We’ve been in Sydney for a few weeks now to spend time with family, and Miss 8 recently had a solo performance at her teacher’s concert in a beautiful church in inner-Sydney which was absolutely lovely. Naturally, I thought it would be a good chance to find some good quality everyday shoes for her while we were here. We’d already had no luck back in Singapore, so I had high hopes for Clarks at either Myers or David Jones. Surprisingly, David Jones had a worse selection than Myers! So we came back empty handed yet again.
Clarks used to be the reliable choice for classic children's footwear. But now, it feels like they’re churning out the same tired styles every season for some time now. And Mary Janes? They’ve been pushed into the “special occasion only” category. There are no everyday versions in sight. Miss 8 can’t very well wear sparkly party shoes as her everyday wear.
To be fair, we do appreciate party-style shoes - especially for Miss 8’s violin performances, when something polished and pretty is needed. But there’s still a real gap in the market for lovely, practical, comfortable-yet-pretty shoes that can be worn day to day and that are of a better quality. Something simple and sweet that suits her lifestyle.
The alternatives are, frankly, depressing:
If your daughter leans towards a more traditional, feminine look - good luck. The pickings are slim.
I’m not asking for frills and heels. Just well-made, childlike shoes that still look sweet and feel comfortable. But the market seems to be swinging hard in favour of unisex or mini-adult fashion. It’s disheartening. Not every girl wants to stomp around in combat boots or dress like a TikTok tween. Some just want to wear sweet shoes and be eight years old.
Thankfully, after much searching, we had a small win. Cienta Shoes, a Spanish brand, stocks some of Miss 8’s favourite styles. - including glittery ballerina flats - in larger sizes that simply aren’t available in Singapore.
Cienta is stocked locally at Hopla Shoes in United Square, but for some reason, they only go up to EU34. On the Spanish website, the same styles go up to EU36. Phew. We ordered two pairs - a size EU35 and EU36.
Because the brand doesn’t ship internationally, I had to go through a third-party forwarder to get the shoes to Singapore - but it’s worth the extra expense. A small victory in a market that’s becoming increasingly difficult to navigate when you’re after traditional, age-appropriate children’s wear.
All I’m asking for is the return of beautiful, well-made everyday shoes that honour the charm of childhood for older girls. Something between sneakers and sparkles. Something lightweight, comfortable, and breathable - perfect for active little girls who still want to look presentable and feel lovely. Shoes that let them move freely and dress sweetly, without being rushed into grown-up trends. I know we’re not the only ones who feel this way. So here’s hoping more brands (and local stockists) start listening and bring back the kind of classic, everyday styles that little girls and their mothers truly love.
Have you noticed the same thing when shopping for your daughter or nieces? I’d love to hear your views in the comments section below.
Love, Mei-Ling x
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