6 Smart Steps: Essential Tips for Buying the Perfect School Shoes
Knowing when to buy school shoes and what types to buy can be challenging for parents. Navigating growing feet, school dress code requirements and your little one’s fashion whims can make buying new school shoes a headache. At The Children’s Shoe Company, we can help make the process a little smoother for you.
In this ultimate guide to buying school shoes, find out when the right time to buy them for your little ones is, what the best types are for your child and the best brands to protect your child’s feet as they navigate their school career.
Table of contents
- When to buy school shoes
- Should I buy my kids new shoes every school year?
- Should I get kids’ school shoes with velcro, laces or buckles?
- What are the best brands of school shoes for kids?
- Do school shoes have to be black?
- Which sole material is best for school shoes?
1. When to buy school shoes
The timing of buying school shoes will depend on several factors, including how fast your child’s feet grow, the school year and specific requirements from the school, but it will ultimately depend on your child’s needs and requirements. Here are a few instances when you might need to buy school shoes.
Before school starts
Many parents shop for school shoes before the new school year begins to allow time to find the right fit and style. As a result, they are well-prepared for the start of school, and there isn’t a mad rush at the last minute.
During a growth spurt
As much as we want them to, your child’s feet might not grow according to the school calendar, and if your child has a growth spurt during the school term, you must get them new school shoes so their feet are comfortable and well-supported.
Look for signs that their shoes have become tight or uncomfortable. They might be complaining of foot pain or have visible marks on their feet.
It’s good to get their feet regularly measured, feet tend to stop growing in their mid-teenage years. Check if they have grown out of their school shoes by measuring them so you can get the right size shoe.
Worn-out shoes
If your child’s school shoes show signs of significant wear and tear, such as worn-out soles or holes, it’s time to replace them.
Regularly inspect their school shoes for signs of damage, especially if they are active and wear them for physical activities.
A change in school guidelines
If your child’s school has changed their requirements for school uniforms, like the colour or style of shoes, you need to make sure your child’s shoes adhere to the dress code.
Changing seasons
You may want to get your child school shoes that reflect the seasons. For example, you might swap their shoes for boots or closed-toe shoes in winter and more breathable options in the warmer seasons. Shop warm winter boots-style school shoes for girls and boys at The Children’s Shoe Company.
Special occasions and events
If your child has a special event coming up, like a performance or school trip, plan ahead and ensure they have the proper school shoes for the occasion. Ultimately, the best time to buy school shoes is when your child needs them. Shop smart shoes for boys at The Children’s Shoe Company.
2. Should I buy my kids new shoes every school year?
You do not need to buy new school shoes for your child every year. Only buy them when they need them. For example, only buy a new pair of school shoes if your child has outgrown their old pair or their school shoes have worn out.
Ill-fitting or worn-out shoes can lead to foot problems and discomfort, like foot pain from unsupportive shoes and blisters. So it’s more important to buy your kids new school shoes when they need them rather than each school year.
Buying school shoes every August can also become expensive, especially if they don’t need them. If their school shoes are in good condition and fit well, it makes financial sense to wait until they have outgrown them or show signs of wear.
If you don’t want to keep spending money on buying school shoes, choose quality over quantity. Invest in durable shoes that provide complete support as they will last longer and withstand daily wear and tear, reducing the frequency of replacing them.
Ultimately, there is no rule advising you must purchase new school shoes every August. Instead, consider your child’s comfort, fit and the condition of their school shoes to decide when to replace them.
3. Should I get kids’ school shoes with velcro, laces or buckles?
If you’re unsure whether to get your child shoes with velcro, laces or buckles, we’ve narrowed down the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision. Ultimately, it will depend on your child’s age, hand dexterity and the school’s dress code requirements.
Velcro
Velcro is the best choice for younger children who have not mastered shoelaces yet. They can easily fasten velcro shoes themselves, giving them independence. Velcro also provides quick and easy closure, making them suitable when they need to change their shoes for PE class or when they need to get out the door for the school run.
However, always consider that velcro wears out over time and loses grip, so always opt for good quality velcro shoes. Furthermore, you might not get as much fit adjustability compared to laces. Shop velcro school shoes for boys and girls at The Children’s Shoe Company.
Laces
Alternatively, if your child can tie laces, they are perfect for providing a unique, customisable fit and allowing your child to adjust the tightness that feels best. Learning to tie laces is a fundamental skill all children should learn. Having laced school shoes means they can practice each day. Tying laces will also develop your child’s fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Lastly, a well-maintained pair of laced school shoes will provide durability and long-lasting footwear.
However, tying shoe laces takes longer and can become frustrating for children and parents if you or they are in a rush. Younger children will also need supervision or assistance until they learn how to tie their shoes independently, which can be difficult to monitor if they are at school. Shop lace-up school shoes for girls and boys at The Children’s Shoe Company.
