How to Choose the Right School Shoes for Your Child
Purchasing school shoes may seem simple enough, but when you realise the importance of making the right decision, it can become a little bit stressful. School shoes are worn from classroom to playground, pretty much all day every day. Which is why choosing the right pair is so important.
So, how do you choose the right school shoes? Here’s our simple guide with practical tips to help you pick the best pair for your little one.
Why You Should Care About School Shoes
Kids spend a lot of time on their feet during the school day. Between walking to class, running around at break and even lining up, their shoes need to keep up with them.
Shoes that don't fit properly, or ones that offer no support can cause aches and pains, blisters and general discomfort. This can even impact the development of your child’s feet in the long-term, so taking the time to pick carefully will be worth it in the long run.
Fit is Everything
If you had to take one thing away from this article it should be the importance of the fit. No matter how smart or how comfortable a shoe may look, if it doesn’t fit your child’s feet, it’s going to cause more harm than good.
A well-fitting shoe will feel secure on your child’s foot without feeling tight. You want a small gap in front of their toes, enough that they have some wiggle room without their foot sliding about. The heel should also stay in place when they walk and the shoe shouldn’t feel restrictive on the sides.
You may be tempted to get shoes a little bigger so they’ll last longer, but this can cause many problems. Children's feet grow at different rates so regularly measuring your child’s feet is the best way to keep on top of this.
Comfort is Key
This is one area where you should not compromise. School shoes are worn for hours each day, and you want your child to be comfortable.
You should be looking for shoes with a soft lining and plenty of cushioning on the sole to absorb shocks throughout the day. Shoes should be flexible too, allowing for natural foot movement when walking and running. Details like padded edges around the ankle can also help stop rubbing and irritation.
If your child tries some on and they immediately complain that they feel uncomfortable, listen to them.
Pick Something Durable
School shoes go through a lot. Scrapes, stains, rain and just general wear and tear, especially if your child is active.
Because of this, you want to pick a shoe that’s durable. Leather is always a good option as it’s strong, easy to clean and retains its smart look. Look at how the shoe is constructed too. Double stitching and reinforced toes are things to look for that will help the shoe last longer.
It can be tempting to buy cheaper shoes but they often won’t stand the test of time and you’ll find yourself buying another pair sooner than you think.
Velcro or Laces?
This decision will mostly depend on your child’s age. Velcro fastenings are great for younger children as they’re easy to put on, simple to adjust and give kids that little bit of independence when getting ready.
As kids get older, they might fancy having lace-up shoes. They usually offer a more snug fit and as long as your child can tie them, lace ups can work really well. Of course, there are strap or slip-on shoe styles which some kids prefer, as long as they stay on.
Uniform Policies
We won’t forget about school policies. Make sure you check what your child’s school allows for footwear. The majority of schools will require plain, sensible shoes, usually black and without prominent branding or sporty features.
It might not be the most fun thing to think about when picking shoes, but trust us, checking now will save you a return trip to the shop.
When To Buy School Shoes
A lot of parents buy school shoes shortly before school begins, which makes sense but it’s not the only time they'll need a new pair.
Children's feet can grow quickly, and their shoes won’t always last you as long as you’d like. If your child begins to complain that their feet hurt or you notice the shoes are starting to look worn. Thin soles, ripped uppers or holes are all signs that your child’s shoes need replacing.
Try getting your child’s feet measured every few months, especially for younger children.
Let Your Kids Pick
Function always comes before fashion, but letting your kids pick out a pair of shoes they like can lead to easier mornings. As long as they’re happy wearing them, they’ll be easier to get out the door.
Luckily there are tons of great school shoe styles these days that offer comfort and durability, without sacrificing style. Giving your child 2 or 3 options that you know are suitable will help simplify your decision.
Conclusion
Picking school shoes for your child doesn’t need to be difficult. As long as you remember to get the right fit and pick a durable pair you can’t go wrong.
At SoleLution, we understand how important the right shoes are for your child. Supporting growing feet and keeping up with school life is our specialty.