Back-to-school season has a habit of creeping up and with it comes a long shopping list. While it’s easy to focus on uniforms, pencil cases and backpacks, one purchase deserves a little more attention than most: school shoes.
Children spend more than six hours a day on their feet. From classroom lessons and playground games to walking between activities, the right pair of school shoes supports every step. A well-fitting shoe doesn’t just look smart. It helps children stay comfortable, confident and ready to make the most of the school day.
Why getting the right fit matters
New research from Start-Rite has revealed that 61% of parents admit to buying shoes too big in the hope they’ll last longer, despite 72% of parents claiming to know poorly fitting shoes can affect their child’s feet, knees, hips and spine.
According to podiatrists, this can do more harm than good. Shoes that are too large allow the foot to move around inside, increasing friction and changing the way children walk. Over time, this can lead to discomfort, blisters and unnecessary strain on growing feet.
Callum Linger, Brand Trainer at Start-Rite explains: “The instinct to save time and money by buying shoes half a size, to a full size bigger for ‘room to grow’ can end up costing more in the long run. When shoes don’t fit properly, the foot moves unnaturally inside the shoe, which can rub the skin sore and create wear and tear, in areas of the shoe not designed for pressure.
“Children grip or curl their toes, or drag their feet to keep oversized shoes on, which compromises the shoe and can cause trauma and biomechanical issues. By contrast, a well-fitted shoe supports natural movement, feels comfy and lasts longer. Start-Rite school shoes are shoes that perform. They are designed with calculated ‘growing room’, which considers several factors including enough room in the toe box. Our shoes hold the foot securely at the ankle while allowing the toes to move comfortably at the front of the shoe. This freedom of movement actively promotes healthy development.”
The best school shoes are designed with growing feet in mind. Rather than sizing up, rest assured that Start-Rite shoes already include carefully considered growing room while still holding the heel securely in place.
Comfort children won’t notice. Benefits they’ll feel
Children rarely sit still for long. Whether they’re climbing, running or spending hours in the classroom, their shoes need to keep up.
When shopping for school shoes, look for:
- A secure fit around the heel.
- Plenty of space for toes to move naturally.
- Flexible soles that support natural movement.
- Cushioned insoles for all-day comfort.
- Durable materials that stand up to everyday wear.
- Different width fittings for the best fit.
A shoe that feels comfortable from the first wear is far more likely to stay comfortable throughout the school year.
Don’t rely on the thumb test alone
Many parents still use the traditional thumb press at the front of the shoe to check whether there’s enough room. However, Start-Rite’s research found that millions of families continue to rely on this method alone, while 38% don’t consider foot width at all.
The reality is that children’s feet grow in both length and width, and every child’s feet develop differently. A proper fitting should check both measurements, as well as how securely the shoe holds the foot.
If you can’t visit a professional fitter, using an accurate digital measuring tool like SizeWise can help you choose the correct size with greater confidence.
Should children wear second-hand school shoes?
Passing down school shoes between siblings or friends can seem like a sensible way to save money, particularly when shoes still look smart.
However, unlike coats or jumpers, shoes mould to the individual child who wears them. As they soften and flex, they adapt to that child’s unique walking pattern. Even if they’re the correct size, they may no longer provide the right support for another child’s feet.
If you are reusing school shoes, it’s worth checking they’re still in excellent condition, haven’t become misshapen and continue to fit properly.
Investing in quality pays off
School shoes are one of the hardest-working items in a child’s wardrobe. Choosing a well-made pair that offers comfort, support and durability can help children stay comfortable throughout busy school days while reducing the likelihood of needing multiple replacements during the year.
Start-Rite’s Callum Linger adds: “Start-Rite shoes have been helping children with comfort and confidence for school for over 230 years. Each pair is carefully crafted to support every movement, endorsed by podiatrists and informed by the biomechanics of how uniquely children’s feet move.
“Parents can also be confident that our shoes are made to last. The use of premium materials and precision craftmanship makes them incredibly durable. And we can say this with certainty as we have a thorough testing process for new styles. Rip-tapes are opened and closed 5,000 times, our other fastenings and decorations are tested to breaking point and if a prototype shoe doesn’t look as good as new after the equivalent of 500,000 steps, then it doesn’t make it into our range.”
As another school year begins, taking the time to find shoes that fit properly is one of the simplest ways to support your child’s comfort, confidence and healthy development. It’s an investment that benefits them every single day, from the first school bell in September through to the final weeks of the summer term.
Top school shoe picks
Boys
NEW Challenger Black leather lace-up trainer hybrid school shoe – features removable insole, non-marking sole and toe bumper for added scuff protection. Size L1 – L11, fitting E (narrow) – H (extra-wide), RRP £65 – £68
Strike Black leather double rip-tape trainer hybrid – a hardwearing style featuring toe bumper, scuff protection, removable insole, non-marking soles with flex-grooves, reflective detailing. Size S9-L4, fitting E (narrow) to H (extra-wide), RRP £60
Girls
Hope Black leather and patent rip-tape T-Bar with star punch detailing – features padded ankle, leather linings, flex-groove and non-marking soles, Air-Rite technology, removable in-sole. Size S9-L2, fitting F (standard) to G (wide), RRP £52
Impulsive Black leather and patent chunky sole lace-up shoe with brogue detailing – features cushioned insoles, padded ankle, breathable textile lining, durable non-marking chunky sole. Size E31-E43, fitting M (standard) – W (wide), RRP £65
This is a Paid Partnership with Start-Rite Shoes
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