Thick or thin soled school shoes?

[Allme501]

Looking to buy my 4 year old some new school shoes.

My inclination is to buy shoes with thick hard wearing soles (from the likes of Clarks, Geox etc...) but I keep coming across advice that says they should be in shoes with thin flexible soles.

What style are your kids in? X

https://www.clarks.com/en-gb/rex-stride-kid/26162698-p?gadsource=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD6sYkG84YBCBaYYI3-DQqrKKjFI-&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-vzKjYWNiAMVeZ2DBx32nh1kEAQYASABEgLIvDDBwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I can't do click links on my phone but about 75% of the boys in my DS's year R class were wearing these last year!! They lasted him a whole year too, I got a half size up from his Clarks measurements.

I think a lot of shoe designs for very young children are not good for their feet, they dont give the foot the opportunity to 'feel' the ground and to walk, use flexibility etc

On the other hand in the rough and tumble of play, thin soled shoes will be worn out in no time

Difficult dilemma

I totally get where you're coming from with wanting durable soles for your little one, but I've heard that flexible soles can be better for their developing feet. The idea is that thinner, more flexible soles allow for natural foot movement and better balance as they grow. My kids have had good luck with shoes from brands like Clarks and Geox, but we’ve found that the more flexible options seem to be better for their comfort and foot health. It’s all about finding that balance!

Flexible soles here. Their feet are still developing so rigid soles don’t allow the flexibility they need. We use Bobux, a NZ brand (although they have recently been taken over) set up by a couple of podiatrists who couldn’t find good footwear for their own kids. Similar price point to Clarks and I’ve only had to replace because they’ve been outgrown (then sold them on Vinted)

DD usually has startrite with what I’d consider to be a normal thickness of sole. Last year we got the Twizzle style and they lasted the full year so no complaints. Outside of school she usually wears trainers, IDK how many kids shoes fit the description of thin flexible sole unless you mean those canvas ones that are popular in summer. DS is still in school nursery so can get away with trainer style and we get the adidas tenasaurs since they’re comfy and hold up well.

Flexible bare foot type shoes here. Bobux are more expensive but BGreater Shoeshave some more affordable shoes.

You really shouldnt put developing feet in trainers, bad for leg and foot muscle development and balance

It was actually an advert for BGreater on my insta that prompted this post! I'd not heard of them before but I'd been indecisive about what school shoes to buy in general and then that popped up just to add an extra layer to my decision! They do seem good though and the price point seems reasonable.

Side by side BGreater and Bobux