Getting the right pair of shoes for your children to wear to school can be a difficult balancing act. You want your child to be happy with their new pair in terms of style, but you also want the shoes to be functional. Those two ideas do not always work together — but it’s definitely possible! Brands like Nike, Adidas, New Balance and Asics can make great options for school shoes as they look stylish as well as being manufactured to very high standards.

But what really makes a good pair of children’s shoes so that you can make sure you’re always buying the best? And ultimately, what are the best shoes for school? This guide will answer those questions as well as explore how you can find shoes that fit those criteria. We also go over why you need to get the right fit for kids’ school shoes, as it really emphasizes why it’s important to take your time to find the right pair for your child.

What makes a good pair of school shoes?

School shoes should have the following characteristics to make them suitable for school.

Hard wearing footwear

Your child will be wearing their shoes five out of seven days of the week. That’s why they need to be hard wearing — so that they do not fall apart after a week’s usage. You probably want your child to wear the same pair of shoes for at least one school year, so ensure you’re buying a pair from a trusted brand. Read reviews of different brands and styles before heading to the store so you have an idea of the quality of shoes you’re considering.

Breathable shoe material

Because your child will be wearing these shoes often, it’s key that the shoes you choose are going to look after your child’s feet. Keeping them cool and free of sweat is one of the most important things a shoe needs to do. That’s why you should avoid shoes made from materials like rubber or synthetic materials that won’t allow your child’s feet to breathe. You should also keep your eyes out for shoes designed with mesh or overlays, which create breathability.

Ankle support for your kid

Children’s developing bodies need as much help as they can get to support that growth. That’s why you should look for high quality shoes that will help support your child’s ankles so that they are less likely to fall over and hurt themselves, as well as help promote good posture for the rest of their body.

Movement in the shoes

Kids really do make their shoes go the extra distance, as they are constantly on the move. That’s why the shoes you pick have to stack up to this! Kids will often be found playing football or sport in their school shoes in the playground, so make sure the pair you choose are able to respond to those needs.

How to get the best school shoes for kids

One of the best ways you can get the best school shoes for your kids is to try on lots of different pairs and styles, preferably across a couple of brands, that have great customer reviews from those who’ve purchased the shoes before. You can find black school shoes, navy school shoes, leather school shoes, and a variety of other options. Choose brands that you know will be manufactured well and then go with how each type of shoe fits your child’s feet. Make sure the shoes are not too tight or loose and that your child is able to walk in them easily, without them slipping off their feet or nipping them in any areas like their toes.

Why you need the right fitting shoe for kids

Getting the right fit for your kids’ school shoes is key for a number of reasons. Firstly, if you buy cheap, you’ll probably buy twice. Kids really make their school shoes work for their money, so if you buy lower quality shoes, the likelihood is that you’ll have to buy another pair before your child outgrows them.

Secondly, it helps your child’s development if they’re wearing shoes that fit them properly and promote a natural movement. If your child’s shoes fit incorrectly in any way, they will not walk or run properly. Plus, improper fitting school shoes may encourage poor posture and therefore create muscle pain as a result.

Finally, if your child’s shoes do not fit correctly, they are less likely to want to be active. As their shoes are impeding their freedom of movement, they will simply not move as much, which is something that no parent wants. Buying them the best fitting shoe can really help them put their best foot forward! If you want to find the best fit possible, head to INTERSPORT and have one of our professionals fit your child’s new shoes so that they’re headed to school in style and comfort.

Why are good quality kids’ school shoes important?

Kids spend most of their time in school shoes. So, it’s vital that you buy your kids well-fitting shoes that support their feet during busy school hours of walking, standing, skipping, running, and jumping.

When shoes fit well, they help children perform crucial motor skills, allowing them to participate in school sports and play easily during recess. On the other hand, when school shoes are too big, children may trip and hurt themselves; and if shoes are too small, kids may get uncomfortable and begin developing foot pain, cramping, or chafing.

What should you care about when shopping for kids’ school shoes?

When buying school shoes for kids, look for specific features instead of a particular brand, as kids’ shoes must be designed for physical activity. Before school, physical education, lunchtime, recess, and after school — most children spend a lot of time playing and running. So, when buying school shoes for your child, look for ones that have:

• A fit that’s appropriate in both width and length

• A firm heel, providing proper elevated cushion at the back of the shoes 
• Excellent fastening capabilities, such as velcro straps or laces  
• Midsoles that bend at the toes and not in the middle of the shoes 
• A dark colour, like brown or black (kids tend to get dirty!)

How to get the best-fitting school shoes for kids

Buying school shoes online or off the shelf without fitting them is a bad idea. To buy the best-fitting shoes, you must measure the width and length of your child’s feet to ensure the shoes fit the shape and size of each foot. Further, your kid’s toes should move freely inside the shoes and shouldn’t be squashed on the side or from the top. Also, there should be a one-centimeter space between the end of the shoe and their longest toe. Finally, the shoes must fit comfortably around your kid’s heels and shouldn’t be too tight or loose.

How often should you buy new school shoes for kids?

How often your kids need new school shoes largely depends on their age. Younger kids grow quickly, and they may need new school shoes many times a year, whereas teens will wear out school shoes rather than outgrow them. 

Kids need new school shoes if:

• Their toes touch the end of their school shoes
• The heels wear out
• The shoes have holes
• The tread wears out, making the shoes slippery
• The shoes wear out on either side

Buying the right school shoes is crucial for your back-to-school routine, so it’s important to ensure you find shoes that fit and ensure your kiddo can do all the running, jumping, and playing their heart desires, without tripping or hurting their feet.

Shop top brands of kids shoes at INTERSPORT