At the beginning of the year (when the kids actually went to school – do you remember that!) we took part in a highly scientific project with the twins. One twin (Izzy in our case) was given a pair of Treads shoes to wear for 3 months and the other twin (Eve) was given a pair of M&S shoes to see which ones genuinely lasted longer over the 3 months period.
As it happened I’m glad we did’t commit to reviewing Treads over a 6 month period as as at the end of the 3 month (highly scientific) trial period, school life as we knew it abruptly came to an end as did the review.
I’ll start by showing you what both pairs of shoes looked like on the website and how much they cost.
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ADELAIDE – T-BAR
Girls Leather rip tape School Shoes – With 12 Month Indestructible Guarantee – £45.00 + Free Delivery*
M&S Kids’ Leather School Shoes £24 – £28
and then Izzy and Eve wearing them on the first day back after the Christmas Holidays.
1st Day – Treads on the Right 1st Day – Treads on the Right 1st Day – Treads on the Right
You can see from the photos above that on day one both pairs of shoes were shiny and the treads of both shoes in great condition.
Neither of the kids complained that the shoes hurt them when they put them on although on the way home from school both said the shoes were a little tough and tight. This in my experience is usual for every pair of shoes we’ve ever had.
28 Days Later!
We then took photos of them at the end of January and I would suggest that both pairs of shoes looked very similar, although you can see that the M&S pair (on the right) have a few scratches. The treads on the bottom both look fine.
Treads on the left 
Treads on the left
6 Weeks
After 6 weeks the M&S ones were starting to show a little more wear but the Treads still looked immaculate. At this point I should say that in the interests of scientific testing (laziness) no shoe polish has been used on either pair of shoes since purchase.
The Treads still look brand new.
Treads on left Treads on left
8 Weeks
After 8 weeks the Treads are starting to look a little worn but nowhere near as much as the M&S ones, although I would say that if I wasn’t testing I wouldn’t be unhappy with the wear of the M&S ones at all.
Treads on left Treads on left
10 Weeks
Not much different to 8 weeks at this stage (probably due to a holiday in the middle)
Treads on left Treads on left Treads on left
12 Weeks
Treads on the left Treads on the left
It’s at the 12 week stage that the most significant difference can be seen. Again I’ve not tried to buff these up with shoe polish but the Treads are basically as immaculate as they were on the first day!
The girls both regularly play football in their shoes too, and if I’m honest the Treads wearer is usually a tad clumsier and the one I would have expected to scuff their shoes so this is a good test!
So as it’s time to think about buying school shoes for the start of the next school term, I would definitely consider buying Treads this time and we think you should take a look at them too.
WIN a pair of Treads Shoes
We’ve also teamed up with Treads to offer you the chance to win a pair of Treads. You have 14 days to enter and you can enter below.
Treads will be responsible for choosing the winner and sending the shoes out to the winner. There will be no cash alternative.
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Karen Beddow founded Mini Travellers in 2014 while doing what she loves most...going on holiday!
Mini Travellers is for parents looking for holiday ideas, destination reviews, days out and things to do with the kids. We also have family travel tips, activity ideas and all other things family holiday related. Take a look at some of our latest reviews for holidays and day trips in the UK.