Clarks shoes launches kids line

Buying affordable but stylish kids shoes can be a tough assignment. Stride Rite is an obvious choice, if you can deal with the mob scene at the store. You actually have to sign your name on a waiting list to receive assistance. Ugh.

There's Payless and Marshall's, which are hit and miss, and Nordstrom, which is amazing but pricey.

Now our own Clarks Companies North America is attempting to make a footprint.

The company, based in Newton Upper Falls, is launching a kids line of footwear in 14 U.S. markets this month.

It plans to offer about 100 styles of sandals, sneakers, dress shoes and boots. Prices will range from $35 to $55 and will fit children from infant stage to five years of age.

The shoes will be sold exclusively at Clarks stores, including locally at the Natick Collection and Faneuil Hall.

"We really want to give people another option," said Joanna Linder, director of retail marketing at Clarks. "We feel like there's room in the premium market for our brand, which is known for comfort and fit."

Clarks is a subsidiary of C&J Clark Ltd cq. in Somerset, England. That parent company has been selling children's shoes in England for more than 100 years.

Linder said the Newton-based Clarks, which has 104 U.S. stores, has been testing its children's line in four stores around the country since the fall, including Faneuil Hall. Given the favorable response, the company decided on a larger roll out.

Just in time for spring.