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The Shoelist Edit

Questions & Answers

Everything you need to know about school shoe lists, fitting, subscriptions & more.

Frequently Asked

Questions

01 Where can I find boys school shoes with laces?

Boys School Shoes with Laces Boys school shoes with laces can be found at several retailers with various price points to suit different budgets: Shoe Zone - Beckett Leather lace up (£20) Sports Direct - Waltham Lace up junior shoes (£20) Kickers - Fragma Lace Derbys (£40-£60) Clarks - Wallabees (£90-£1…

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02 Where can I find boys smart school shoes?

Where to Find Boys' Smart School Shoes You can find boys' smart school shoes at various retailers both in-store and online: Recommended Retailers Department stores - John Lewis, Debenhams, House of Fraser Shoe specialists - Clarks, Schuh, Start-Rite, Kickers High street retailers - M&S, Next, TK Maxx Online…

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03 Where can I find boys velcro school shoes?

Boys Velcro School Shoes The acceptability of velcro fastening shoes depends on the specific school's uniform policy: Primary Schools For primary schools like Coates Lane Primary School, velcro fastenings are specifically mentioned as acceptable and even recommended for younger children who may find them easier to ma…

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04 Where can I find children's school shoes in half sizes?

Where to Find Children's School Shoes in Half Sizes Finding the right fit for school shoes is essential for children's comfort and foot health. Here's where you can find half-size options: Specialist Children's Footwear Retailers Clarks - Offers comprehensive half-size options both online and in-store, with profes…

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05 Where can I find chunky black school shoes?

Finding Chunky Black School Shoes You can find chunky black school shoes at several retailers both in-store and online: Recommended Retailers High Street Shops: Clarks, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Next, and Debenham's have dedicated school shoe sections Shoe Specialists: Schuh, Office, and Shoe Zone offer vario…

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06 Where can I find Clarks patent leather school shoes?

Where to Find Clarks Patent Leather School Shoes You can find Clarks patent leather school shoes through several shopping channels: Clarks Official Website - Visit clarks.co.uk for their full range of school shoes including patent leather options Clarks Physical Stores - Visit a Clarks shop on your local high st…

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07 Where can I find Clarks school shoes for girls?

Where to Find Clarks School Shoes for Girls You can find Clarks school shoes for girls through several shopping channels: Clarks Official Website - Browse their full range online at clarks.co.uk with filtering options for girls' school shoes Clarks Physical Stores - Visit a Clarks store where trained staff can m…

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08 Where can I find Clarks unicorn school shoes for kids?

Finding Clarks Unicorn School Shoes for Kids You can find Clarks unicorn-themed school shoes for children through several channels: Clarks Official Website - Visit clarks.co.uk and search for "unicorn school shoes" in their children's section Clarks Physical Stores - Visit your local Clarks shop where staff can …

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09 Where can I find comfortable school shoes for girls?

Finding Comfortable School Shoes for Girls When looking for comfortable school shoes for girls, there are several important factors to consider: Acceptable Shoe Styles For comfortable and regulation-compliant school shoes, look for: Plain black or brown shoes that can be polished Slip-on, buckled, or lace-up…

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10 Where can I find comfortable slip-on shoes for school?

Finding Comfortable Slip-On Shoes for School Comfortable slip-on shoes for school should meet your school's uniform requirements while providing good support for daily wear. Here's what you need to know: Acceptable Slip-On Styles Black or brown slip-on shoes are generally acceptable for school wear. When shopping fo…

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The Shoelist Guide

How to Choose, Measure & Fit School Shoes

A parent’s definitive guide to getting school shoes right — from measuring at home to spotting the perfect fit in-store. Five steps, no guesswork.

01

Measuring Your Child’s Feet

Children’s feet can grow up to two full sizes in a single year. Last term’s size is almost certainly wrong.

Time it right

Measure in the afternoon when feet are at their largest after a full day of activity.

Stand, don’t sit

Full weight on both feet spreads the foot and gives a true reading.

Use a proper gauge

A Brannock device or printable gauge — heel against the back stop, read length and width.

Measure both feet

One foot is often larger. Always fit to the bigger foot, wearing school socks.

02

Choosing the Right Style

Always check your school’s specific requirements before purchasing.

Material

Genuine leather or quality synthetic. Avoid canvas for daily wear.

Sole

Flexible, non-marking rubber. Should bend at the ball, not the middle.

Fastening

Velcro for younger children, lace-ups for older. Slip-ons lack hold.

Colour

Plain black for most schools. No coloured stitching or metallic finishes.

Toe Box

Rounded or wide gives growing toes room. Pointed styles cause problems.

Weight

Lighter shoes reduce fatigue for children on their feet all day.

03

The Perfect Fit Checklist

Run through every check before committing. Tick them off as you go.

04

In-Store vs. Online

In-Store
  • Trained fitters assess gait, arch & width
  • Calibrated gauges for accuracy
  • Instant try-on and walk test
  • Expert advice on foot issues
vs
Online
  • Wider selection & price comparison
  • Check brand size charts carefully
  • Choose generous returns policies
  • Try both shoes before removing tags
Editor’s tip: Use our shop finder to locate specialist children’s shoe retailers near you. Many offer free measuring even if you don’t buy on the day.
05

When to Replace

Even the best shoes have a shelf life. Watch for these warning signs:

Sore feet or blisters Toes pressing the front Sole worn smooth Heel counter collapsed Upper cracked or leaking
Rule of thumb — check the fit every 6–8 weeks during term and always re-measure at the start of each school year.
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