WE’RE almost into the new school year so parents across the country are looking for the best school shoes for their kids.
Whether you’re looking for their first pair for starting primary or tracking down the best school shoes for teens, there are certain factors to bear in mind before buying, such as comfort, durability and of course, style.
Look for shoes that fit well, offer good shock absorption, have durable soles and won’t restrict movement.
For young children especially, shoes need to be properly fitted – specialist shoe shops offer a measuring service – as their feet are still growing. But whatever their age, well-fitting shoes will be most comfortable.
Fastenings are important – little kids will find Velcro easier to deal with than laces, but that said, big kids love Velcro too. Cushioned insoles help with comfort and some have an antibacterial coating to reduce odours. Look for cushioning around the heel and ankle also, which adds extra support as well as comfort.
Trainers are becoming increasingly popular as school shoes and many schools are okay with this, but probably best to check if your particular school allows them before you spend your money.
School shoes are an important purchase that will hopefully last all year. There are all kinds of styles to suit boys and girls, tots and teens, and they’re available at a wide range of prices, so whatever your budget you should find something your child is happy with.
For ideas and inspiration, read on for our round-up of the best school shoes that will have them running back to school in style.
Best school shoes at a glance:
Under Armour Unisex Shoes
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- Under Armour Unisex Shoes, £32.84 from Amazon – buy here
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If your little one is always on the move, these shoes from the iconic sports brand Under Armour are a good option.
The faux leather top means the shoes are formal enough to wear for school but are incredibly comfortable, just like trainers.
They have an EVA insole like sports trainers, with a full rubber outsole to make them long-lasting.
One happy Amazon shopper says they’re great value for money. “Great shoe – bought as an alternative to the expensive cheerleading-specific trainers. Perfect for what my daughter does, easy to get on and off with elastic laces.”
Material: faux leather, school age range: primary, sizes: 11-13
Geox Riddock Boy’s School Shoes
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- Geox Riddock Boy’s School Shoes, from £19.10 at Amazon – buy here
These Velcro-fasten shoes feature a chunky outsole that features the Geox system for enhanced breathability and an antibacterial insole.
They provide great support and cushioning, so are comfortable enough to wear all day and thanks to the rip-tape straps, they’re adjustable and easy to put on.
Design-wise, they’re smart but casual, so ideal for school.
One happy Amazon shopper writes: “These are great. Both boys prefer these ones over all the others they wore before.”
Another says: “Best school shoes ever. Fit so well and you can wear all day without feeling any discomfort. Good quality.”
Material: leather upper, canvas and leather lining, and rubber sole, age range: primary and secondary, sizes: 1 – 13
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Clarks Scooter Speed Kid
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- Clarks Boys Scooter Speed Kid, £50 from Clarks – buy here
There’s no getting away from it – when it comes to quality school shoes, Clarks are the ones to beat.
Renowned for their reliable measuring service and shoes that can take more than a few playground scrapes, they may be on the more expensive side, but there’s a reason so many parents won’t buy from anywhere else.
These velcro-fastened Scooter Speed shoes for boys hit the sweet spot between being comfy and practical – they’re as at home running in the playground as they are lining up in the classroom.
The chunky bumper toe makes them hardwearing, while antimicrobial technology keeps feet fresh. Padded ankle supports provide comfort for restless feet and the soles are ridged for extra grip.
Available in full and half sizes, and in widths F, G and H.
Find more Clarks school shoes for boys and girls here.
Material: leather upper, manmade inner and rubber sole, school age range: primary, sizes: 10 – 2.5
Vans Comfycush Old Skool Youth Trainers
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- Vans Comfycush Old Skool Youth Trainers, £50 from Schuh – buy here
These stylish lace-up trainers have soft leather uppers, and ComfyCush insoles so they’re easy to wear all day at school, and they have a wide rubber sole.
They look great and we think they’re perfect for the classroom and sports hall – but check with your kids’ school to make sure they allow trainers as everyday shoes.
Vans Old Skool also gets the thumbs up from shoppers. One happy parent says: “Daughter absolutely loves them. Great for school. Waterproof and look smart.”
Another comments: “Lovely shoes for going back to school, my son loves them.
And another says: “Great shoe for both uniform and tracksuit.”
They’re also available in sizes for little kids here.
Material: leather upper, textile lining, vulcanised rubber sole, age range: primary and secondary, sizes: 3 – 5
Adidas Tensaur Sport Shoes
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- Adidas Tensaur Sport from £23 at John Lewis – buy here
These Tensaur trainers from Adidas are suitable for boys and girls, and the chic retro style gets our approval.
The black colourway makes them perfect for school wear if your school allows them (many do allow all-black trainers as school shoes, but check first). They’re also easy to pull on and off, while the double-velcro fastenings keep them firmly in place.
Breathable mesh uppers ensure feet don’t overheat and they have a good amount of cushioning in the midsole, to absorb impact and increase comfort.
They’re also available in different colours for after-school and sports, and the large size range means they are suitable for children from around 18 months.
Plus, the Adidas branding will mean they’re popular with the kids too.
