Think school shoe shopping is a September-only job? A London podiatrist says it’s time to think again.
There’s something wonderfully reassuring about getting the school uniform sorted before the start of a new academic year. The labels are sewn in, the blazer is hanging up, the stationery is ready — and, hopefully, a brand-new pair of school shoes is waiting by the front door.
But while September is the obvious time to think about school footwear, it shouldn’t be the last.
Children’s feet continue to grow throughout the school year, sometimes gradually and sometimes in surprisingly sudden growth spurts. That means the shoes that fitted perfectly in September may not necessarily be the right fit by Christmas.
According to London podiatrist Steven Thomas, one of the biggest mistakes parents can make is treating school shoes as a once-a-year purchase.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that school shoes are something to think about only in September. Children’s feet continue to grow throughout the school year, and the rate of change varies from child to child, especially in the early school years and around puberty,” says Thomas.
His advice? Check the fit at least once a term, and sooner if your child is growing quickly or starts complaining about discomfort.
“Rubbing, pressure marks and fit issues can be picked up early,” he adds.
Why school shoes deserve more attention
School shoes are arguably among the hardest-working items in a child’s wardrobe. They can be worn for hours every day, walking between lessons, running around the playground and travelling to and from school.
Kickers says its latest Back to School collection has been designed around that reality, with comfort, durability, style and value at the centre. The majority of the new AW26 collection also features upgraded OrthoLite insoles, designed to provide breathable, cushioned support for busy school days.
Thomas independently reviewed the Kickers Kick Hi, Kick Lo and Kick T-Bar franchises, as well as the new trainer-inspired Klapton. His assessment highlighted features including generous toe boxes, breathable leather uppers, wide grippy soles and structured construction.
But regardless of the brand, the principles of choosing a good school shoe remain broadly the same.
Don’t buy too big
It can be tempting to buy a generously sized pair in the hope that they’ll last all year. After all, children grow quickly and school shoes aren’t cheap.
But there is a difference between allowing room for growth and buying shoes that are simply too large.
“While children need growing room at the toe, shoes should still fit securely around the heel and midfoot to prevent slipping and rubbing,” explains Thomas.
A shoe that moves excessively around the heel can cause rubbing and blisters, while too much space at the front can allow the foot to slide forwards.
Watch out for growth spurts
Children don’t always grow at a steady rate. A sudden change in shoe fit can be one of the first clues that a growth spurt is underway.
“If a child suddenly starts complaining about comfort or develops rubbing, it’s worth checking whether they’ve outgrown their shoes,” says Thomas.
And don’t assume that two children of the same age will need the same type or size of shoe. Foot shape and growth patterns vary considerably, so the fit on the individual child matters more than their age.
The rise of the trainer-style school shoe
For older children in particular, the traditional divide between “school shoes” and “trainers” is becoming less clear.
Many secondary-school pupils want footwear that doesn’t feel completely disconnected from what they wear outside school. Trainer-inspired school shoes offer a way to bridge that gap — but Thomas warns parents not to judge a school shoe on its appearance alone.
“Trainer-inspired school shoes can appeal because they feel familiar and comfortable, but not every black trainer will work well as a school shoe,” he says.
“For everyday school wear, parents should look for a secure fit, appropriate fastening, cushioning, a stable heel and enough room at the toes, rather than choosing on colour or appearance alone.”
That makes structure just as important as softness. A shoe can feel wonderfully comfortable when first tried on but still lack the stability needed for hours of walking and activity.
Material is worth considering too. Leather uppers can provide durability, weather protection and structure, while trainer-inspired designs can offer some of the familiar styling children prefer.
Kickers’ new Klapton, for example, combines a modern trainer-inspired silhouette with a rubber-sided outsole, school-compliant tonal black detailing and a removable OrthoLite insole. It is available in Lacer and Lo styles, in sizes 3–12, with an RRP of £75.
Is your child’s footwear causing problems?
Children aren’t always brilliant at explaining that something doesn’t feel right. Sometimes, the clues are behavioural rather than verbal.
Thomas suggests parents look out for:
- Red marks or rubbing on the feet
- Blisters
- Compressed toes or pressure around the nails
- A heel that slips excessively
- Reluctance to wear a particular pair of shoes
- Changes in walking, balance or coordination
- More frequent tripping
- Tired or aching feet after school
“Children do not always explain when shoes are uncomfortable, so parents need to look for clues,” Thomas says.
If your child suddenly refuses to put their school shoes on, it may be worth investigating before assuming they’re simply objecting to the style.
It’s also worth looking at the soles. Uneven or excessive wear can provide clues about how the shoe is performing and whether it is still offering the stability your child needs.
Persistent pain or discomfort shouldn’t simply be put down to “breaking in” a new pair. If problems continue, the fit should be reassessed and professional advice sought where appropriate.
What should parents look for when buying school shoes?
There isn’t necessarily a single “best” school shoe. The right choice depends on the child’s individual foot shape, the school’s uniform requirements and how the footwear will be used.
Thomas’s key considerations include:
A secure heel: The heel should stay comfortably in place while walking, without excessive movement.
Room at the toes: There should be enough space for natural toe movement and growth, but not so much that the foot slides forwards.
Breathable materials: Children can spend long periods in their school shoes, so breathability can help keep feet more comfortable.
A practical fastening: Velcro can be particularly useful for younger children, allowing them to adjust their shoes themselves.
The right level of support: Children with different foot shapes or individual needs may require different styles and levels of support.
Removable insoles: These can offer flexibility if additional support is needed later and may make it easier to accommodate custom orthotics where required.
And don’t assume that spending the most guarantees the best fit. As Thomas puts it, “The best school shoe isn’t necessarily the most expensive one.”
Getting new school shoes ready for the first day
Even a well-fitting new pair can take a little getting used to.
Rather than sending children straight into their shoes for a full day on the first day of term, Thomas recommends introducing them gradually.
Start with short sessions around the house, then build up the amount of time they’re worn over several days. Check the feet afterwards for redness, rubbing or pressure points.
Once you’re confident they’re comfortable, short outdoor trips can help replicate some of the movement they’ll experience during a typical school day.
The important thing is not to ignore persistent discomfort. A little adjustment is one thing; ongoing rubbing, blisters or complaints of pain are a reason to reassess the fit.
The 2026 school shoe edit
Kickers’ latest Back to School collection spans traditional school styles alongside more contemporary designs. The range starts at £30, with the brand positioning the collection around accessibility as well as durability and comfort.
Alongside the Klapton, new styles include the Maisey Mary Jane and T-bar for teenage girls, while the Wings collection brings playful details to classic silhouettes for younger children. The Track Pack, meanwhile, is designed for particularly active school days, with reinforced construction and protective detailing.
But whether you’re choosing a traditional leather shoe, a Mary Jane or a trainer-inspired style, the same rule applies: fit comes first.
The most useful back-to-school habit, then, may not be buying the biggest size you can get away with. It’s putting a reminder in the diary to check those shoes again once the new-term excitement has worn off.
Because September might be when the school year starts — but your child’s feet certainly don’t stop growing there.
Steven Thomas, The London Podiatrist, independently reviewed the Kickers Kick franchise (Kick Hi, Kick Lo and Kick T-Bar) and the new Klapton, and provided general commentary based on professional podiatric assessment of the samples provided. He was not involved in the design or manufacture of the shoes, and his review did not extend to entry-level styles or the OrthoLite insole component. This content does not constitute medical advice. For individual foot health concerns, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
