Top Tips for Buying School Shoes
It’s been several months since the kids went back to school for the new school year, and you may be looking at your little boy’s school shoes thinking that they’ve seen better days. All those afternoons of playing football with their school friends in the playground will have undoubtedly taken their toll on your son’s shoes, which will, by now, likely be scuffed and looking less and less black by the minute.
Many parents will have to invest in at least one more pair of school shoes before the school year is out, and if you’re in need of a few helpful hints, here are some that could help your decision:
• Measure both feet because, often, feet are different sizes to eachother. Whether you measure the feet yourself either in a store or at home, or you ask for the help of a specialist fitter, remember that most children will have one foot that is slightly longer and wider than the other – it’s perfectly normal.
• Ensure that you can fit one finger between your child’s heel and the back of the shoe.
• Make sure that the shoes you look at are cushioned and stable, so that their feet receive both internal and external support. Remember that high arches and flat feet are common in kids, so the shoes that you buy need to account for this.
• Also make sure that there’s a little wiggle room at the tip of the shoe so that they can move their toes around.
• Remember that school shoes may not last a full school year, because of growth spurts and wear and tear. As a rule of thumb, after the age of 3, a child’s feet grow about half a shoe size every 6 months.
• Weigh up the options you have. Better quality shoes will last longer, but you will often find more affordable shoes are available that are just as good. Look for leather shoes with double stitching around the toe area if you wish to invest in the best quality.
• Avoid slip-on shoes for school; podiatrists recommend Velcro, buckles or laces. It may be tempting to buy second hand but, if possible, it’s best to buy new because second hand shoes will have moulded to the previous owner’s feet.
• Bear in mind that shoe sizes can vary slightly shop-to-shop so always try the shoes on rather than assuming they will fit.
• Use scuff-protection to prolong the life of the shoes you buy, so you don’t have to spend money unnecessarily. Regularly using shoe polish can also help to ensure your kids look smart for school (even if they come home looking like something a cat dragged in!)
Children spend over 30 hours a week in their school shoes, which just emphasises the importance of choosing a pair that don’t just look good and are durable, but are also well fitting to prevent permanent foot damage. Take a look at the various styles to suit your budget and your child’s style and cross something else off your to-do list!
How long do you find your children’s school shoes last? Share your experiences with me in the comments
*ad
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
I hate school shoes, they are so boring! It’s important that they are good though, as they spend so much time in them. Some good tips here.
We always make sure we buy decent school shoes with a toe guard as otherwise they don’t last 5 minutes!
I always purchase shoes with a toe guard because my son loves to play football with them on and without a toe guard I would need to buy a new pair each week 🙂
My little brother always have problem with shoes. Great tips, thanks for sharing! x
I find it’s the soles of shoes that wear out. Miss M loves shiny patent shoes and I find the scuff resistant ones really are which is brilliant, we just need more life on the soles.
I have tried many different types of shoes and the best pair of shoes my son had surprised me as they were Italian soft leather and didn’t look like they would last, but because they didn’t have the plastic joins in them they didn’t fall apart, polished up like new and lasted over a year! I think they were worth the £45 I paid for them, but cant find a shop stocking them now!
Both my kids feet don’t grow too fast. We hardly buy them shoes. May be every 9 months.
Ours always need replacing a few weeks before the end of term
Ah school shoes are the bain of my life. Hoping these ones last longer
My youngest is terrible for going through school shoes…..She has about 3 pairs a year at least! Even if I buy Clarks one’s they don’t last. Grr!
Great tips.