Start-rite Sale Specials

Extraordinary sale on premium children's footwear

We are excited to tell you about our very special English Start-Rite sale. We have very limited stock of gorgeous t-bar and mary-jane styles for girls, and a terrific all leather shoe for boys.

If you haven't already got your winter shoes organised, this is a great chance to pick up a bargain on some beautifully crafted, hard wearing children's shoes. Shoes that are normally $120 - $140 are now $60 - $80.

On sale from Wednesday 23 April 2008 until Wednesday 21 May 2008. Be quick - sizes selling out fast.

For more information, visit our website here

Cheers, Ann & the team

Gummies with 'tude for little dudes

Better be quick because these came in last week and are limited stock. Yes, yes, yes we know we're having an Indian summer, 30+ degrees this week, but trust us you will need these boots. And when it's pouring down outside it will be too late!

Ann & the team

Ankle boots for your ankle bitters

Ankle boots are terrific for little people in winter. They keep the kids feet warm, while hopefully doing a good job at keeping all that sand at the park. For more information on these styles, and to see a few more, visit the winter shoes page on our website.


Clarks Stroppy: Toddler sizes 3.5 - 8
Ruby red, flowers, patent AND sparkly faux diamonds - what more could a little poppet want?


Clarks Shortcake: Toddler sizes 3.5 - 8
For the all terrain girl with (muddy) places to go.


Clarks Skirmish: Toddler sizes 3.5 - 8
Navy with red detail and choc waxy with a full leather lining, padded tongue and collar. Comfy!


Clarks Ricochet: preschool/primary sizes 7.5 - 1
Love this rugged stitched down sole. Navy with tan detail or choc waxy for rugged little fellas.


Clarks Perky: Preschool/primary sizes 7.5 - 1
Flowers, patent, tan or black? With jeans, skirts and tights, leggings and tunics... very versitile!

See you instore soon.

Ann & the team

Winter stock starting to arrive

Winter stock is starting to arrive instore now. Check out the Winter Shoes page on our website for more styles.

Mary-jane and tbar styles are ideal as trans-seasonal footwear for girls.

Lovely rich autumnal tones on these leather/suede numbers for boys.

These runner velcro styles are great for the little ones to tear around the park in. Solid construction, with easy access velcro opening and solid rubber sole. Lots of grip to make climbing ladders, zooming down slides and running to the swing too much fun.

Boots are also starting to arrive in wintery slates, chocolates, ruby shades and black.

More to come. We'll keep you posted - make sure you subscribe to this blog to get updates sent to you. See you instore soon!


Ann & the team

Top 10 school shoes tips

January is all about school shoes for us. So here are our insider tips to buying, wearing and caring for school shoes.

1. Get in early. Don't leave it to the last few days before school starts to come in and buy school shoes. It's our busiest time of year, so you want to get in early to avoid the crowds and to have a choice of styles in your child's size.

2. Wear them in. Have your child wear their school shoes around home a little before sending them off to their first day at school. Any shoes take time to soften, so be kind to your little one's feet and spend a few hours a day wearing in their new shoes.

3. Talcum powder or candle wax. We have several tricks in our trade, and to help soften leather rims around boney ankles, we'll rub talcum powder or a candle along the edges of shoes. A little top up at home won't hurt.

4. Learn to tie laces. Pick up our free tie trainer card in store and start practicing. We'll post more on that later.

5. Always undo the shoes. Whether its laces, velcro or buckles they all need to be undone correctly when taking off shoes. This will help prolong the life and correct fit of the shoes.

6. Get shoe labels. When everyone in the class has the same shoes, it's very easy to get them mixed up. Shoe labels to the rescue!

7. Polish and preserve. Teach your children how to clean their shoes - there's a wide range of easy to use polishes that with a little supervision can make 'painting' their shoes fun and fuss free. A great activity to do with Dad!

8. Don't forget socks. Ill fitting socks are uncomfortable and can cramp children's toes. More labels or a fabric pen will help ensure your socks stay put in the change rooms (can't promise that for the washing machine...)

9. Check for sand. We all know that sand collects in kids shoes, but if the shoe has a removable insole you should pull this out regularly and check for sand jammed in the tip of the shoe. This happens most often in runners/sneakers.

10. Rotate shoes. If at all possible, try not to wear the same shoes every day. Feet sweat and shoes absorb that moisture. Most proper school shoes have leather uppers and linings and are designed for everyday wear. However runners/sneakers are particularly bad as they are made of largely synthetic and rubber. At the very least, give them a good airing overnight.

Looking forward to helping you getting your 'back to school' sorted.

Warm regards,

Ann & the team