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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 shoes for secondary school students?

Best Shoes for Secondary School Students The best shoes for secondary school students should be: Plain black formal shoes Made of full leather or leather substitutes that can be polished Formal in style and appropriate for a business environment Free from obvious branding, coloured stitching, logos, or refle…

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02 What are the best shoes to wear for school?

Best Shoes for School For school, you need to wear formal, plain black leather shoes (or leather-style) that can be polished. These should be appropriate for a business environment and have minimal branding. Acceptable School Shoes Plain black formal shoes Full leather or polishable leather substitutes Minima…

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03 What are the best slip-on shoes for girls school uniforms?

Best Slip-On Shoes for Girls School Uniforms When choosing slip-on shoes for girls' school uniforms, there are several important factors to consider: Key Requirements Must be plain black or brown (depending on school policy) Should be leather or polishable leather-look material Must be formal in style, not tra…

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04 What are the best Timberland shoes for school?

Best Timberland Shoes for School When selecting Timberland shoes for school, it's important to consider your school's specific uniform policy requirements. Based on typical school uniform policies, here are the best Timberland options: Recommended Timberland School Shoes Timberland Classic Oxford - A formal leath…

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05 What are the most durable school shoes for children?

Most Durable School Shoes for Children When looking for durable school shoes for children, several factors contribute to longevity and resilience: Best Materials for Durability Leather school shoes are typically the most durable option as they are: Long-lasting - withstand daily wear and tear Breathable - keeps …

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06 What are the most fashionable shoes for school?

Appropriate School Shoes When selecting fashionable yet regulation-compliant school shoes, you should focus on formal black leather or leather-style shoes that maintain a professional appearance while meeting school requirements. Acceptable Shoe Styles The following styles are both appropriate and can be considered …

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07 What are the most popular school shoes for teenage girls?

Popular School Shoes for Teenage Girls When looking for popular school shoes for teenage girls that comply with uniform policies, there are several acceptable styles that balance school requirements with current trends: Popular Acceptable Styles Classic loafers - A timeless option that works well with school unif…

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08 What are the most popular shoe styles for students?

Acceptable School Shoe Styles for Students The most popular and acceptable school shoe styles for students are those that align with typical school uniform requirements. Based on standard school policies, acceptable shoes typically include: Acceptable Shoe Styles Plain black formal shoes Leather or leather-style…

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09 What are the popular school shoe styles for girls this year?

Popular School Shoe Styles for Girls When looking for school shoes for girls this year, the following styles are both popular and typically comply with most school uniform policies: Acceptable Styles Mary Janes - Classic style with a strap across the instep Loafers - Slip-on formal shoes without laces Lace-up …

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10 What are the trendiest shoes for boys to wear to school?

Appropriate School Shoes for Boys For boys attending school, the most appropriate shoes are plain black formal leather or leather-look shoes that can be polished. While fashion trends change regularly, schools typically have specific requirements for footwear that prioritize formality and uniformity over current trend…

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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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