The ultimate guide to finding the perfect school shoes

As the new school year approaches, parents and caregivers are gearing up for the often-dreaded task of finding the right school shoe.

Parents are on the look out for something supportive and made to last, whereas kids and teens are generally more concerned with what’s trendy – making it difficult to meet in the middle!

For parents, navigating the best fit can be challenging. So, to make your back-to-school preparation easy and stress free, we’ve crafted an easy-to-follow guide with tips on how to find the most supportive school shoe, tailored to meet your child’s specific needs.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Ensure your child’s toes can wiggle freely in the shoe

• Allow 1cm between their longest toe and the end of the shoe – This allows enough space for a small amount of growth, but not too much that the shoe is too loose

• Make sure the shoes can be adjusted – Laces, Velcro, and buckles are all features to look for. Always avoid elastic, slip-ons, and zips

• Choose breathable material – For formal school shoes, leather is best. For sports shoes, look for cotton, rayon, and polypropene for extra breathability. Also consider socks made from natural fibres

• Take their school socks and/or stockings shopping with you - This will help to make sure the shoe has enough depth for your children’s feet and can fit comfortably with uniform requirements

An important note to remember is that going one size larger is better than one size smaller, as shoes that are too small reduce shock absorption and can cause issues down the track.

Another key consideration is your child’s daily activities. For kids who run during their lunchtime, be sure to provide them with shoes specifically designed for such activities to ensure optimal support. You’ll be maximising the longevity of the shoe, all while ensuring your child is best supported for their activities of choice.

Remember, ill-fitting shoes can lead to issues such as blisters, cramped toes, foot pain, in-grown toenails, and bunions - all of which can cause minor and even major issues for developing feet.

We want kids to be happy and active, and a key part of that is having shoes that fit correctly and feel comfortable. Kids spend approximately eight hours a day in their school shoes, so taking the time to find the right pair is worth it.

School shoes have come a long way, and the reputable brands have spent significant time producing intuitive footwear that not only meet school uniform requirements but feel and function like sports shoes. The Australian Podiatry Association’s Endorsement Program has certified a range of school shoes through rigorous testing and assessment by independent podiatrists to ensure they meet the strict criteria. You can view the list of endorsed shoes here.

If you are still feeling overwhelmed or are in need of further information, visit podiatry.org.au where a dedicated page for parents offers a video and a printable checklist to accompany you on your shopping journey.

For children with hard-to-fit feet, pain, or discomfort, seeking advice from a podiatrist is highly recommended. Locate a podiatrist in your local area here.