Parents welcome appointment system after buying childrens' shoes became a 'clandestine operation' 

Difficulties measuring shoe sizes online and fast-growing feet made purchasing kids' shoes a challenge for many parents this year. 

Childrens' shoes are to be added to essential retail. Picture: Denis Minihane.

A government U-turn on the addition of childrens' shoes to essential retail has been welcomed by parents after a year of struggling with online shopping.

Jeanne Dowling, a teacher and Tipperary mother of two daughters aged 7 and 2 said the issue is about children's development and not vanity.