Clarks apologizes for shoe line called 'sexist' by shoppers

Clarks Shoes is kicking up mud for a shoe range that many on social media are saying is sexist.

The brand, which was cited for playing to dated stereotypes last year for selling “fussy and impractical” shoes for girls but more sensible styles for boys, is being similarly called out for its “Dolly Babe” line for girls and a boys’s line named “Leader.”

Many shoppers have expressed their horror at the “inequality” of the ranges for school kids.

Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland and the leader of the Scottish National Party, weighed in as well on Sunday. “It is almost beyond belief that in 2017 a major company could think this is in any way acceptable. Shows what we are still up against,” she tweeted.

It’s not just the names of the shoes that’s angered parents and the internet, but also the designs, with the girls shoes being criticized for being ‘flimsy’ compared to the boys, which are made to withstand play and movement.

One mother based in the United Kingdom wrote a lengthy post about how “deeply angered” she was by the company’s “persistent discrimination” that has since gone viral.

Following the widespread backlash, the England-based brand removed the range from its website and will be doing the same with in-store products. The “Leader” line for boys remains for sale online.

Interestingly, according to a representative for the company, the Dolly Babe shoe is an old and discontinued line, with only remaining stock being sold.

“However, following customer feedback regarding the name, we have removed the shoe from sale online and are in the process of removing the name from the remaining stock in store, though this process will take time to complete,” the statement continued. “We are working hard to ensure our ranges reflect our gender-neutral ethos and we apologize for any unintended offense caused.”