Your child will spend anywhere from five to ten hours a day in their school shoes, so it’s worth taking a little time to get the fit and fit right — and to make sure they meet your school’s uniform rules. Here are our top tips for buying school shoes.
Measure Feet Properly
Don’t rely on the size from an old pair of shoes — measure your child’s feet fresh before you buy. Feet grow at different rates, and it’s common for one foot to be slightly bigger than the other, so measure both. Many shoe shops offer an in-store measuring service, and some brands provide printable foot-measuring guides online if you’d rather check the size at home first.
Buy New
Second-hand works well for lots of children’s items, but school shoes are the exception. Every child’s foot is shaped differently, and shoes mould to the way an individual walks over time, wearing down in their own particular spots. A new pair means your child gets proper support exactly where their feet need it.
Choose Sturdy, Supportive Shoes
School shoes don’t need to be the latest style — although with older children, it’s worth letting them have some say, since nobody wants to feel like the odd one out! What matters most is a sturdy shoe with good arch support. Your child will be on their feet for hours each day, so comfort and support will make a real difference, especially as their feet are still growing.
You may also enjoy: 9 Essentials for When Your Child is Starting School
Buy Appropriate School Shoes
Most schools have clear uniform guidelines, and trainers are often only allowed on PE days. Even where that’s not strictly enforced, it’s best to keep trainers for after school or sports, and proper shoes for the classroom.
Check whether your school has a policy on non-marking soles, and confirm this with the retailer before you buy.
For younger children, choose shoes they can manage themselves — whether that’s velcro or laces — so mornings run more smoothly and changing into PE shoes is one less struggle.
Top tip: Give your child a set spot to leave their shoes each evening. It saves the last-minute scramble and the “Mum, have you seen my shoes?” panic on the way out the door.
When to Buy School Shoes
Try to buy school shoes close to the start of the new school year, so they’re not outgrown before they’ve even been worn. When you go shopping, leave it until the afternoon if you can — feet swell slightly through the day, so an afternoon fitting gives you the truest sense of size.
Caring for School Shoes
Encourage your child to change out of their school shoes as soon as they get home. This helps the shoes last longer and reduces scuffing. Give them a polish regularly, and if they get caught in the rain, stuff them with newspaper afterwards to help them hold their shape while drying.
A Note on School Costs in Ireland
If back-to-school costs are adding up, it’s worth knowing that families in Ireland may be eligible for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. Eligibility and rates change each year, so check gov.ie for the current details and how to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my child’s school shoes?
It depends on how quickly your child’s feet grow and how hard the shoes are worn, but it’s sensible to check the fit every couple of months, especially during growth spurts, and replace shoes as soon as they feel snug or show heavy wear.
Are trainers ever acceptable as school shoes?
Some schools allow trainers on PE days only, while others expect traditional school shoes at all times. Check your own school’s uniform policy, as rules vary from school to school.
What’s the best time of day to buy school shoes?
Afternoon is generally best, since feet swell slightly during the day. Fitting shoes when feet are at their largest helps avoid buying a pair that feels tight by the end of a school day.
Should I buy school shoes a size bigger to allow room to grow?
It’s better to buy a proper, well-fitted size rather than sizing up. Shoes that are too big can affect how your child walks and may cause rubbing or blisters.
Related Articles
- 9 Essentials for When Your Child is Starting School
- Back to School: Getting Organised for the Year Ahead
- Money-Saving Tips for the Back-to-School Season
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