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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 school PE pumps in half sizes?

Finding School PE Pumps in Half Sizes Based on the school uniform information, specific details about PE pumps in half sizes aren't provided in the school documentation. However, I can offer some helpful guidance on where to find them. Where to Find PE Pumps in Half Sizes Check with specialist school uniform reta…

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02 Where can I find school sandals for girls?

School Sandals for Girls Based on the school uniform guidelines, specific considerations for school sandals include: General Requirements School footwear must typically be plain black or brown Shoes should be able to be polished (no suede materials) No motifs, logos, coloured stitching or reflective areas are …

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03 Where can I find school sandals for girls?

Finding School Sandals for Girls Based on typical school uniform policies, when looking for school sandals for girls, you'll need to consider both style requirements and where to purchase them. Key Requirements for School Sandals School sandals typically need to meet these criteria: Colour: Black or brown only …

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04 Where can I find school shoes for infant boys?

School Shoes for Infant Boys You can find school shoes for infant boys at a variety of retailers including: High street shoe shops such as Clarks, Start-Rite, and Kickers Department stores like John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, and Debenhams Supermarkets with clothing sections including Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Asda…

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05 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 Un…

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06 Where can I find school shoes for teenage girls?

Finding School Shoes for Teenage Girls You can find appropriate school shoes for teenage girls at several places: Retail Options High street shoe shops like Clarks, Kickers, or Sketchers Department stores such as Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, or Debenhams Shoe specialists like Shoe Zone or Deichmann Online re…

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07 Where can I find school shoes in my area?

Finding School Shoes in Your Area You can find school shoes in several places in your local area: Dedicated shoe retailers like Clarks, which offer specialist fitting services and foot measuring Department stores such as Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, or Debenhams Supermarkets with clothing sections like Asda, T…

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08 Where can I find school shoes with laces?

Finding School Shoes with Laces School shoes with laces can be found at various retailers that specialize in school uniforms and footwear. Here's what you need to know: Where to Buy School Shoes with Laces High street shoe retailers like Clarks, Kickers, and Start-Rite Department stores such as Marks & Spencer, …

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09 Where can I find school trainers for boys?

School Trainers for Boys According to the school uniform policy, boys should have non-marking trainers specifically for Physical Education (PE) classes. These trainers are part of the required PE kit and should only be worn during PE lessons, not as everyday school shoes. PE Trainers Requirements Must be non-marki…

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10 Where can I find shops selling school shoes?

Where to Find School Shoes You can find school shoes at various retailers across the UK. Based on the school requirements, you'll need to look for specific styles that meet the uniform policy. Popular Retailers for School Shoes Clarks - Specializes in school shoes with fitting service Marks & Spencer - Offers d…

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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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