Related: Top tips for starting primary school
How to choose the best school shoes
Fit
The most important factor is how well the shoes fit. Leave it as late as you can before buying shoes for school to make sure they fit comfortably and have a bit of room for growth. Ideally you’d get your child’s feet measured when you buy shoes and you can do this in store or look at an online guide to help you do it from home. Look at different shoe styles to suit your child, especially if they have narrow or wide feet or high arches.
Durability
Because kids will be doing a lot of walking, running and playing in the shoes you’ll want some that will last. Look for brands that make good quality, durable shoes, with features like a scuff-resistant finish and a chunky sole that offers a bit of toe protection, as this is the part of the shoe that gets bashed the most. Look for a style and material - such as leather - that will be breathable and will soften with wear.
Style
There are a lot of different styles available, such as slip ons, Mary Janes and trainer style shoes, as well as embellishments like light-up soles and Disney themes. With so many styles available, you’ll want to make sure the shoes you pick fit your child’s school uniform policy.
Fastening
As you won’t be at school with your child to help them put on their shoes, pick shoes they can easily do up themselves. If they can’t tie laces yet, you can choose from hook and loop riptape, buckles and laces with zips.
Price
Shoes can range from as little as around £10 up to £60 depending on where you shop. This can feel like a hefty investment but remember these shoes will be worn five days a week so they’ll get plenty of use. Cheaper shoes can mean lower quality materials so they may not last as long, however, we have included shoes from a range of high street, supermarket and online retailers to meet all budgets.
Do schools have different rules on school shoes?
Yes - some are stricter than others when it comes to stitching, trainers and heel height, so double-check your school’s policy before buying.
Related: When do kids go back to school in the UK?
What’s the best material for school shoes?
Leather - it’s comfortable, breathable and softens with wear to avoid blisters.
What are the best school shoes to buy?
Lightweight, flexible and with an easy rip-tape fastening, the Leapfrog Riptape Glossy Leather Shoes by Start-Rite have been designed to be comfortable and long-lasting. They also come with a cushioned insole for extra comfort, padded ankles and a scuff bumper to the toe to keep them looking scratch-free for as long as possible. There are plenty of sizes and widths to choose from too, so you can get the perfect fit.
For boys, the Start-Rite Kids' Rhino Warrior Shoes come highly recommended for being comfortable, affordable and, most importantly, sturdily designed for lots of boisterous play.
How long should school shoes last?
A good quality pair of shoes should last the whole school year, however, cheaper shoes, made from lower quality materials may not last as long. On average, school children’s feet grow one shoe size a year until their teenage years so if you invest in a good pair of school shoes, it could be the only pair you have to buy all year.
How to clean and maintain school shoes
Kids coming home with dirty shoes is inevitable so you’ll need to clean them up from time to time, especially if you want to help them last longer. Here’s how to clean them:
Remove any insoles and laces
For a small amount of dirt, let it dry and then brush away with a shoe brush.
For very muddy shoes, wipe them with a paper kitchen towel and gently scrub with a wet cloth and mild soapy warm water.
Wipe with a dry cloth and then leave to dry naturally.
For leather shoes, you may want to finish with an oil or polish to keep them looking their best.
How often should school shoes be replaced?
A good pair of school shoes should only need replacing when your child grows out of them. Children’s feet grow quickly though so measure them every few months or so to check they haven’t outgrown their shoes. Watch for signs of discomfort and consider checking after growth spurts or weight gain.
You can have your child’s feet measured in stores but you can also do it at home. See below for help doing this.
What are the best shoes for kids with wide feet?
If your child has wider feet, then standard sized shoes may rub and cause discomfort. There are four standard widths for children’s shoe sizes in the UK, but not every brand caters to all of these. Brands like Clarks, M&S, Geox and Start-Rite cater to a range of sizes and needs.