Shoe specialist Clarks is rolling out iPads to measure children’s feet as it works to evolve its in-store services.

The iPad foot gauge has been trialled in 50 stores and will be rolled out across the store estate by spring 2014, replacing the old fitting machines with an app used to measure a child’s foot length.

A tape is used to measure the width of a child’s foot, which the sales advisor inputs into the app. The app then suggests the best size shoe for each child.

Clarks said the new system saves floor space, and means the foot gauge can be taken to the customer wherever they are in the store. The iPad can also be used as a point of sale device when not in use as a measurement device.

Clarks is looking to roll out the technology to the rest of its 468-strong UK store estate in 2014, as well as its international stores.

Clarks chief executive Melissa Potter said: “We have been testing this new technology in a small number of stores, with the aim of completely revolutionising our foot measuring service.”

Chris Towns, innovations manager at Clarks International added: “We’re constantly seeking to innovate and improve both product and customer experience at Clarks. Combine this with our shoe making experience and heritage and it makes for a very powerful combination.”

Clarks is working with software supplier Designworks Ltd.