Back to School with Dr. Martens

We were lucky enough to have been given the opportunity to visit our local Dr. Martens branch (Norwich) to check out their Back to School Range. Darcie being a Dr. Martens fan herself (she has a signature pair of patent boots) it was hard not to say no! Though Darcie isn’t technically going “back to school”, she will be heading back to nursery and so it was a good opportunity to get her kitted out and to prepare ourselves ready for what’s to come next year.

Many parents may think the back to school shop can be stressful, but it really doesn’t have to be. Avoiding the usual stomping grounds for back to school gear can mean a much better shopping experience for everyone involved. You know those shops, the ones where you have to collect a ticket and wait amongst other parents and their restless children. It’s something that I try to avoid and thankfully our experience was very much relaxed! Dr. Martens is a store I wouldn’t have thought of going to for school shoes, but they do have a fantastic range that caters from little ones right through to teens. You can kit out the whole family here.

Though their range is relatively small, all are made of fantastic quality with very sturdy soles. They are renowned for being a more ‘edgy’ brand, but a lot of their designs were very classic, which was very pleasing to see. I despise these shoes with “bling” and gimmicks to draw children in, they’re usually heavily overpriced and not of the best quality. For me it is certainly all about the quality when it comes to a pair of shoes that your child will be wearing 5 out of seven days a week and so it’s always worth paying that little bit extra.

As we hadn’t had Darcie’s feet measured in a long time, this was first on the list. The lovely Grace, who made us feel very welcome, measured her feet and was super patient with our three year old ~~diva~~. Once we got a size, Darcie went and picked a pair of shoes, I already knew which ones she would go for as she had been eyeing them up ever since we arrived! She picked up the ‘Tully” shoes, a Mary Jane style shoe with black patent lamper leather and their super comfy air cushioned soles (£35). I was really pleased with the price, I was expecting them to be slightly more given they were Dr. Martens and really lovely quality. Darcie was happy with them too and paraded around the store happily showing off her new shoes. She said “they’re so comfy and shiny Mummy, I love them!” – so I think they have the Darcie seal of approval!

Our whole experience at the Norwich Store was completely relaxed and made what could be a stressful experience, one that we actually enjoyed. The store itself has been set up to give you the ultimate shopping experience, with comfy chairs and sofas, great displays, funky interior and very helpful staff. We will definitely be making another visit soon, I fell in love with their bags and a couple of boots which will be perfect for Autumn, plus Darcie keeps asking for a purple pair of boots too!