Buckles
Buckled shoes offer a secure and adjustable fit. These shoes won’t undo easily, and you can customise the tightness to fit your child’s feet better. Buckles are also generally durable and can withstand regular use.
However, younger children might find the buckle fasten challenging, especially if they are small and intricate. Similarly to laced school shoes, buckled shoes take longer to fasten up.
Consider your child’s age and independence when choosing school shoe fasten types.
Younger children will find velcro fastening more manageable, whereas older children might want a more sophisticated shoe fastening. However, if your child’s school has specific requirements regarding types of closure fastening, always follow their guidelines.
You can also ask your child what they prefer. They might find a particular shoe fastening more comfortable and easier to use.
Ultimately, the best choice of shoe fastening depends on your child’s needs, abilities, comfort and happiness.
4. What are the best brands of school shoes for kids?
As school shoe experts, we believe in investing in quality shoes for your little one’s delicate and growing feet. Here are our top three brands of school shoes for kids to help you buy the best shoes for your child.
Ricosta
For over 40 years, Ricosta has been making high-quality children’s shoes in Germany using premium leather and durable synthetic fabrics that make long-lasting school shoes.
Ricosta assigns particular attention to creating a comfortable fit for children’s growing feet, with padded collars and ergonomic design. Ricosta school shoes are developed with the help of paediatricians and orthopaedists, providing peace of mind for parents and children that their school shoes will support their developing feet. They are excellent for children who wear orthotics and need extra arch support. Ricosta works brilliantly with slimmer narrower feet.
Lastly, Ricosta shoes typically come with durable soles made from rubber or PU, which offer good traction, durability and resistance to wear and tear through various activities. Discover Ricosta school shoes at The Children’s Shoe Company.
Petasil
Petasil is a leading European children’s shoe brand from Portugal and is known for its high-quality craftsmanship, ensuring the durability and longevity of its school shoes.
Using premium leather, Petasil school shoes are comfortable as they conform to the unique foot shape of each child and provide air circulation to prevent sweaty feet. Many of Petasil’s school shoes have rubber or TPR (thermoplastic rubber) soles. As a result, their school shoes provide good traction and can withstand daily wear. Petasil promotes foot health with shoe features like padded insoles, appropriate arch support and comfortable linings. Discover Petasil school shoes at The Children’s Shoe Company.
Froddo
Italian-designed and Croatian-made, you know you’re getting the best when you buy Froddo school shoes. Froddo uses high-quality and natural materials, including premium leather, for durability, comfort, longevity and breathability.
Froddo school shoes also feature anatomically shaped footbeds that provide excellent arch support and cushioning, promoting healthy foot development. The soles are flexible to aid natural foot movement and comfortable gait development.
Froddo school shoes also feature their signature reinforced rubber toe bumper to provide protection for little toes when at play, and they also elongate the life of the shoe by preventing premature wear and tear at the front.
Froddo also makes a great range of barefoot school shoes. Lastly, Froddo is also committed to environmentally friendly practices, using eco-friendly materials and production methods. Discover Froddo school shoes at The Children’s Shoe Company.
5. Do school shoes have to be black?
Your child’s school shoe colour will depend on the school’s dress code policy. Many schools specify black school shoes as part of their uniform requirements to create a professional and uniform appearance among the children. However, always check your child’s school’s individual requirements before purchasing school shoes, as some schools, while specifying black will not allow black patent.
Some schools might allow colours such as brown, navy or white, especially for more relaxed dress codes and during warmer weather. Schools might also have particular shoe requirements for PE as well.
6. Which sole material is best for school shoes?
As a parent, you want the best sole material for your child so that their feet are comfortable and supported, but so they are grippy, durable and last until they grow out of them. Here are our top soles for your child’s school shoes and their advantages and disadvantages.
Rubber soles
Most school shoes have rubber soles and are a solid choice for your child. Extremely durable, rubber-soled shoes can withstand playground wear and tear, perfect for active children. Rubber-soled shoes also provide good traction with excellent gripping technology, making them grippy on slippery floors and playground tarmac.
Their only disadvantage is that they are slightly heavier than other sole materials and might feel bulky for younger children.
PU (polyurethane)
PU soles are also incredibly durable and water-resistant, making them suitable for long-lasting school shoes. They provide excellent support for the feet, perfect for children who need extra arch support. However, PU soles can be slightly heavy. They also might make the shoe more expensive.
TPR (Thermoplastic rubber)
Thermoplastic rubber-soled shoes offer good durability and resistance to abrasions. They also provide flexibility to aid the natural movement of the feet. However, they might not be as grippy as pure rubber-soled shoes.
School shoes at the Children’s Shoe Company
We hope our 6 considerations have helped you make purchasing new school shoes less stressful. Why not make buying school shoes even easier and order new school shoes directly from The Children’s Shoe Company? With free delivery for orders over £75 and free returns in the UK, your child can try on shoes and choose the ones that suit them best.
Discover school shoes for boys and girls today at The Children’s Shoe Company, and never worry about new school shoes again.
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