The Best School Shoes for Kids

It makes sense that these guidelines are in place, seeing that school-aged children spend an average of nearly eight hours in their school shoes three days a week! But what are the best school shoes for kids? Are sneaker style school shoes enough? Do they need to have a leather upper? How about lace up shoes? With so many options available for kids school shoes, it may feel overwhelming to pick out the right pair. However, there's support to help you find the right supportive shoes for your little learners.

This article explains the importance of finding the perfect school shoes, and how to do so. For personalised advice, contact our team at Foot Health Clinic today.

Why Are Kids School Shoes So Important?

Growing feet go through a lot of wear and tear, as they're constantly growing, and kids are constantly on the go. As such, some people may think that it's not worth investing in new shoes every new school year, term, or whenever their child outgrows their current pair.

However, properly fitting school shoes are an essential part of helping your child to thrive. This is because the bones in their feet don't fuse together properly until they reach puberty, making their early years of wearing school shoes all the more important. During this stage, their feet are more likely to be hypermobile and lack muscle strength, so they need supportive shoes for everyday wear.

If the school shoes that they spend so much time in don't give them enough support, their feet— and other parts of their body such as their knees and back— may be affected. Poorly fitting school shoes on growing feet may lead to long term foot health problems including bunions, hammer toes, corns, and ingrown toenails. Plus, shoes that are too heavy, too flexible, or have an inadequate shock-absorbing sole may predispose your child to musculoskeletal injuries. With potential issues such as these at stake, it's crucial to ensure the perfect fit for growing feet.

What Should I Look For When Buying a New Pair of School Shoes?

Kids typically wear through shoes faster than our wallets would like, but ensuring they have the perfect school shoes is one of the best things you can do for their growing feet. Whether it's back to school time or they're keen to change from Velcro to lace up shoes, there's the perfect pair of kids school shoes ready and waiting for them.

When searching for the perfect school shoes, there's a wide range of aspects to consider. Every child's foot is different, and their ages and extracurricular activities play important roles.

Generally speaking, kids school shoes should be:

1. Fitted Correctly

Ensuring your child's shoes fit correctly is the first step! As their feet grow so quickly, it's best to measure them every so often. This should be:

• Before the age of three: Every one to three months
• Up to the age of five: Every four months
• Until your child stops growing: Every six months

You can do this at home with a measuring tape, go to a shoe store, or have a podiatrist measure your child's feet. Whether you go with Clarks school shoes, Mary Janes, or any other brands, make sure your child wears socks when trying on new shoes, as they'll be wearing socks with them on a nearly daily basis.

2. Appropriate For the Activity

It's best to purchase a pair of everyday school shoes in addition to a pair of running shoes. While their everyday school shoe will support them while they walk from classroom to classroom and around the playground, their sports shoes will be designed for more active wear including running and jumping.

3. Durable

While their feet often grow quickly, it's still important to make sure their shoes are durable for the length of time they do fit into them. Whether you choose black leather school shoes, Mary Janes, or a pair from the Clarks Daytona range, look for school shoes with a durable rubber outsole, reinforced stitching at the toe, and a low heel to hold your child's foot in a neutral position.

4. Not Too Heavy

This is crucial for all children, but is especially important for smaller children (prep kids) just starting school. Heavy school shoes mean that your child may struggle to lift their legs as easily, and may lead to leg muscle fatigue, arch strain, and growing pains.

5. Easy to Fasten

If your child is always on the go and doesn't have time to deal with fastening straps, self fastening shoes are often the dream! However, shoelaces, buckles, and Velcro are all good options as well. Lace-ups are usually the best, but younger children are often better with Velcro straps that are easier to manage. Whatever style you choose, it's best to avoid slip on shoes, as these tend to make the wearer curl their toes to grasp onto the shoe, and they can't be adjusted. School shoes should have adjustable fastening to allow for the best fit and extra comfort.

6. Supportive

A good cushioning system is key for students of all ages. Check the shoe has a firm heel counter, a reinforced arch so that it is not too floppy across the middle, and that the midsole is made of shock absorbing cushioning materials. The insole, or sock liner, should be soft in an effort to reduce sweating. For everyday school shoes, a leather upper is typically preferable over synthetic as they tend to last longer, while running shoes with a mesh upper allow their feet to breathe as they run around on the playground.

7. Flexible

School shoes should be flexible in the front, but not so much that they easily bend, twist, or fold in half. The right amount of flexibility offers the arch support that growing feet need, and helps them to 'push off' from their toes while still providing stability.

8. A Timeless Style

There's a reason that black leather school shoes have remained a staple for so many years— high quality leather is classic styling that functions well while looking good. Leather shoes are typically high quality and on trend, so even the most stylish of students will be satisfied. Both girls school shoes and boys school shoes are available in leather options from many of the top brands, making them a back to school essential for kids of all ages.

When Is It Time for New School Shoes?

Even if your child's school shoes technically still fit, they may not be doing their best for your child's feet when:

• The tread has worn away
• They have scuff marks or lots of wear and tear
• There are holes in the toes
• The heels are worn down

You'll be able to tell when they've outgrown them when their toes are touching the end of the shoe (the toe box). Whether that comes first or one of the signs their school shoe is no longer doing its job, it's time to lace up and size up!

Helping You Find the Perfect Fit for Kids School Shoes

If you're concerned about your child's feet in any way, it may be best to see a podiatrist for personalised information. At Foot Health Clinic, we offer friendly and knowledgeable care for kids of all ages, as well as their parents. To find out more, contact us at Foot Health Clinic today.