Kids / 22 August, 2024 / Ellie Thompson

A Guide To Buying Your Child Their First School Shoes

We’ve teamed up with Start-Rite Shoes to to bring you top tips for purchasing that special first pair of school shoes. From measuring tips to choosing the right style for your child’s school debut, we’ve got first-school shoes sussed.

Don’t shop too early… or too late

Organisation is key for getting your little ones ready for the big day. We’d recommend getting ahead to buy the usual inventory of  uniform, but where school shoes are concerned, it’s best to wait until mid-August. That way, you’ve given little extra time for any last-minute growing, but you’ll still be able to snap up the styles in the sizes you want.

Check your school’s policy on shoes

Your school will usually issue a uniform guide, so it’s worth referring to that advice to check for any restrictions on footwear. Some schools prefer shoes to be plain, without flashing lights or embellishments.

Choose a style of school shoe to suit your child

No one size fits all and each pair of feet has a set of requirements that the shoes should meet. Does your little one have wide feet, a high instep, or narrow feet? Start-Rite has a school shoe collection designed to account for this range of different needs, helping you make sure to choose a style that is
best for your child.

Get the right measurement

Nothing beats the insight of an expert shoe fitter in store to make sure you’re getting the right style and fit for your little one but if that isn’t something you can do, then there’s a new way you can measure at home. The innovative easy-to-use measuring technology of SizeWise provides quick and accurate measurements of your child’s feet. This free-to-download tool allows parents to shop the Start-Rite website with confidence, thanks to the special calibration matching that of the Start-Rite measuring gauges.

Buy once, buy better

Every term, thousands of parents of parents are forced to replace school shoes due to them falling apart, deteriorating and becoming unwearable. To avoid the school shoe disappointment, and wasted cost and steer clear of the dangers of poor-performing footwear, buying once and buying better is best. Not only does this aid in the healthy physical development of your child, but you will likely save money rather than burning through several pairs throughout the year.

A quality pair of school shoes should, as Start-Rite believes, never be outworn, only outgrown.

Quality school shoes can last as long as the wearer fits the footwear, and you can get the most out of your school shoes by following some simple rules.

Find the best school shoes for unbeatable value

Luke and Origin primary styles are in a selection of highly popular, high-quality premium styles that have dropped in price to just £45. These are top-quality pairs to withstand the rigours of the playground that support healthy physical development at an unbeatable price.

Consider cross-over styles for school and beyond

Looking for a flexible style that doubles as an excellent option for special occasions or evenings out?

Then Academy and Brogue Pri (also available in vegan) fit the bill. This duo of formal lace-ups look sharp with any outfit. Academy is also perfect for boys not looking for a trainer style, who still require the intelligent biomechanics. For younger children starting school, Dazzle is an ideal cross-over style. A T-bar with a soft leather upper with embroidery and patent toe cap for extra protection, it’s perfect for special occasions and all-day comfort.

Bold strides for Start-Rite back-to-school 2024

As the business continues its mission to help parents and carers across the country understand the importance of fitted footwear for their children, Start-Rite has announced twelve new styles across its primary and secondary school collections.

Highlights of the new additions to Start-Rite’s school shoe collection include Eclipse, an on-trend monk shoe style with a high shine finish and chunky sole for confident strides, which is perfect for school or weekend styling. Flourish, in the primary school collection, features a decorative bow in classic leather and added toe protection for durability.

Child appeal is also strong with Spider Web, a spider-themed school shoe made from breathable textile and leather linings, as well as padded ankles and collar, and removable insole for long-lasting comfort and protection.

Mummy Hacks: Where To Shop The Best School Uniform + Advice On What To Buy

Your Very Handy Back To School Kit List