Material: synthetic leather upper with a rubber sole, school age range: toddler to primary, sizes: 5 – 13 junior, 1 and 2
Kickers Kick Lo Unisex School Shoes
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- Kickers Kick Lo School Shoes, £43.79 at Amazon –buy here
Over the last 50 years, Kickers has made a name for itself thanks to its range of trusty leather shoes made for both adults and children, marked out by the brand’s characteristic triple stitching.
It prides itself on comfort and durability – two hugely important features to look for in the best school shoes.
This design is available in both black and patent black leather.
One happy Amazon shopper writes: “Got these for my daughter’s school shoes. They are excellent quality and very comfortable.”
Another satisfied customer says: “Genuine hard wearing shoes. Perfect for school.”
Browse a range of Kickers school shoes here.
Material: leather upper, manmade inner and rubber sole, school age range: primary to secondary, sizes: 12.5, 13, and 1 – 6.5
Start Rite Tailor Boys School Shoes
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- Start Rite Tailor black leather boys’ school shoes, £58 at Start-Rite – buy here
You can rely on Start Rite for functional, stylish and comfortable school shoes that tick every box.
Styles like the smart Tailor lace-up with brogue detailing and padded ankle support, team the quality you love with designs to appeal to kids of all ages.
This shoe doubles as a dress shoe for any formal occasion, too.
If you’re not sure of your child’s shoe size, Start-Rite has a handy paper gauge parents can print out to measure feet at home.
Shop the full range of Start Rite school shoes here.
Material: leather upper and rubber sole, school age range: primary and secondary sizes: 2 – 5.5
Geox Federico Boys School Shoes
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- Geox Federico Boy School Shoes, £57.50 at Charles Clinkard – buy here
Geox technology is brilliant for growing feet and for everyday use.
These high-quality shoes combine perforated soles with a breathable membrane to keep feet in optimum comfort, day after day.
With their simple yet stylish look, they feature rugged thermoplastic rubber outsoles, leather uppers and a go-anywhere, slip-on design.
Geox shoes also tend to work well for children with wider feet.
For a wide range of comfortable, durable school shoes – shop Geox boys’ school shoes at John Lewis and Charles Clinkard.
Material: leather upper, leather and textile lining, and rubber sole, school age range: primary and secondary, sizes: 2.5 (35) – 6.5 (40)
Mendip Craft Youth School Shoes
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- Mendip Craft Youth School Shoes, £32 at Clarks Outlet — buy now
These are available in Clarks Outlet with 30% off so we don’t think they’ll be around for much longer, but they’re a bargain in the meantime.
This style has been worn by school kids for decades, and now comes finished with an eco foam-lined fabric and Agion-infused lining.
It has a lace fastening, prominent seams and moccasin toe detailing made from premium black leather.
The thick sole is robust with a visible tread for good grip in slippery conditions and the padded collar provides support at the ankle.
The lining is made with 50% recycled polyester.
Material: leather upper, textile lining and rubber sole, school age range: primary, sizes: 3.5, 4 and 4.5
Trux Boys Easy Fasten Shoe
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- Trux Boys Easy Fasten Shoe, £12.99 from Shoe Zone – buy here
This school-starter shoe has easy-to-fasten Velcro straps for kids who aren’t able to tie their laces yet or for those who are always in a hurry.
Soles are ridged for good grip and to prevent slipping, while the inners are padded around the ankle for support and comfort.
The rounded toe has extra grip at the front and the overall look is sporty yet smart.
These shoes are also great value for money if you’re school shoe shopping on a budget.
Find more Trux boys’ school shoes at Shoe Zone here.
Material: synthetic upper, textile lining and a synthetic sole, school age range: primary, sizes: 8 – 11 junior
Best School Shoes For Girls
Dr Martens Polley Mary Jane Shoes
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- Dr Martens Polley Mary Jane Shoes, £59 at Schuh – buy here
An iconic brand with footwear known for its robustness, Dr Martens shoes have long been the go-to for parents who want their kids’ school shoes to last longer than just a couple of months.
Plus, Doc Martens continue to be a popular choice for kids as well as their parents.
This black leather design features buckle fastening and the iconic yellow stitch detailing, as well as rubber AirWair soles.
Shop Schuh’s range of Dr Marten shoes here or visit Dr Martens to see the full range of styles.
Material: leather upper, textile lining and rubber sole, school age range: primary, sizes: 10 – 1
Nike Revolution 6 FlyEase Shoes
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- Nike Revolution 6 FlyEase Shoes, £33 at Sports Direct – buy here
These Nike sneakers are comfortable and reliable, plus really easy for younger kids to slip on and off.
They’re lightweight and the breathable material keeps little feet cool, while the wraparound zip at the back coupled with the Velcro fastening keeps them securely in place.
Soft foam inside cushions feet, increasing comfort levels, and the chunky rubber sole offers a good grip to prevent slipping.
These shoes also contain at least 20% recycled material.
Many schools allow all-black trainers as suitable school shoes but double-check the uniform guidelines for your own school before you buy.
