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School Shoe Lists
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Create, manage and share your school shoe requirements with parents and local retailers, all in the one place.

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Approved Footwear

Explore School Shoes

Browse approved styles for girls, boys & sports, all chosen to sit happily within school uniform policies. Whatever you settle on, do pop into a local shop that specialises in fitting children’s feet and have them measured properly before you buy.

Brogue
Brogue
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Chelsea Boot
Chelsea Boot
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
High-top Trainer
High-top Trainer
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
High-top Trainer (Velcro)
High-top Trainer (Velcro)
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Lace Up Trainer
Lace Up Trainer
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Lace-up Boot
Lace-up Boot
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Lace-up Oxford
Lace-up Oxford
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Loafer
Loafer
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Mary Jane
Mary Jane
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Moccasin
Moccasin
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Patent Brogue
Patent Brogue
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Patent Chelsea Boot
Patent Chelsea Boot
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Patent Elastic Ballet Pump
Patent Elastic Ballet Pump
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Patent Lace Up Trainer
Patent Lace Up Trainer
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Patent Lace-up Oxford
Patent Lace-up Oxford
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Patent Loafer
Patent Loafer
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Patent Slip-on Ballet Pump
Patent Slip-on Ballet Pump
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Patent T-Bar
Patent T-Bar
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Patent Velcro Brogue
Patent Velcro Brogue
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Patent Velcro Mary Jane
Patent Velcro Mary Jane
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Patent Velcro Oxford
Patent Velcro Oxford
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Patent Velcro T-Bar
Patent Velcro T-Bar
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Patent Velcro Trainer
Patent Velcro Trainer
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Patent Zip Chelsea Boot
Patent Zip Chelsea Boot
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Velcro Boot
Velcro Boot
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Velcro Brogue
Velcro Brogue
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Velcro Mary Jane
Velcro Mary Jane
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Velcro Oxford
Velcro Oxford
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Velcro T-Bar
Velcro T-Bar
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Velcro Trainer
Velcro Trainer
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
Zip Chelsea Boot
Zip Chelsea Boot
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
View All Girls Shoes
Brogue
Brogue
Generic boys Sizes: 3-8
High-top Trainer
High-top Trainer
Generic boys Sizes: 3-8
High-top Trainer (Velcro)
High-top Trainer (Velcro)
Generic boys Sizes: 3-8
Lace-up Boot
Lace-up Boot
Generic boys Sizes: 3-8
Moccasin
Moccasin
Generic boys Sizes: 3-8
Velcro Boot
Velcro Boot
Generic boys Sizes: 3-8
Velcro Brogue
Velcro Brogue
Generic boys Sizes: 3-8
Zip Chelsea Boot
Zip Chelsea Boot
Generic boys Sizes: 3-8
View All Boys Shoes
Astro Trainers
Astro Trainers
Generic unisex Sizes: 3-8
Ballet Shoes
Ballet Shoes
Generic girls Sizes: 2-7
Cricket Shoes
Cricket Shoes
Generic boys Sizes: 3-8
Indoor Court Shoes
Indoor Court Shoes
Generic unisex Sizes: 3-8
Lace Plimsolls
Lace Plimsolls
Generic unisex Sizes: 2-9
Netball Trainers
Netball Trainers
Generic girls Sizes: 3-8
PE Trainers
PE Trainers
Generic unisex Sizes: 2-9
PE Trainers (Velcro)
PE Trainers (Velcro)
Generic unisex Sizes: 2-9
Running Trainers
Running Trainers
Generic unisex Sizes: 3-8
Running Trainers (Velcro)
Running Trainers (Velcro)
Generic unisex Sizes: 3-8
Velcro Football Boots
Velcro Football Boots
Generic unisex Sizes: 3-8
View All Sports Shoes
Buying Guide

The Complete Guide to Choosing School Shoes

Our honest, down-to-earth advice on buying school shoes that keep within uniform policy, look after growing feet and see out a full term, for girls, boys and PE alike.

Get measured and fitted before you buy

If you do nothing else, have your child properly fitted at a local shop that specialises in measuring children’s feet. A good fitter measures both feet for length and width, checks the depth and instep, and watches how your child walks; no size chart or online order can manage that. Little feet can grow as much as two full sizes in a year, and around two in three children are walking about in the wrong size, so it is well worth popping back every six to eight weeks during a growth spurt.

Find a Local Fitting Shop

Girls’ School Shoes

Most schools ask for a plain black, low-heeled closed shoe. Do put a secure fit before fashion; you want a shoe that stays on without your daughter having to grip it with her toes.

  • Plain black leather or hard-wearing synthetic, with no logos, glitter or coloured trims.
  • A secure fastening, be it a buckle, a single strap (T-bar or Mary Jane) or laces, to hold the heel in place. Loose slip-ons are best avoided.
  • A low, broad heel (under 4 cm). Flat or low block heels are kind to feet all day, whereas ballet pumps give very little support.
  • A closed toe and heel to protect little feet in corridors, on stairwells and out in the playground.
  • A cushioned, non-slip sole and a breathable lining to keep feet cool and free of rubbing.

Boys’ School Shoes

Boys do tend to be harder on their shoes, so build quality is what counts. Look for a sturdy black lace-up or twin-strap shoe that will shrug off constant playground wear.

