How We Fit School Shoes (And Why It Matters)
When it comes to buying school shoes, many parents see it as just another job to tick off the back-to-school list. But at SoleLution, we know that a properly fitted school shoe is more than just footwear - it’s an investment in your child’s comfort, confidence, and long-term foot health.
In this guide, we’re pulling back the curtain on our school shoe fitting process - so you can see exactly what we do, why we do it, and how it makes all the difference.
Why School Shoe Shopping Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
We get it - for many families, school shoe shopping can feel like a battle.
Some children don’t enjoy trying things on. Others have tricky-to-fit feet or sensory sensitivities that make certain textures and styles uncomfortable. And parents? You just want it sorted without the drama.
That’s where we do things differently.
At SoleLution, we create a calm, positive environment for fittings.
We take our time, listen to your child, and make the experience as smooth as possible.
No rushing. No pressure. No “that will do” approach.
We want every child to leave with the right pair for their soles and to feel good about wearing them.
Why a Properly Fitted Shoe Makes All the Difference
A well-fitted shoe isn’t just about avoiding blisters. It’s about supporting your child’s feet every step of the day - from the walk to school, to hours in the classroom, to running around in the playground.
Here’s what a proper fit can do:
- Supports posture – helping your child stand and walk naturally
- Improves balance – reducing trips and falls
- Enhances comfort – no pinching, rubbing, or slipping
- Prevents long-term issues – like joint strain or poor gait development
When shoes fit properly, children are more confident, more active, and more focused on what really matters - learning, playing, and having fun.
How We Fit School Shoes
Our fitting process is detailed for a reason - because no two feet (or shoes) are the same.
📽️ Watch this quick video to see how we measure children’s feet in-store https://youtube.com/shorts/4LxbxIs5Ptc?feature=share
1. Measuring as a Starting Point
We begin with a professional measurement using a fitting gauge.
But here’s the key — the number on the gauge is just a guide. It’s a starting point, not the final decision.
We’ve had children measure one size on the gauge but walk out with a completely different size because of their foot shape.
Take my son George - he used to measure a whole size and a half smaller than he actually needed because he’d hold his arch up when sitting still.
2. Trying Different Styles and Sizes
Once we know the starting point, we’ll try on several styles and sizes.
Why? Because different brands and designs can fit very differently, even if they’re labelled the same size.
We look for the perfect match between shoe and foot - considering width, arch height, ankle shape, and even how flexible the shoe is.
3. The Checks We Do
Our trained fitters run through a checklist to make sure the shoe is spot-on:
- Length – enough growing room, but not so much that the shoe slips
- Width – snug but not tight, allowing toes to move freely
- Ankle fit – secure without rubbing
- Flex point – the shoe bends where the foot bends
- Overall support – the shoe holds the foot in a natural position
We don’t guess. We don’t rush. And we don’t stop until we’re happy with the fit.
Why the Gauge is Just a Guide
Parents are often surprised when we say, “Yes, your child measures a size 2 — but this shoe fits best in a size 2½.”
That’s because:
- Different brands have different sizing systems
- Materials and design affect how a shoe fits
- No two feet are exactly alike — even on the same child
The gauge gives us a starting point. Experience and expertise give us the answer.
The SoleLution Difference
Here’s what you can expect from us:
- Personal service – every child gets one-to-one attention
- Expert fitters – trained to spot the small details that make a big difference
- Choice – we stock a range of brands to suit different shapes and needs
- Patience – we understand some children need more time and reassurance
And for busy parents, we offer both in-store appointments and virtual fittings - so you can get the same expert service from the comfort of your own home.
Book Your Back-to-School Fitting
The right school shoe fit isn’t just about looking smart on the first day - it’s about keeping your child’s feet healthy all year long.
📅 In-store fitting appointments available now – avoid the queues and get expert advice.
💻 Virtual fittings – perfect for busy schedules or if you live further away.
Final Tip: Don’t leave it too late — the best sizes can go quickly in the run-up to the new term!
