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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 slip-on school shoes for girls?

Where to Find Slip-On School Shoes for Girls Slip-on school shoes for girls can be found at various retailers both in-store and online. Here are some options to consider: High Street Retailers Clarks - Offers a wide range of slip-on school shoes with various fitting options M&S - Provides durable slip-on styles …

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02 Where can I find stylish school shoes for boys?

Finding Stylish School Shoes for Boys You can find stylish and school-compliant shoes for boys at several locations: High street shoe retailers like Clarks, Start-Rite, and Kickers Department stores such as John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, and Debenhams Online retailers including Next, Shoes.co.uk, and Charles Cli…

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03 Where can I find stylish shoes for school?

School Shoes Guide School shoes need to be plain black, formal leather (or leather-style) that can be polished. Here are the key requirements: Key Requirements Plain black leather (or polishable leather-style) Formal business-like appearance Black laces only Black socks must …

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04 Where can I find suitable Kickers shoes for school?

Finding Suitable Kickers Shoes for School Kickers shoes can be acceptable for school wear, but you need to be selective about which styles you choose. Here's what to look for: Acceptable Features Black or brown colors only Formal, conventional style (not trainer-like) Minimal visible branding Full leather or…

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05 Where can I find unicorn-themed school shoes for kids?

Finding Appropriate School Shoes for Children Based on school uniform policies, unicorn-themed school shoes would not be permitted as they contain decorative elements that go against standard school shoe requirements. Typical School Shoe Requirements Most schools require shoes that are: Plain black or brown leat…

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06 Where can I find waterproof shoes for school?

Finding Waterproof School Shoes You can find waterproof school shoes from several sources: Specialist shoe retailers - Stores like Clarks, Start-Rite, and Kickers offer waterproof or water-resistant school shoe options Department stores - John Lewis, Debenhams, and Marks & Spencer typically stock waterproof scho…

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07 Where can I find white school shoes for girls?

Finding White School Shoes for Girls Based on the uniform requirements provided, white school shoes are not permitted at these schools. The guidelines specifically state that school shoes must be: Black or brown only (at Coates Lane Primary School) Plain black and able to be polished (at WHSB) Uniformly black …

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08 Where can I find wide fit school shoes for boys?

Finding Wide Fit School Shoes for Boys You can find wide fit school shoes for boys at several retailers that specialize in properly fitted school footwear. Here are some options to consider: Recommended Retailers Clarks - Offers comprehensive fitting services and wide fit options (G and H fittings) Start-Rite - …

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09 Where can I find wide fit school shoes for boys?

Where to Find Wide Fit School Shoes for Boys Wide fit school shoes for boys can be found at several retailers that specialize in school footwear. Here are some options to consider: High Street Retailers Clarks - Offers a dedicated wide fit range with professional fitting service Start-rite - Specializes in diffe…

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10 Where can I find wide fit school shoes for girls?

Where to Find Wide Fit School Shoes for Girls Wide fit school shoes for girls can be found at several retailers that specialize in properly fitted children's footwear. Here are some recommended places to look: High Street Retailers Clarks - Offers a dedicated wide fit range with professional fitting service Star…

school shoes leather black girls clarks
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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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