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Durable, supportive styles for boys and girls, properly fitted and built to last all term.
Based in Portishead, near Bristol
Come and see us at your local children's shoe shop
We're a family-run shoe shop on Portishead High Street, not an anonymous warehouse. Every pair of school shoes is properly fitted by trained fitters who genuinely care about getting it right. Pop in any time, or book ahead to skip the queue.
- Portishead High Street (BS20), 20 minutes from Bristol city centre
- Free parking nearby, easy for the school run
- Open throughout the summer holidays for back-to-school fittings
- Walk-ins welcome, or book ahead to guarantee no wait
Top picks by brand
Our fitters' favourite school shoes from the brands we trust most, including Start-Rite, Geox and Ricosta. Every pair is chosen for durability, support and a proper fit, so you can shop with confidence whether you're buying for primary, secondary or sixth form.
Geox
View all Geox →
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- £60.00
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£60.00
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£55.00
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- from £52.50
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Ricoste
View all Ricoste →
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- from £59.99
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£59.99
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£59.99
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- £64.99
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£64.99
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Start-Rite
View all Start-Rite →
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- £55.00
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- £55.00
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£55.00
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£65.00
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- £47.99
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Shop All School Collections
Find exactly what you need, from everyday school shoes to PE trainers, wellies for rainy walks and clearance bargains.
Boys' School Shoes
Hard-wearing leather styles from riptape first shoes to smart lace-ups.
Shop boys →
Girls' School Shoes
Classic Mary-Janes, modern T-bars, and everything in between.
Shop girls →
PE & Trainers
Lightweight, supportive trainers for PE days, after-school clubs, and the walk home.
Shop trainers →
Make Them Last: School Shoe Care
A little care goes a long way. Follow these simple steps to keep school shoes looking smart and lasting longer, saving you money and extra trips to the shops.
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1
Clean little and often
A quick wipe with a damp cloth after school stops dirt building up and cracking the leather.
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2
Polish and protect
A thin coat of polish once a week keeps leather supple and adds water resistance. Match the colour to the shoe.
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3
Waterproof before autumn
Spray with waterproofer before the first wet week of term, then reapply every few weeks through autumn and winter.
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4
Dry them properly
Stuff wet shoes with newspaper and dry at room temperature. Never use a radiator or tumble dryer, as direct heat warps leather.
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5
Rotate if you can
Two pairs worn in rotation last longer than one, giving each time to dry out fully between wears.
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6
Check the fit every half-term
Press gently on the toe. If there's less than a thumbnail of space, book a re-measure in store or use our virtual fitting.
Back to School Footwear Checklist
Use our checklist to make sure you've got everything covered before the first day of term. A bit of planning now means no last-minute panics in September.
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Get feet measured (both feet!)
Children's feet can differ in size between left and right. Always fit to the larger foot. Book in-store or use our free virtual fitting.
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Check your school's uniform policy
Plain black leather? Black trainers allowed? Buckles or laces? Know before you buy to avoid a last-minute swap.
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Buy school shoes (leave a thumb's width of room)
A snug fit won't allow for growth. A gap that's too big means blisters. Our fitters get this right every time.
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Pick up PE trainers
Lightweight, supportive, and non-marking soles. Many schools require separate indoor trainers for the gym.
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Consider a pair of wellies
Rainy school runs, muddy playing fields and outdoor learning all mean a good pair of wellies is essential from October onwards.
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Break them in before day one
Wear new shoes around the house for a few days. This softens the leather and prevents blisters on the first week back.
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Waterproof and polish
A coat of waterproofing spray and a quick polish before term starts protects the leather and keeps them looking smart.
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Label everything
Name labels inside shoes (and PE trainers!) prevent the lost property box from swallowing them by week two.
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Set a half-term check reminder
Growing feet don't wait. Set a reminder to check the fit at half-term, and if they're getting tight, book a re-measure.
School shoes for Bristol families
Need school shoes for Bristol? SoleLution is a family-run children's shoe shop on Portishead High Street, just 20 minutes from Bristol city centre. We fit and supply quality school shoes for families across Bristol, Portishead, Clevedon and Nailsea, with trained fitters who measure every child properly before they buy. Order online for free delivery, or pop in for a fitting and walk out the same day.
Buy boys school shoes in Bristol from the brands parents trust, including Start-Rite, Geox and Ricosta. Our boys' range runs from sturdy first shoes through to smart leather lace-ups for secondary school, all built to survive the playground and a full term of wear. Need an easy fastening for younger feet? Our velcro boys school shoes are ideal for children still learning to dress themselves, letting them get their shoes on and off without help. Velcro boys school shoes also make busy mornings quicker, and every pair is fitted for length and width so there is proper room to grow.
Prefer to browse first? Explore girls' school shoes, PE trainers and everyday styles above, or book a free fitting and let our team find the right size, width and style for your child. Whether you shop online or in store, you get the same expert advice that has made us a trusted name for school shoes in Bristol and North Somerset.
Back to school questions, answered
Got a question we haven't covered? Get in touch and our team will be happy to help.
When is the best time to buy school shoes?
We recommend late July to mid-August. Children's feet can grow up to half a size over summer, so buying too early risks a poor fit by September. That said, don't leave it to the last week of August, as popular sizes and styles sell out fast.
How often do children need new school shoes?
Primary-age children (4–11) typically need new shoes every 3–4 months as their feet grow quickly. Secondary-age children usually get 4–6 months from a quality pair. We recommend checking the fit at least once a term. Press your thumb gently on the toe to feel for room.
Do you offer a fitting service?
Yes, we offer two options. In-store: Free fittings at our Portishead shop, no appointment necessary (though booking guarantees no wait). Virtual: Our free virtual fitting service lets you get measured from home, which is perfect if you can't make it in. Both are carried out by experienced, trained fitters.
Do you stock wide-fit school shoes?
Yes! Many of our brands, including Start-Rite and Ricosta, offer multiple width fittings (E, F, G, H). Our fitting service identifies the right width for your child, so the shoe supports without pinching. Wide and narrow fittings are available in-store and online.
What parents are saying
Don't just take our word for it. Here's what families say about shopping with NewSoleution.
Brilliant fitting service. They really took the time to get the right size and width. My son's Start-Rites have lasted the whole year with barely a scuff. We won't go anywhere else now.
Used the virtual fitting for the first time and was honestly amazed at how easy it was. The shoes arrived, fitted perfectly, and my daughter loves them. Saved me a stressful Saturday in town!
Always come back to SoleLution for school shoes. The staff actually know about children's feet, not just selling the most expensive pair. Honest advice and great quality every time.
My daughter has really wide feet and finding school shoes that fit has always been a nightmare. The team here measured her properly and found a pair that she says are the comfiest she's ever had.
Ordered online with free delivery and the shoes arrived next day. Quality is miles ahead of the supermarket shoes we used to buy. My boy is on his second pair of Geox now and they're bombproof.
Took both kids in for a fitting before term started. No queues, no fuss, and both walked out with shoes they're happy with. The whole experience was so much less stressful than I expected.