The Best UK School Shoes for 2023 – An Expert Guide
Choosing the best school shoes for your little one is no easy task. Finding the balance between trending styles, comfort and price can leave you going around in circles. Our guide is here to help alleviate some of this stress by sharing insightful recommendations and highlighting the important features that will help make a difference in the term ahead.
The most important consideration with kids’ shoes is ensuring a good fit and fastening. Even the very best shoes must be selected in the right size before the benefits, clever features and materials can be enjoyed. As kids’ feet grow quickly, don’t be tempted to buy one pair to last the full year as they simply won’t fit as well.
With this in mind, here are the recommendations from our in-house footwear experts for school shoes in 2023. We also have reviewed the best hard-wearing school shoes for the year if you require some extra durability.
Begg Shoes are one of Scotland’s longest-standing independent shoe retailers having been established in 1866. Six generations of the Begg family later, the business now boasts Scotland’s leading team of shoe fitters and children’s footwear experts.
Best Girls School Shoes for 2023
1. Best Overall – Lelli Kelly Bella Unicorn, £59.99
PROS
- Patent leather upper
- Leather lining and footbed
- Padded collar
- Cushioned footbed
- Velcro fastening
- Interchangeable unicorn brooch or black bow
- Easy to clean upper
CONS
- Higher price point
- Very popular
- Not a hard-wearing style
These Lelli Kelly girls’ school shoes will appeal to little fashionistas. The shiny patent leather upper maintains the smart look whilst your little one will love to customise her school shoes with the interchangeable unicorn brooch.
2. Best From Clarks – Clarks Relda Sea Mary Jane, £49
PROS
- Available in smooth leather or patent leather upper
- Available in 4 width fittings – E – Narrow, F – Standard, G – Wide, H – Extra Wide
- Features Clarks Agion technology to keep feet fresh
- Features ‘cat’s tongue’ material in the heel to prevent movement
CONS
- Not a typically hard-wearing style
- High demand
For little ones that love mermaids, these Clarks school shoes are a great all-rounder. The smooth black leather upper is breathable and flexible, whilst the Agion textile lining helps to keep little feet fresher for longer.
3. Best for Weather – Superfit Melody GTX Lace, £72
PROS
- Gore-Tex is 100% guaranteed waterproof
- Handy side zip and lace
- Lightweight and flexible
- Sporty silhouette
CONS
- Higher price point
- Better suited for older girls due to the laces
Here in the UK, we know that the weather can change quickly. So be prepared for the rain with these black trainers, kitted out with a Gore-tex membrane that is guaranteed to keep water out.
4. Best For Wide Fit – Start Rite Leapfrog, £45
PROS
- The patent leather upper is smart
- Wide fitting
- Removable insoles
- Velcro fastening
- E (Narrow), F (Standard) & G (Wide) fit available
CONS
- We find that Start Rite shoes fit big, so you are best to drop a half size and one width to your Clarks measurement
Start Rite is fast becoming a well-known name in the kids’ footwear market. They champion well-fitting shoes for kids, with stylish shapes and colours.
5. Most Fashionable – Primigi Colinne, £49
PROS
- Leather upper
- Full leather lining
- Padded collar
- Comfortable footbed
- Adjustable lace fastening
- Washable removable insoles
CONS
- Not as ‘girly’ as other styles
- Might not suit dresses or skirts
The Primigi Gabriella Colinne girls’ school trainers combine a contemporary silhouette with shiny patent leather upper and ribbon laces. Practical as well as pretty, these girls’ patent school shoes have removable insoles that are machine-washable – ideal for keeping feet fresher for longer.
