best buys
How to buy correctly fitting school shoes for your child - and why it's so important
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If you watch your child run, skip and jump through their day, you'll realise how important a good pair of shoes is!
But, did you know that, according to a recent survey by the College of Podiatry, over a quarter of children are wearing the wrong size shoes?
And, that 56% of parents don't measure their children's feet before buying them shoes?
Ouch!
Our pick of the best school shoes - whatever your budget
1. Geox Low-Top Sneakers
* Available from child size 1 to adult size 7
* Made from black leather with a fabric lining
* Handy non-slip sole
These smart and comfortable trainer-style shoes are perfect for little dudes to run around the playground in.
Made from durable and breathable leather, they have an easy-peasy rip-tape fastening, so no fiddly laces for them to deal with.
The shoes are lightweight and the leather is chrome-free and non-toxic for added peace of mind.
2. Butterfly detail
* Available from child size 6 to adult size 3
* Made from synthetic leather
* Memory foam insole for added comfort
These Mary Jane-style shoes are just what little girls want to be wearing to school come September. You can buy them with or without the super sweet butterfly motif, depending on taste.
They'll love the shiny faux leather material and the VERY comfortable insole, and parents will breathe a sigh of relief at the very affordable price!
3. Synthetic
* Available from child size 1-13
* Made from synthetic leather
* Strap closure for easier fastening
These sturdy yet comfortable shoes are a must for little boys. They are made from tough and hardwearing faux leather and have a padded collar around the ankle for added comfort.
The purse-friendly price means that they are not too expensive to replace if your child suddenly goes up several shoe sizes!
4. Sketchers Strap Shoes
* Available from child size 9.5 to adult size 5
* Scuff resistant leather upper
* Lightweight synthetic sole
These super cool shoes are both stylish AND practical, thanks to the sturdy wedge heel and Velcro wrap over strap.
Made from real leather, with a lighter-than-air sole, they're the perfect pair for kids to run around the playground in, for skipping and other energetic games!
The sole is designed to be non-slip too, so there's less chance of any accidents, too.
5. Leather Brogues, £54.99
* Available from child size 10 to adult size 4
* You can choose between three width options
* Smart, brogue-style design
These lace-ups are not only a smart design that's suitable for wearing to weddings as well as to school, they're also made from real leather, too.
They also have a padded insole and lined in a breathable material.
6. Leather Trainer Style, £44
* Available from child size 10 to adult size 2.5
* Made from sturdy leather
* Easy-to-wear trainer style
They might be pricier than some options, but these trainer-style shoes are built to last. Made from tough, durable leather they come in four widths and half sizes so you'll always get a good fit.
7. Patent Brogues, £49.99
* Available from child size 10 to adult size 4
* Soft patent leather upper
* Lace-up design means they're easier to adjust
These chic brogues are ideal for little trendsetters everywhere. They have a lightweight and flexible sole for healthy foot development and are finished in glossy patent leather.
As another plus they are also lined in real leather to absorb moisture and help keep little feet dry and comfy.
The results came after 2,000 parents were surveyed about their buying habits when it came to their children's shoes.
It was also discovered that when it came to possibly the most important shoes of all, those worn for school, only 47% of parents took their children to a shoe shop with a proper fitting service.
Some parents were happy to buy these at well-known retailers like Clarks and Start-rite (who have trained fitters), but with some pairs costing upwards of £35, many parents instead turned to supermarkets or cheaper shops on the high street.
Pairs bought off the shelf like this won’t be fitted properly, which is often when the problems outlined in the survey arise.
So, why is it so important that children wear correctly-fitting shoes?
Dr Stewart Morrison, a podiatrist from the College of Podiatry and The University of Brighton, commented:
'It is worrying that so many children are wearing shoes which either don’t fit them properly or are not suitable for everyday wear.
'Wearing the wrong size or type of shoe in the short term causes blisters, rubbing, bruising and calluses, but in the long term it could affect foot development and result in musculoskeletal issues in the future.'
'Children’s feet are still growing and are more susceptible to damage than adult feet, so it’s really vital to ensure they are wearing shoes which fit them well – in width as well as length – and that are suitable for age, as well as the task they are wearing them for.
How can you find shoes that fit properly if you're on a budget?
With 34% of parents saying that budget played a big part in choosing where they shopped for their children's shoes, there seems to be a choice between paying a premium for a correctly fitting pair or taking a gamble.
There's great news though, as chain store Marks & Spencer has a shoe fitting service across 36 of their stores.
With prices starting at £20 in their school footwear range, and with many styles in half sizes and different widths, they're providing a real alternative for cash-strapped families.
Another idea is to measure your child's feet yourself, so you can track any growth spurts and clearly see whether they need a new pair or not.
Marks & Spencer, as well as other stores including Next and Start-rite have printable shoe fitting charts online so you can work out what size your child needs before hitting the shops, and make a more informed choice.
Just remember that all brands' sizes slightly differ, so always try the shoes on your child before you buy, and don't just assume they'll fit.
Always try to buy leather, as it will soften and mould to your child's foot, and avoid slip-on styles that won't grip as well.
Read on:
- The best school uniform buys from just £2
- The best way to label school uniform
- The best bags and rucksacks for school
