The best school shoes can be hard to find. They're a mix of variables that are different for each parent and child. Velcro or laces? High top or not? Are Kickers still in? It's a minefield.
And we're here to help you navigate that minefield. Many parents believe that ill-fitting shoes will damage their children's feet when in reality there isn't much research to support this. There is however a study that shows ill-fitting shoes can hinder your child's motion. Therefore, school shoes need to be durable and made well, and sturdy enough to hold their own in all the running, jumping, skipping, falling and playground games with ease and comfort.
When shopping for your kids' school shoes, podiatrist and mother, Dr Lindsay Hill tells us that going in the afternoon is a good idea as feet can swell. She also recommends taking 'school socks' along with you for the fitting.
The podiatrist says it is vital to get something that offers the right support - with anything too low such as ballet pumps, as well as anything too high, a 'definite no-no'. Here she shares her top tips when buying school shoes:
How to choose the best school shoes
- Shop for shoes in the afternoon (feet swell)
- Check your child can balance in the shoes (stand on one foot/hop etc)
- Take 'school socks' with you to wear at fitting
- Check fit with the child standing
- Ensure shoes have flexibility (no restriction on movement)
- Look for creasing when they squat and rise on their toes (this means they're a bit too big and may pinch little toes)
- Make sure the foot doesn't slip up out the back of the shoe
- Have the child walk up and down the shop to get a feel for the shoe fitting
Factor in that kids are in their school shoes for 7+ hours a day, five days a week. The best school shoes are well-fitting and don't restrict movement, but also have the right amount of room for growth so you're not replacing them in two months' time. Also, good shock absorption is a must along with durable soles. Luckily, we've done the leg work for you across lots of well-known brands.
Best school shoes 2023: at-a-glance
- Best school shoes overall: Palmer Mist Older Black Leather - £43 | Clarks
- Best for durability: Extreme - £53 | Start-Rite
- Best vegan school shoes: Junior Unisex Kick Hi Vegan - £60 | Kickers
- Best for healthy feet: Primus School II Juniors - £75 | Vivo Barefoot
- Best school boots: Etch Trail Kid Black Patent - £51 | Clarks
- Best value school shoes: Infant Boys Tovni Twin Flex Leather - £43 | Kickers
- Best fashionable school shoes: Lelli Kelly Black Bella 2 Leather £60 |Schuh
Best school shoes 2023
Check the school shoe policy
When you hear 'best school shoe' you think black, lace-up and smart. But not all schools have the same uniform policy when it comes to school shoes. Our Family Editor Stephanie Lowe tells us: 'My son starts Reception and the uniform for him is jogging bottoms and plimsolls. In Reception, a lot of learning is done through play so they need to be comfortable.' It's always worth reading your school uniform policy thoroughly - some schools may not permit embellishments like diamantes, flashing lights or elaborate stitching.
Bear in mind that some schools have different uniform policies for different year groups, so don't assume that what was fine on their feet last year will pass muster for the new school year.
Mum-of-three, Dionne got caught out one year. 'I just assumed it was the same as before - and we get A LOT of letters from school, I don't read them all I'll admit,' she says. 'So my advice is definitely read the letters when it comes to the school shoe requirements at the start of each new school year . My son was sent home on the first day as his shoes didn't fit the new uniform policy.'
Plan ahead
It may seem logical to leave buying school shoes until the last week in August, and it is. However many parents have been stung with little to no stock to choose from by the time they got to the store.
Yes, children's feet grow over the summer holidays but we would recommend still buying shoes slightly earlier, if you can.
School-age appropriate shoes
Age is a huge factor to take into consideration when choosing the best school shoes.
Infant school: age 4-7 years old - Choose Velcro, as fiddling with laces or buckles just sets them up for failure in a fast-paced environment such as school.
Junior school: age 7-11 years old - While Velcro will still make it easier for them to do their shoes, many are at the development age to start with zips, buckles and maybe even learn to tie their laces.
Senior school age: 11 - 16 years old - All are options for this age group, but they need to be hard-wearing. Shoes with scruff-resistant leather can withstand a football match on the concrete playground. While back-collar padding helps shoes keep their shape no matter how many times they get kicked on and off without undoing the laces.
Nail the fit
If buying online, when the shoes arrive keep all labels on and try them on a carpet surface if possible. First, test for the heel grip by holding the ankle with one hand and pulling down gently on the heel of the shoe. If it stays in place it's a good fit.
Next, use your fingers to feel around the top of the shoe and check there are no gaps. Then feel around the ankle to make sure the shoe does not touch the anklebone, as, if it does, it could rub.
Finally, feel the top of the shoe to locate the end of your child's longest toe. Apply a little pressure to check the toe is not pressing against the end of the shoe. There should be a little growing room – but not too much.
Are Kickers good school shoes?
Kickers have been about for 32 years. Some parents might even remember pestering their parents for some back in the day. They are a well-known and well-loved brand and they receive consistently good reviews.
They're known for their trademark durable rubber soles and they have a huge selection to choose from, including their new vegan range - which is at the same price point as the original leather shoes, so parents can make eco choices without price being a factor.
How much are school shoes?
School shoes range in price depending on where they're from. If you're looking at supermarket school shoes the price point can start from £3, while brands such as Clarks and Start Rite could be upwards of £40 a pair.
How long should school shoes realistically last?
This depends on many factors, such as how active the child is as well as their age. Many parents buy shoes in the hope they'll last a school year. But in reality many have to buy a new pair well before the end of the school year.
How can I label school shoes?
With a Sharpie pen or a sticker label. These are common as they are easy and don't irritate feet. Stick them on the inside tongue of inside heel of the shoe.
What school shoes are in fashion?
The timeless classics such as Mary Janes, moccassins, T-bars and plimsolls are always a great buy. Remember that school shoes ultimately need to be comfortable and robust.
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