  • Plain black, with no contrast stitching, branding or sports-style detailing.
  • Hard-wearing uppers; coated or scuff-resistant leather stands up best to the daily knocks.
  • Laces or rip-tape (Velcro) for an adjustable, secure fit. Younger ones often manage rip-tape on their own.
  • A reinforced toe and a bonded or stitched sole that will not peel away or split.
  • A flexible, grippy sole that bends at the ball of the foot rather than in the middle.

PE & Sports Shoes

PE kit lists usually call for trainers, and sometimes football boots too. A supportive, well-fitted trainer looks after growing joints during running and games.

  • Check the kit list first; some schools ask for all-white or all-black trainers, while others are happy with any colour.
  • A cushioned, flexible sole with good grip for both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
  • A lace or strap fastening so the foot is held firmly through sprints and quick changes of direction.
  • Breathable mesh uppers, which help with heat and moisture once your child gets going.
  • A thumb’s width of growing room. Trainers get hard use and tend to be outgrown quickly.

What School Uniform Policies Usually Require

Most UK schools land on much the same rules. Always check your own school’s shoe list for the exact wording, but the points below are widely accepted.

Generally Allowed

  • Plain black shoes (no white soles or coloured logos)
  • Closed toe and closed heel
  • Low, sensible heel for everyday wear
  • A secure fastening: laces, buckle, strap or rip-tape
  • Leather or wipe-clean synthetic uppers
  • Slip-resistant, flat or low-profile soles

Usually Not Allowed

  • Trainers or trainer-style shoes for classroom wear
  • Boots, canvas pumps or open sandals
  • High heels, platforms or wedges
  • Bright colours, logos, lights or decoration
  • Backless, slip-on or flip-flop styles
  • Heelys or any wheeled footwear

School Shoe Size & Fitting Guide

Getting the size right looks after little feet and saves you money. Treat this as a starting point and then confirm it with a proper fitting; growing room, width and depth all matter just as much as length.

1. Measure both feet

Feet are rarely a matched pair, so always fit to the larger of the two. Measure late in the day, when feet are at their largest, with your child standing and taking their weight.

2. Allow growing room

Leave roughly a thumb’s width (about 1 to 1.5 cm) between the longest toe and the end of the shoe: enough to grow into, but never so much that the foot slides.

3. Check the width & depth

The shoe should hold the foot without pinching across the widest part or pressing on the instep. Width fittings (such as F, G or H) matter every bit as much as length.

4. Test the fit

The heel should sit snugly without slipping, and your child should be able to wiggle all their toes. Always fit with school socks or tights on.

5. Re-measure regularly

Check the fit every six to eight weeks for under-fives, and roughly every three months for older children. Outgrown shoes are one of the commonest causes of foot trouble.

6. Watch for warning signs

Red marks, blisters, curled toes or shoes that keep coming off are all signs of a poor fit, so do book a re-measure straight away.

Children’s Shoe Size Conversion Chart

UK EU US Foot length Typical age
825–26915.3 cm3–4 yrs
9271016.1 cm4–5 yrs
10281117.0 cm5 yrs
11291217.8 cm5–6 yrs
1230–311318.7 cm6–7 yrs
1332119.5 cm7–8 yrs
133220.4 cm8–9 yrs
234321.2 cm9–10 yrs
335–36422.1 cm10–11 yrs
437522.9 cm11–12 yrs
538623.8 cm12–13 yrs
639724.6 cm13+ yrs

These conversions and foot lengths are a guide only; lasts vary from one maker to the next and half sizes are common. Width and depth simply cannot be read from a chart, so a proper fitting at a local children’s shoe shop remains the only dependable way to size growing feet.

Ready to buy? Find a specialist near you. Find Local Retailers
How It Works

Why Choose Shoelist?

A simple way to create, share and manage your school shoe requirements, without the usual fuss.

Easy List Creation

Put together a tidy shoe list with a simple drag-and-drop. Set your requirements, add a few photographs and publish whenever you are ready.

Simple Sharing

Share your shoe lists with parents through a single link. No more printed letters; just instant, paper-free updates.

Local Retailers

Connect parents with trusted local shoe retailers in their area. Support local businesses whilst finding the right fit.

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Partner Schools

Featured Schools

Discover schools already using Shoelist to manage their uniform footwear requirements.

Ark Chamberlain Primary Academy
Birmingham, West Midlands
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Aston Manor Academy
Birmingham, West Midlands
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King Edward VI Sheldon Heath Academy
Birmingham, West Midlands
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Ninestiles, an Academy
Birmingham, West Midlands
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Trusted Stockists

Trusted Retailers

Find verified local shoe retailers who stock approved school footwear near you.

Clarks Cambridge Petty Cury
13 Petty Cury, CAMBRIDGE, CB2 3NE
View Details
Paces and Laces
5 Towngate
View Details
Schuh Trafford Kids
Manchester, City of
View Details
Start-Rite Shoes
Godalming, Surrey
View Details
Find Local Retailers


Free Download

Printable Shoe Size Gauge

Measure your child’s feet at home with our free printable gauge ruler. Children’s feet can grow up to two full sizes in a single year — last term’s size is almost certainly wrong.

Download Size Gauge (PDF)
School Shoe Size Gauge — Printable PDF

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