Mum breaks down at news of Clark’s autism-friendly school shoes
Clark’s. You’ve done it again. Huge thumbs up! This is not the first time Clark’s have proven how important kids with differences and disabilities are to them – and it only makes us love them more.
I have just spent the last 10 minutes sobbing in my local clarks as they have just launched shoes for autistic /…
Posted by Nicola Davies on Wednesday, 23 August 2017
Clark’s rule
Nicola Davies shared her very personal story on Facebook, and though her child is a little older than our usual Babyology kid, the subject matter is SO important we wanted to share it with you.
The genius types at Clark’s continue their push to be thoughtful and inclusive, launching this excellent new shoe that just happens to be ideal for some children with autism or sensory sensitivities.
The shoe is lightweight and has a velcro-type fastening, with a padded inner and collar, to ensure support and comfy feet. It’s also available in a wide range of sizes, including half-sizes and various widths, meaning every child can get the perfect fit – and no annoying rubbing or hurty bits.
Game-changer
Nicola had no clue her school shoe shopping game (aka nightmare) was about to be changed so dramatically.
She was unsuspectingly braving her local Clark’s retailer, searching for shoes for her 11-year-old son. She says this process is usually quite the ordeal because her son has autism, and finding something that works for him – and enduring the fitting process – is a challenge… Until now!
It was enough to bring her to tears. Truly.
“I have just spent the last 10 minutes sobbing in my local clarks as they have just launched shoes which are as light as a feather have no extra textures, Velcro fastening even for adult sizes, soft insoles,” Nicola posted to the Clark’s Facebook page.
“I think I may have the answer”
Nicola said the Clark’s sales staff were JUST as excited about the inclusive new shoes as she was. There was even a bit of a cuddle involved.
“For the last god knows how many years I have dreaded shoe shopping with my eldest son (11) even getting his feet measured is a complete nightmare. Today I walked in with my usual look of dread and the sales assistant who has helped us over the years put her arm around me and said ‘I think I may have the answer this year.'”
If the shoe fits
We’re guessing that, at this point, Nicola was reserving judgement, because she knows her son best. The idea of comfy shoes that her son actually liked wearing must have seemed too good to be true. Except it wasn’t!
“She brought them out and for the first time in my memory my son reluctantly (after a lot of persuasion) put them on and then started running and jumping around the store smiling! I broke down, my 10 year old daughter started crying too, as did the sales assistant!”
More of this, please!
How gorgeous and genuine and great. Manufacturers and retailers can learn a lot from Clark’s excellent and sensible example. Making products that allow for sensitivities and differences is the future, don’t you think?! Nicola most certainly agrees.
“I can’t explain how I feel but emotional is a start. Thank you Clark’s. These are the first correctly-fitted shoe he’s had in over 4 years.”
We love this story and hope to seem more companies displaying a similar thoughtful approach – and hear about more excellent sales people who truly care about the people they look after.
Clark’s, You RULE!