6. Best For Older Girls – Lelli Kelly ROchelle Miss LK, £65
PROS
- Patent leather upper
- Stylish brogue silhouette
- Chunky Doc Marten style
- Adjustable lace fastening
- Will suit skirts, dresses and trousers
CONS
- Higher price point
- No alternative width fittings
Bang on trend, these older girls’ shoes are stylish and easy to clean. The rounded toe, the chunky cleated sole and the shiny patent upper are similar to Doc boots
Best Boys School Shoes For 2023
1. Best Overall – Clarks Pokemon Grip Trade, £50
PROS
- Leather upper
- Velcro and bungee lace
- Antimicrobial Agion lining
CONS
- Only available in F fit
- No removable insole
- Not waterproof
One of the bestselling styles from last year is back for another season. These Clarks Pokemon school shoes are lightweight and easy to wear.
2. Best For Older Boys – Start Rite Rhino Warrier, £59.99
PROS
- Leather Upper
- Cushioned collar
- Removable insole
- Double strap Velcro fastening
- Also available in Lace-Up
CONS
- Only available in junior sizes
- Not waterproof
These older boys’ school shoes feature a smooth black leather upper and two rip-tape straps for easy fastening. The rubber toe bumper offers additional durability.
3. Most Popular – Clark Rex Stride, £44
PROS
- Leather upper
- Moulded cleated sole
- Double rip tape straps
- Rubber toe bumper for extra scuff protection
- Features Clarks Agion technology to keep feet fresh
- Available in a boot version
- Excellent value for money
CONS
- Not waterproof
An all-around sporty favourite from Clarks that leaves a dinosaur print behind. How cool is that?
4. Best For Older Boys – Start Rite Tailor, £55.99
PROS
- Brogue Design
- Soft Leather
- Lace Up Fastenings
CONS
- Not as hard-wearing as other styles
- More suited to formal uniform
This school shoe boasts sophisticated styling and is great for older boys looking to perfect their smart look.
5. Best Waterproof – Superfit Rush Gtx Bungee, £65
PROS
- Gore-Tex is guaranteed waterproof
- Lightweight and flexible
- Sporty silhouette
- Velcro and bungee lace
CONS
- Higher price point
- Not leather upper
The sporty silhouette is perfect for active ones. The quick and easy fastening will stay secure throughout the school day, whilst the Gore-Tex membrane is guaranteed to keep feet dry.
6. Best For Features – Start Rite Tarantula, £48
PROS
- Leather upper
- Durable toe guard
- Removable insoles
- Velcro fastening
CONS
- Spider details might not be to every taste
These Start Rite boys’ shoes are fun and hard-wearing. There are spider and web details on the side and rip tape straps, whilst the durable toe guard adds improved durability.
Best Unisex School Shoes For 2023
1. Skechers Dynamic Tex, £52
PROS
- Waterproof
- Sporty silhouette
- Bungee lace and rip tape strap
CONS
- Not as durable as other brands
- Not leather
Great for sporty kids who prefer the comfort of trainers for school.
2. Vans Ward Yth, £37
PROS
- Breathable canvas upper
- Vulcanised rubber waffle cupsole for flexibility and durability
- Perfect for teens
- Non-marking soles
CONS
- Might not be allowed for smarter uniforms
- Not waterproof
Street fashion meets school uniform, this is an ideal alternative to the traditional school shoe from an iconic brand.
3. Superfit Bill Gym Shoe, £19.99
PROS
- Flexible sole
- Rip tape strap
- Lightweight
- Enhanced support compared to budget options
CONS
- Higher price for plimsoll
These Superfit plimsolls are ideal for indoor school wear and PE class. Often requested as part of the school uniform checklist, these plimsolls are more supportive compared to budget options.
4. Primigi Luca Lace, £49
PROS
- Leather upper
- Leather lined
- Washable removable insole
- Lace-up fastening
CONS
- Might not suit dresses or skirts
This addition from Primigi offers smart, no-fuss styling.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect school shoe for your little one shouldn’t need to be a worrying prospect. By understanding the best fit for your specific foot shape and condition, you can be sure that your child’s feet are healthy throughout the demanding school day.