Material: textile upper, textile lining and rubber sole, school age range: primary, sizes: 10 – 2.5
Vivobarefoot Addis Wyn School Shoes
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- Addis Wyn School Shoes, £65 from Vivobarefoot -–buy here
These Mary Janes are Vivobarefoot’s take on a retro design, and they tick the box for comfort and practicality.
The outsole features a design inspired by ancient human footprints, says the company and there’s no insole so feet are closer to the ground. The Velcro straps are simple to fasten, which makes putting them on and taking them off easier for younger children.
Made from wild hide – the durable, naturally-scarred leather of free-roaming, cage-free cattle.
Shop the full range of school shoes at Vivobarefoot here.
Material: wild hide leather upper, wild hide lining and synthetic rubber sole, school age range: primary, sizes: 9 junior – 3
M&S Kids patent leather slip-on loafers
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- M&S kids patent leather slip-on loafers, from £34 at Marks and Spencer – buy here
These stylish patent leather loafers are great if your kids need school shoes that are smart enough to double as dress shoes.
The classic quilted design will go with anything and is scuff resistant. They have a breathable soft-knit lining featuring Fresh feet technology that helps reduce odours, underfoot padding and padding at the ankle for comfort and support.
The leather is responsibly sourced and the polyester lining contains at least 30% recycled material.
Material: responsibly-source leather upper, polyester lining and a synthetic sole, school age range: primary and secondary, sizes: 2.5 – 7
George at Asda Mary Jane Heart School Shoes
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- Mary Jane Heart School Shoes, £18 from George at Asda – buy here
These leather shoes from Asda feature pretty glitter hearts yet we think they’re still understated enough to work as school shoes. The traditional Mary Jane design is also a classic loved by millions of schoolchildren over the years.
They’re easy to take on and off, as they have a hook and loop tape fastening, and the inner is padded for comfort, with a micro fresh finish.
The inside features the same heart motif as the scuff-resistant uppers, which is also continued on the rubber sole. This gives added grip which is a bonus in bad weather.
Material: leather upper, textile lining and rubber sole, school age range: primary, sizes: 8 – 2
Next Patent Leather Mary Jane Shoes
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- Black Patent Leather Mary Jane Shoes, from £33 at Next – buy here
Mary Janes are a school wear staple, and these black patent Mary Janes from Next are simple and stylish.
They’re easy to get on and off thanks to the touch-fastening straps, which are also adjustable.
The chunky sole is hard-wearing and ridged for extra grip, and they’re cushioned inside for extra comfort all day.
Plus, these shoes have Micro-Fresh® Technology to prevent odours and keep the shoe fresher for longer.
Use the Next ‘How to measure and fit’ guide to ensure you get the right size if you’re ordering online.
Available in full and half sizes, as well as standard and wide fit.
Material: leather upper, textile lining and a synthetic sole, school age range: primary and secondary, sizes: 7 junior – 7
Where to buy school shoes in the UK?
You can buy school shoes online, or on the high street from specialist retailers, department stores and even some supermarkets.
The shoes featured in our round-up are available from:
How much are school shoes?
It depends on how much you’re willing to spend. School shoes from ASDA, for example, start at £2.50, while shoes like Dr Martens can go into the £50 – £60 range.
It is worth saying that the cheaper the shoe, the more likely it is you’ll need to replace them quickly.
Are Kickers good school shoes?
Kickers is a well-known brand and they get good reviews.
Their shoes are known for their trademark durable rubber soles, making them great for active school children.
We have recommended the Kick Lo Black Leather School Shoes but there is a vast selection available to choose from.
How long should school shoes last?
It’s not unusual for school shoes to only last a term or two but many parents buy good quality, durable shoes – perhaps slightly on the big side – intending for them to last the whole school year.
This depends on the age of your child, however, as younger children’s feet can grow at a rapid rate and they may out-grow their shoes before the end of the school year.
What school shoes are in fashion?
Timeless styles are always in fashion for kids. Mary Janes, moccasins, loafers and plimsolls are always seen at school. Ballet pumps are a great summer staple too.
It’s important to remember that while fashion comes and goes, school shoes need to be robust and comfortable.
How to label school shoes
There are several ways to label school shoes.
Sticker labels are very common and parents can either opt to write in the child’s name or order personalised stickers.
Labels can be stuck on the side, tongue or heel of the shoe to make it easier to find.
How to clean black school shoes without polish
Whether it’s from water or light damage, black shoes can be hard to maintain.
To clean and get them shining without polish, there are quick do-it-yourself ways.
First, remove any dust and dirt with a damp cloth.
Use a fine brush, toothpaste and baking soda to remove any scuffs that don’t come off.
Then apply a balm like petroleum jelly, coconut oil or vegetable oil to get the sheen back.
Double-check what to use as it can depend on what material the shoes are made from.
How to clean white school shoes
There are many methods on how to clean white school shoes, but Shoe Zone recommends creating a simple solution of baking soda mixed with water and using a toothbrush to work it into the shoe.
Unfortunately, canvas school shoes can still look off-white after a rinse in the washing machine.