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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 What are the best Clarks shoes for children starting school?

Best Clarks Shoes for Children Starting School When selecting Clarks shoes for children starting school, there are several excellent options that combine comfort, durability, and school-appropriate styling: Recommended Styles for Primary School Children Velcro Fastening Shoes - Ideal for younger children who are …

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02 What are the best comfortable shoes for school?

Comfortable School Shoes for School When looking for comfortable school shoes that meet school requirements, you'll need to balance comfort with the formal style typically required by school uniform policies. Key Requirements for School Shoes School shoes should generally be: Plain black leather or leather-style …

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03 What are the best cushioned school shoes for girls?

Best Cushioned School Shoes for Girls When looking for well-cushioned school shoes for girls, comfort should be the top priority, as children can spend over seven hours a day in their school footwear. Here are some excellent options to consider: Key Features to Look For Proper cushioning - Look for shoes with pad…

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04 What are the best derby shoes for school uniforms?

Best Derby Shoes for School Uniforms Derby shoes are an excellent choice for school uniforms as they offer a good balance of formality, comfort, and durability. Based on typical school uniform requirements, here are recommendations for appropriate derby shoes: Key Features to Look For Colour: Plain black or brown …

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05 What are the best football cleats for school players?

Best Football Cleats for School Players When selecting football cleats for school players, you'll want to consider several important factors to ensure proper performance, comfort, and durability. Here are my recommendations: Types of Football Cleats Firm Ground (FG): Best for most natural grass pitches and the mo…

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06 What are the best girls school shoes to buy?

Best Girls School Shoes to Buy When choosing school shoes for girls, it's important to focus on both comfort and compliance with school uniform policies. Here are some guidelines and recommendations: Key Requirements Choose plain black or brown shoes (check your specific school policy) Select leather or leather-…

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07 What are the best luxury school shoes available?

Best Luxury School Shoes Available When looking for luxury school shoes, it's important to find options that combine quality, comfort, and compliance with school uniform policies. Here are some excellent luxury school shoe brands to consider: Top Luxury School Shoe Brands Start-rite - Known for their high-quality…

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08 What are the best narrow width shoes for school children?

Best Narrow Width Shoes for School Children Finding appropriate narrow width shoes for school children can be challenging, but several options combine proper fit with school uniform requirements. Recommended Brands for Narrow Feet Start-rite - Offers width fittings including narrow options, known for quality scho…

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09 What are the best PE trainers for girls school sports?

Best PE Trainers for Girls School Sports When selecting PE trainers for girls school sports, you should look for: Non-marking trainers - This is a specific requirement for indoor PE activities Trainers suitable for both indoor and outdoor PE activities Comfortable, supportive footwear that fits well Key Requ…

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10 What are the best pointed school shoes for students?

Best Pointed School Shoes for Students When selecting pointed school shoes for students, it's important to follow school uniform guidelines while ensuring comfort and durability. Here are recommendations for appropriate pointed school shoes: Key Requirements Choose plain black or brown leather or leather-style sho…

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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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