Quality built in

Every Start-Rite shoe is the result of several years of observing, perfecting and refining.

Carefully selected materials

Probed, prodded and pored over to ensure the highest standards.

- Leathers that are super soft and uniquely supple
- Super strong nylon threads and tapes
- Buckles that are twice as strong as industry guidelines

Engineered for excellence

Constructed to perform and to endure – wherever little feet take them.

- Six construction types across the range – each chosen to deliver the ultimate performance based on the shoe’s specific usage
- Crucial stitching paths that hold our shoes together are carefully specified and delivered by highly skilled machinists
- Constant research of new construction methods and inspiration from performance categories

Designs hones over 200 years

We’ve specialised in designing children’s shoes for so long that we know what counts.

- Protection that is perfectly placed and perfectly shaped to minimise scuffs without adding bulk
- Minimal seams strategically positioned so they don’t rub – ever
- A range of smart fastenings, each perfectly attuned to the different needs of developing kids

Constant learning and refinement

The world we live in is constantly evolving – so our shoes do too.

- Fit regularly checked and perfected on our team of over 1,000 children
- Performance of every shoe measured and evaluated over three months of wearer trials
- A real-time database brimming with knowledge about children’s feet and movements

Testing that goes above and beyond

We put our shoes through a lot – so that kids can put them through whatever they like

Seeking stronger

From double the recommended stitch strength to super strong nylon bonded threads. Our shoes are made of tough stuff.

Focus on flex

If a prototype shoe doesn’t look as good as new after the equivalent of 500,000 steps then it doesn’t make it into our range.

Going for grip

We think children should be able to move with confidence wherever they go – so we test how grippy our shoes are on different surfaces.

Worry-free waterproofing

We ensure that our waterproof shoes will stand up to the soggiest of days – flexing them 30,000 times while immersed in a water tank.

Designed for kids, tested by kids

Every new shoe is trialled in real life for over three months by our stellar crew of kids.

Fixated on fastenings

Riptapes that are opened and closed again and again until they hit 5,000 openings, D-rings that don’t just meet industry standards, they double them.