How to find the perfect school shoe

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Half term at last, and with the Jubilee to look forward to and the two day bank holiday, we are all getting some much needed time together as a family. Like many parents, we picked the kids up on the last day of term with hands full of PE kit to wash, meaning that the last few days of half term are spent sorting back through uniforms and making sure everything still fits before the start of the next half term.

When was the last time you checked your kids’ school shoes? 

Podiatrist Karen Randell recently shared with Start-Rite shoes the importance of children wearing the correct fitting shoes. Over 70% of adult foot problems come from wearing ill-fitting shoes and the vast majority of these are from wearing the wrong size or poorly fitting shoes as a child.

Half term is a great time to check whether your child’s school shoes are still fit for purpose. Kids’ feet grow faster than you may think, so as much as we’d love the shoes to last the entire school year this often isn’t the case. As a general rule, it is to recommended to check the size of your child’s feet during primary school age every six months and during secondary school every six to 12 months. You should check whether they still fit or if they are tight around the toes. Have they become lose or out of shape and is the sole still intact and watertight?

How to find the perfect school shoe

1. Features to look out for

If you do discover that your child’s shoes need to be replaced, here are some things to consider when making your choice:

Secure fastening – Your child’s school shoes should ideally allow your child to securely fasten their shoes unassisted. For junior and infant age children, velcro straps and fasteners may be preferable as they allow quick and easy removal, as well as being simple to put on and tighten securely. You want to be confident that your child’s shoes won’t slip off or come loose, no matter how many miles they clock up on their adventures.

Durable sole – The soles of your child’s school shoes need to be able to handle the varied terrain of a daily routine – including everything from the grassed lawns of school fields, to the solid tarmac playground, as well as slippery surfaces during wet conditions. They need to have a good tread and grip on the floor even when your child is moving at speed!

Breathable materials– No one wants sweaty feet, so school shoes need to be made from materials that are breathable and allow air to circulate through the feet.

Comfort – Are the soles flexible to move and adapt to your child’s movements? Is there a cushioned heel? The school day is long and your child can rack up some steps, so they need to be comfortable to wear all day long and in all weather conditions to keep their feet cool, dry and comfortable.

2. Check your Measurements

We know only too well that finding the time to get to a shop and have your child’s feet measured can be difficult, particularly if you have younger siblings who can get bored easily when waiting in queues or hate being dragged around shops that don’t interest them. Whilst it’s always preferable to get measured by a trained fitter, you can also get your child’s foot measured accurately from the comfort of your own home using the free Start-Rite ‘Click and Fit’ service – all you need is a printer at home! Simply print off the grid and take 3 snaps of each foot before uploading it on the Start-Rite website and getting an accurate size calculation.

Alternatively, you can send off for a measuring gauge just like the ones they use in-store, measuring the length and circumference of your child’s foot. They cost just £8 and can be used time and time again.

3. Check the fit 

When your shoes arrive, make sure they fit correctly (as every shoe and foot is different!)

As well as checking for any gaps, it’s useful to ask your child to walk in the shoes and ensure they can walk naturally and at ease, with no gaping at the sides or slipping on the back of the heel. All Start-Rite shoes have growing room built in so you should be able to feel this when you press on the end of the shoes with your thumb.

4. Let them choose 

Last but not least, your child needs to love their school shoes as much as you do, so where you can, let them choose the design with you. Whilst as the parent you want to be confident that they will keep your child’s feet protected and comfortable, you’ll also want reassurance that it won’t be a battle every morning to get them dressed and ready for school.

All Start-Rite shoes are designed with contemporary and modern designs, offering affordable yet stylish footwear that doesn’t compromise when it comes to fit and comfort.

Our favourite designs

We’ve just updated the girl’s shoes for two new pairs from the Start-Rite school shoe range. Neve’s feet have suddenly taken a growth spurt, and the velcro strap has become a bit lose as a result. Here’s the replacement pair which are called Wish and are made from incredibly shiny patent leather.

With a beautiful yet practical design, the Start-Rite Wish shoes come with a rip tape fastening that Neve can get on and off by herself in seconds, pulling as tight or as loose as feels comfortable.

Neve adores the floral applique design to the top of the shoe and the padded ankles mean I don’t have to worry about her new shoes rubbing or causing blisters.

Air-Rite technology means I don’t have to worry about stinky feet, as they keep kids’ feet cool without affecting the ability to cope with the UK’s lovely changeable weather.

And as for the insole…. just look at those sparkles! What’s not to love?!

Angry Angels School Shoes 

Erin tends to wear trousers for school these days, and as such, wanted some slightly more robust boot style school shoes, so the Icon Angry Angels boots at Start-Rite were ideal.

Whilst super on-trend and to be honest a pair of shoes that she would happily wear outside of school too, they also offer flexible rubber soles which are hardwearing and come with targeted protection to help prevent scuffs, chunky soles and a  deeper tread.

Fully closed to protect her feet, despite the lace design, they are super easy to get on and off with a simple zip fastening. Erin loves the ribbon laces and a studded buckle strap. They have a thick, chunky and durable sole with a soft patent upper and no matter how much she runs around, I can be reassured that her feet will stay fresh with the breathable textile linings.