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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 teenage girls?

Best School Shoes for Teenage Girls When choosing school shoes for teenage girls, it's important to find footwear that balances comfort, durability, and compliance with school uniform requirements. What to Look For The ideal school shoes for teenage girls should be: Plain black and able to be polished (no suede …

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02 What are the best school shoes for teenage girls?

Best School Shoes for Teenage Girls When selecting school shoes for teenage girls, it's important to choose footwear that balances style, comfort, and school uniform requirements. Here are some recommendations: Key Features to Look For Material: Plain black leather or polishable leather-style that will maintain ap…

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03 What are the best school shoes for teenage girls?

Best School Shoes for Teenage Girls When choosing school shoes for teenage girls, there are several important criteria to keep in mind to ensure they meet school uniform requirements: Key Requirements Plain black and capable of being polished (leather or leather-style) No logos, motifs, colored stitching, or ref…

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04 What are the best school shoes for teenagers?

Best School Shoes for Teenagers When selecting school shoes for teenagers, it's important to choose styles that meet school uniform requirements while providing comfort and durability. Here are some recommendations: Recommended Styles Plain black leather shoes that can be polished (avoid suede) Lace-up styles l…

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05 What are the best school shoes for teenagers?

Best School Shoes for Teenagers When selecting school shoes for teenagers, it's important to balance comfort, durability, and compliance with school uniform policies. Here are some recommendations for appropriate school footwear: Recommended Styles Formal black leather shoes - Classic styles that can take polish …

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06 What are the best school shoes for toddlers?

Best School Shoes for Toddlers Choosing the right school shoes for toddlers is essential for healthy foot development. Here are the key features to look for: Professional Measurement Always have your toddler's feet measured by a professional. Proper fit is crucial as tight shoes can restrict toe movement and proper f…

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07 What are the best school shoes for young people?

Best School Shoes for Young People When choosing school shoes for young people, it's important to select appropriate styles that meet school requirements while providing comfort and durability. Recommended School Shoe Styles The best school shoes for young people typically have these characteristics: Plain black…

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08 What are the best scuff resistant shoes for school?

Best Scuff Resistant School Shoes When looking for scuff-resistant shoes for school, you need to consider both durability and compliance with school uniform policies. Based on typical school requirements, here are the best options: Key Features for Scuff Resistance Polishable leather - Genuine leather tends to be…

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09 What are the best shoes for children to wear during summer school?

School Shoes for Summer For summer school, children should wear plain black, full leather (or polishable leather substitute) shoes that are formal in style and appropriate for a business environment. These should have: No obvious branding or logos No colored stitching or reflective areas Plain black laces Mi…

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10 What are the best shoes for junior school students?

Best Shoes for Junior School Students The best shoes for junior school students should comply with school uniform requirements while providing comfort and durability. Here are the key guidelines for appropriate school footwear: Essential Requirements Material: Plain black full leather or polishable leather-look ma…

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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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