Living / 10 August, 2026 / Christina Walter
When it comes to back-to-school prep, shoes are an important purchase. You need to make sure your little one is happy to wear them, they meet school rules and, all-importantly, they’re comfortable and supportive to protect growing feet. But where to start?
No one knows little feet and kitting them out with shoes better than Start-Rite. This British brand has been protecting feet for over 230 years. Most of us can remember wearing Start-Rite as a child and the brand has certainly stood the test of time. Its biomechanically informed, podiatrist-approved styles offer something for everyone, whatever foot shape or size. So, when shopping for school shoes, whether your little one’s first pair or next pair, here’s how to get it right.
Even if a pair of shoes ticks the style, child-approved and durable boxes, if they don’t fit your little one properly, then there’s a risk they will cause harm. Karen Randell, Clinical Director of Randell’s Footcare, explains: “Wearing wrongly fitting school shoes can have lasting consequences. The shoe can impact the function of the foot, encouraging incorrect or uncontrolled walking patterns.
Footwear, especially in the developing foot, is crucial for healthy development. We regularly see issues such as ingrown toenails, corns and calluses, chronic heel pain, and nail trauma linked to poorly fitting footwear. Whilst bunions and other toe deformities are less common in children, poor footwear choices during the growing years may increase the risk of these problems developing later in life.”
One of the reasons children end up wearing the wrong size shoes is for ‘growing room’. A recent survey by Start-Rite found 61 per cent of parents admit to buying school shoes ‘slightly too big so their child could grow into them’.
The survey also found that a third of parents are buying three or more pairs of school shoes for their child each year. This suggests that poor fit could be contributing to more frequent replacements, as Callum Linger, Brand Trainer at Start-Rite explains: “The instinct to save time and money by buying shoes half a size, to a full size bigger for ‘room to grow’ can end up costing more in the long run. When shoes don’t fit properly, the foot moves unnaturally inside the shoe, which can rub the skin sore and create wear and tear in areas of the shoe not designed for pressure.
Children grip or curl their toes, or drag their feet to keep oversized shoes on, which compromises the shoe and can cause trauma and biomechanical issues. By contrast, a well-fitted shoe supports natural movement, feels comfy and lasts longer. Start-Rite school shoes are shoes that perform. They are designed with calculated ‘growing room’ that considers several factors, including sufficient toe box space. Our shoes hold the foot securely at the ankle while allowing the toes to move comfortably at the front of the shoe. This freedom of movement actively promotes healthy development.”
The best way to ensure a proper fit is an in-store check with a trained fitter at a Start-Rite stockist. For families who can’t get to a shop, Start-Rite’s ‘check the fit’ guide, together with its partnership with SizeWise – a digital measuring tool – provides a complete at-home sizing solution, helping more children enjoy the benefits of properly fitted school shoes from the first day back at school.
Start-Rite has one of the most extensive collections of school shoes. Whether you’re looking for a classic Mary-Jane, easy-to-use rip-tape, cute motifs, or a trainer style, you’ll find it from Start-Rite.
Our favourite styles from this year’s collection include Action, a durable rip-tape trainer hybrid with reinforced toe and heel bumpers, perfect for children who put their shoes through their paces on the playground. For a timeless look, Charlotte is a classic T-bar available in black leather or patent, complete with a padded collar for all-day comfort. We also love Bow, a lightweight Mary Jane that’s ideal for everyday school wear, while Hat-Trick is sure to score with football fans thanks to its sporty trainer-inspired design and football-embossed detailing.
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