. I can also remember having my own school shoes fitted there and despite being a child and thinking shoe shopping was boring, it had been a pleasurable experience as a whole.

John is now on his feet the majority of his waking minutes and being an energetic little boy, he is keen to take himself from A to B on his own two feet -- this means a good pair of sturdy shoes is essential, particularly as he's rapidly shooting up before our eyes and requires some good support for his growing tootsies.

This week we decided to take John to be fitted once more for his second pair of shoes, which are also his first 'real' shoes (as his first pair were one of their pre-walking styles). I'm always impressed by the professionalism and personal service that the shop assistants at Clarks provide. The little things like asking John his name and explaining what they were doing as they measured his feet -- sure, he doesn't understand, nor does he answer, but it put both us and John at ease being served by such a cheery individual.

Sure enough, John's feet had grown,  even if only by half a size. We were shown a small selection of what Clarks had to offer based on what we explained to the shop assistant we were after (something neutral, not too dissimilar to what he was already wearing...). We chose the Ru Rocks Fst in brown -- a nice neutral colour combination in a simple classic design, and at £28 they were very reasonably priced.

John promptly took his new shoes to the test, toddling around the shop, running up to the mirrors as he caught sight of himself. We were also asked if we had taken advantage of Clarks First Shoe Experience, where they provide you with a souvenir card; complete with a photo of your little one with their new shoes on and a note of their first shoe size. As we'd previously had this service at our first fitting I declined but thought it was lovely of them to double check we'd already received their lovely little memory of what can be a big step in a little ones life.

As a returning customer to Clarks, I was extremely glad that the service was as great a second time around. I highly recommend Clarks to everyone as the first stop in having your little ones feet fitted for those all important first shoes. Not only is the professional service refreshingly personal, but the products are of such fantastic quality and reasonably priced. We'll indeed be returning to Clarks for a pair of sandals providing the weather stays favourable and even a pair of cosy boots come winter.

Do you have any experience with Clarks? Where do you buy your little ones shoes?