What are the best school shoes for children?
Best School Shoes for Children
When choosing the best school shoes for children, consider these key factors:
Important Features
- Comfort - Children can spend over seven hours daily in their school shoes, so comfort is essential for concentration and play
- Durability - Look for shoes that can withstand playground activities and daily wear
- Proper Fit - Ensure toes aren't touching the end, with room on either side and no pressure points
- Material - Leather is typically best as it's durable, breathable, and can be repaired
The Ideal School Shoe
An ideal school shoe should:
- Be properly fitted for width and length
- Have a foot-shaped toe area with sufficient depth
- Include a heel height no greater than 4cm with shock-absorbing material
- Fit snugly around the heel
- Be secured with laces, Velcro, or a strap
Best Time to Buy
The optimal time to purchase school shoes is late August to early September, just before the academic year begins. This timing helps ensure your child won't outgrow them too quickly.
Always measure your child's feet each time you buy new shoes. Don't simply buy the next size up, as they may need a different width or might have grown more or less than expected.
What to Avoid
Most schools don't allow:
- Open-toed shoes
- Wedge or high heels
- Shoes with flashing lights
- Ugg boots or crocs
- Trainer-style shoes (even if they're black)
- Shoes with sports logos or excessive decorations
Plimsolls should not be worn as regular school shoes. While useful for indoor activities, they lack proper sizing options and support for growing feet.
For best results, consider using a professional fitting service when purchasing school shoes to ensure proper fit and comfort for your child's developing feet.