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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 school shoes for children?

Best School Shoes for Children When choosing the best school shoes for children, consider these key factors: Important Features Comfort - Children can spend over seven hours daily in their school shoes, so comfort is essential for concentration and play Durability - Look for shoes that can withstand playground a…

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02 What are the best school shoes for girls at Next?

Best School Shoes for Girls at Next Next offers a variety of school shoes for girls that combine comfort, durability, and style while meeting most school requirements. When shopping for girls' school shoes at Next, consider these popular options: Recommended Styles Patent leather Mary Janes - Classic style with a…

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03 What are the best school shoes for girls that look stylish?

Stylish School Shoes for Girls When looking for stylish school shoes for girls that comply with school uniform requirements, there are several options that balance practicality with a touch of style: Recommended Styles Classic Mary Janes - These timeless shoes with a strap across the instep are both practical and…

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04 What are the best school shoes for girls?

Best School Shoes for Girls When choosing school shoes for girls, it's important to focus on comfort, durability, and compliance with school uniform requirements. Here are some recommendations for the best school shoes for girls: Recommended Styles Mary Janes - Classic style with a strap across the instep, offeri…

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05 What are the best school shoes for men?

Best School Shoes for Men When selecting school shoes for men, it's important to choose formal black leather or leather-look shoes that meet school uniform requirements. Here are the key features to look for: Key Requirements Plain black formal style shoes Full leather or polishable leather substitutes Formal …

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06 What are the best school shoes for older boys?

Best School Shoes for Older Boys When choosing school shoes for older boys, it's important to select styles that meet school uniform requirements while providing comfort and durability. Here are the key characteristics of appropriate school shoes: Key Features to Look For Material: Plain black leather or leather-s…

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07 What are the best school shoes for older girls?

Best School Shoes for Older Girls When choosing school shoes for older girls, there are several important requirements to consider: Key Requirements Plain black leather or leather-style that can be polished (no suede) No logos, motifs, coloured stitching, or reflective areas Black laces only Formal style rat…

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08 What are the best school shoes for secondary students?

Best School Shoes for Secondary Students When choosing school shoes for secondary students, it's important to follow school uniform guidelines while also considering comfort and durability. What Makes Acceptable School Shoes The best school shoes for secondary students should have these features: Plain black des…

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09 What are the best school shoes for teenage boys?

Best School Shoes for Teenage Boys When selecting school shoes for teenage boys, you should look for formal black leather or leather-style shoes that can take polish. The ideal school shoes have these characteristics: Key Features of Acceptable School Shoes Plain black formal design suitable for a business environ…

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10 What are the best school shoes for teenage boys?

Best School Shoes for Teenage Boys When selecting school shoes for teenage boys, it's important to choose options that meet school uniform requirements while providing comfort and durability. Here are some recommendations: Key Requirements School shoes should be: Plain black leather or leather-style that can be po…

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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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