Whether it’s on the playground or in the classroom, kids need school shoes that stand-up to the rigours of daily school life. Designed for comfort, support, and confidence, our girls school shoes make moving all day feel good. Comfortable from day one and tough enough to last the term, our tried and tested school shoes give you one less thing to worry about this back to school.
From sport-influenced shoes that give athletic performance to classic styles with niggle-free comfort and all-day support, we offer expertly designed boys school shoes that are built to last. Our primary school shoes have targeted flexibility to support kids as they play, while our senior school shoes offer smart style without compromising on comfort and fit.
This page is your central hub for school shoes advice from Start-Rite – the starting point for every guide and practical resource we’ve created to make your life easier. Below, find articles on:
- Choosing school shoes
- Getting the right fit for your child
- Caring for your child’s school shoes
- Starting a new school year
- School uniforms
- Walking to school
Choosing the right school shoes
Finding the best school shoes for your child isn’t always easy – especially when there’s such a wealth of variety to discover. From traditional school shoes to school trainers that retain a rougher, sportier silhouette, there are different styles to suit every child.
It’s not just standard leather or patent leather. We also offer advice on finding the best vegan school shoes, helping you to find a pair that suits your child’s style and your preferences. And we don’t stop at just school shoes either. If you’re looking for a new pair of PE trainers or plimsolls, we can help with that, too.
Getting the right fit for your child
Here at Start-Rite, we know just how important it is for your child’s development to get the right size shoes – especially for shoes they wear almost every day in term-time. That’s why we’re always talking about finding the best fit.
Fortunately, it’s easy to measure your child for new school shoes using the tips and advice gathered in our measuring hub – a one-stop shop for all things fit-related.
Need a different width fitting? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about choosing school shoes for wide feet.
Caring for your child's school shoes
Our Start-Rite school shoes are designed to be outgrown, never outworn, but they can last even longer when you take the time to keep them clean and protected between wears.
We’ve got the tips and tricks you need, from labelling school shoes to keep them safe to waterproofing them as winter approaches.
Starting a new school year
Going back to school in September can be daunting, even if you know your little one will be surrounded by friends. Those six weeks of the summer holidays can feel like forever – and when they go back, it can seem like they’ve forgotten everything they learned the year before!
Of course, the change can be even scarier for children if there’s a big change involved – such as their first day at secondary school, or their < a href="https://www.startriteshoes.com/blog/starting-school-advice">first day at school ever. You might even wonder if they’re ready for the step up.
If that’s the case, don’t worry. Every parent faces the same fears, and with a few tips and tricks up your sleeve, you can help your child adjust with as few teething problems as possible. Before you know it, it’ll be like they’ve never known anything different!
School uniforms
At Start-Rite, we specialise in shoes, but that doesn’t mean we underestimate the importance of school uniforms! Looking after your child’s school uniform is vital to keep them looking their best in lessons – and helping them to stay focused on the learning that matters.
Looking to save a few pounds? Learn how to make the most of your money with school uniform shopping tips from Kate Hardcastle MBE.
Walking to school
School isn’t just about book learning and smart uniforms – it’s also about your child developing their independence. From their first days in primary school through to their last steps in secondary, school can be one of the biggest influences on their growth and confidence.
Part of this is learning how to operate in the world without you at their side, not just in a controlled environment like the classroom, but in the big wide world as well. Walking to school involves learning routes, assessing safety and being around strangers – all important skills.
But you don’t have to teach them all on your own! We’ve compiled everything your child needs to know about walking to school and road safety to help them develop their confidence and independence with ease
Why choose Start-Rite for school shoes?
Start-Rite knows children’s shoes. In the 1920s, we began investigating children’s feet to confirm our belief that children’s feet should be catered for differently to adults. Then, in 1943, we ran the first ever nationwide survey into children’s feet, which led to investment in multi-width fittings, whole and half sizes and child-shaped age-specific lasts.
More recently we’ve worked with biomechanist specialists to conduct research into how children move. This research informed a re-engineering of the soles in Start-Rite shoes.
Leading the children’s footwear industry with innovation, durability, comfort and style, our extensive school shoe collection offers a shoe that will protect every child, because every child and every foot is different. This is a collection of shoes designed for children to choose on their terms.
Here at Start-Rite, we know how much school means to growing children. With the advice, how-to guides and tips we’ve collated, we hope we can help you make your little one’s school adventure a success, one step at a time.
Author: Click, published 26-08-2026.
