Where can I find school shoes for older boys?
Where to Find School Shoes for Older Boys
You can find suitable school shoes for older boys at several retailers:
- High street shoe shops like Clarks, Schuh, and Jones Bootmaker
- Department stores such as John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, and Debenhams
- Specialist uniform retailers including School Uniform Shop and Uniform Direct
- Online retailers such as Amazon, Next, and ASOS (be sure to check sizing guides)
What to Look For
When purchasing school shoes for older boys, ensure they meet these requirements:
- Plain black, full leather or polishable leather-style material
- Formal business-like style with no obvious branding
- Avoid sports brands, even if they appear to be school shoes
- No trainers, plimsolls, pumps or canvas footwear (e.g., Converse, Vans)
- No colored badges, laces, bands, or stripes
- Uniformly black, including soles and stitching
Shopping tip: If purchasing from sports retailers, check that the description specifically says "shoes" rather than "trainers" to ensure compliance with school policies.
Recommended Styles
For older boys, consider these appropriate styles:
- Oxford shoes - classic lace-up formal shoes
- Derby shoes - similar to Oxfords but with open lacing
- Loafers - slip-on formal shoes without laces
- Brogues - formal shoes with decorative perforations
Before making a purchase, it's advisable to check your school's specific uniform policy as requirements may vary between schools. Some schools provide visual guides of acceptable footwear styles.
When shopping for school shoes, consider durability as well as style, as older boys often need shoes that can withstand active use throughout the school year.