*Disclosure – This is a sponsored post
When MG started school last year I had his uniform ready 2 months early. This year, one long school holiday and trying to juggle mum boss life with entertaining the kids has meant his school uniform is ready all of two days before – whoops! Thank goodness the kids were given the opportunity to try out the new M&S shoe fitting service for kids. Which meant I felt all the weight of school shoe shopping was taken off my shoulders as expert staff did all the work for me and kitted MG out in the perfect pair to start the new year in.
“I felt all the weight of school uniform shopping was taken off my shoulders as expert staff did all the work for me.”
First step measuring, as one of M&S’ dedicated fitting advisors guided MG on where and how to stand on the measuring board to get an accurate size. Then the fun part, choosing the shoes. From MG’s point of view, it’s all about shoes he can get off and on quickly enough by himself. He likes shoes that help him feel speedy in the playground and if they flash or have any cool detail, then it’s like Christmas up in here and MG LOVES Christmas.
The M&S shoe fitting service isn’t just determining your size, it’s about making sure it looks and fits well, which is what the advisor checked. Encouraging MG to give them a try and walk around in them, which he did with a HUGE grin on his face.
Foot health is so important, especially for growing feet, which is why I am always saddened at the large numbers of children wearing shoes that offer no support or even fit them properly. My mum was really strict about my school shoes. It being the 80s I wasn’t too pleased with my sensible Start Rite shoes and wanted the fashionable plastic slip on shoes the girls in my class wore, the ones with hidden crystals in the soles. As a parent I get it, but I also have the choice of shoes with a bit more style leverage too.
“I am always saddened at the large numbers of children wearing shoes that offer no support or even fit them properly.”
That’s just it, kids want style and the parents want quality. That’s why I was so impressed with M&S’ offer, in particular a pair of cool patent T-bars I would get for myself if they came in my size. The pair MG chose ticked so many boxes, The Freshfeet™ Flashing Lights Trainers with Silver Technology starting at £28. They’re smart leather, look like trainers, have riptape fastenings for ease, a rocket detail, freshfeet™ technology to keep stinky feet at bay, gripped soles and most importantly….FLASHING SOLES!!
The stress-free uniform shopping extends to the M&S school uniform offer. Once again, we’ve been lucky enough to have been gifted key pieces for MG to check out in the class room. However, even if we were shopping in store yesterday it was well stocked with all the sizes and styles my fellow last minute.com parents would need.
Such is the top notch quality of M&S school uniform, last year’s trousers are all folded neatly in pristine condition ready for Lolo to wear when she starts in 2 years time (That’s despite daily messy play, playground adventures and carpet time!). I saw parents having to top up tattered uniform throughout last year, I strongly believe that with uniform you get what you pay for. This year we’re checking out the polo shirts which boast a stain resistant technology as well as stylish slim fit trousers, suitably appropriate for the son of a kids’ fashion stylist.
“I saw parents having to top up tattered uniform throughout last year, I strongly believe that with uniform you get what you pay for.”
Not one to miss out on anything, Queen Lolo wanted to get in on the action and enjoyed the patience, kindness and can-do attitude of her M&S fitting advisor. She pointed out all the things she loved, which included a pair of sparkly Peppa Pink Wellington Boots and a cool Rucksack she’s excited to take to her childminder’s. Needless to say, we did not get the wellie boots (she had a tantrum when we left them behind). Mummy overrules a 2 year olds’ style whims any day. So, I chose a pair of gorgeous red leather T-bars from the Walkmates range. Still stylish, still practical, still mummy-approved.
“Needless to say, we did not get the wellie boots. Mummy overrules a 2 year olds’ style whims any day.”
{All photography by Rekha Damhar for Marks & Spencer}
When did you do your school uniform shopping? How often do you get your kids’ feet measured?
Yvadney x
I didn’t know M&S had this service will deffo check them out . I’m last min.com and wasn’t happy with what I saw in Clarks (sorry). Was going to go to Russell and Bromley as daughter is older now and shows last longer so spending a bit more was going to be the way BUT now I’ve seen these!!! M&S here we come!
Thanks yes really sweet and the older kids’ stuff is definately cool. I think you’re girl would love the fashionable trainers and cool school shoes! I’m all for the patent (cough DM) looking T bars. xx
Looks like great fun! Will definitely try them out around Christmas time as I had to buy school shoes for both just before school broke up for Summer Had no idea M&S offered this service! Thanks x
Thanks Cee, it’s amazing how quickly their feet can grow. If it’s Christmas time you can sneak in a few sparkly bits too! Xx
You know what, I’ve never thought about getting my kids measured here. M&S shoes are really good quality- I’m probably one of those bad mums that just goes up the next size from the last ones that they have! – Ok, so I’m definitely going to go take your advice and go to M&S, check their sizes and get them school shoes!
Oh no, you must get them measured, especially when a sudden growth spurt happens. Toes through the shoes spring to mind – haha 😛
What a brilliant idea, I had no idea they offered this service. We didn’t get new school shoes for Olly as he had a new pair just after Easter but I can see us needing more by Christmas. I’ll keep them in mind
Thank you, we were so lucky MG stayed the same size for the whole year!! Good luck to Olly this term x
We treat foot measuring like the dentist so go every 6 months although there have been a few growth spurts in between where we’ve had to go sooner. We only needed a skirt and a few tshirts this year so no major uniform shop needed thankfully, but typically I left it until 2 days before and hopefully won’t need a top up. We’ve bought M&S skirts and cardigans for the past few years and they’ve always lasted the whole term and more if they haven’t been grown out.
I love their school uniform, leaps and bounds above others for fit and quality. You get the gold star for being on it when it comes to feet measuring. Thank you xxx
Nobody beats M&S for school clothes! We used to buy all of our pinafores, undies and socks here for my first born. I agree, the quality is great
Exactly that, even down to the undies!! xx
I had no idea that M&S offered this service, but now that I do I’ll definitely be going along the next time my girls need new school shoes. We are already big fans of their school uniform so this could be a game changer meaning we’d be able to get everything for school in one shop! x
That’s what I think is so much better, the ease of doing it all in one shop! x
I didn’t know they even offered this service! I’ll definitely be checking in here throughout the year, I bet they’re much cheaper than the usual high street stores.
It really is such a great service, they’re so attentive x
I love M&S for bits for me as well as for my boys. You always know you’ll get good quality stuff that won’t fll apart after a few wears 🙂
Stevie x
Exactly, buy once please!! xx
I had no idea M&S did shoe fitting! This is SO helpful. Thank you!
Thanks Molly, yes such a great service!!
I didn’t even know M&S had a shoe fitting service – it’s so much more convenient than other shops, we’ll head there next time! x
Yes so convenient right? Thank you Donna x