The Best UK School Shoes for 2022 – An Expert Guide
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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 2022. We also have reviewed the best hard-wearing school shoes for the year.
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 2022
1. Best Overall – Lelli Kelly Irene Miss LK, £62
- Leather Upper
- Leather Insole
- Padded Collar
- Cushioned Footbed
- Velcro Fastening
Leather ensures feet feel fresher for longer with the bow detailing on the strap adding some style to the playground look.
2. Best From Clarks – Clarks Magic Step MJ, £46
- Available in Nappa Leather & 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
A great all-rounder from the most popular brand when it comes to school footwear.
3. Best for Features – Geox Naimara B T Bar, £49.99
- Leather Upper and Fully Leather Lined
- Improved Fit via Cutaway Panels
- Padded Footbed
- Rip Tape Strap
- Geox Patented Technology means the soles are able to breathe without letting any water in.
- Great for High Insteps
- Removable Insoles
A smart and stylish option that offers breathability and superb comfort underfoot.
4. Best for Comfort – Superfit Heaven Mary Jane, £52
- Soft, Flexible Leather Upper
- Leather Lined with Removable Leather Insoles
- Delicate Flower Detailing
- Lightweight
A smart and comfortable all-rounder with cute detailing adding style to the playground look.
5. Most Fashionable – Primigi Colinn, £49
- Leather Upper & Fully Leather Lined
- Padded Collar
- Comfortable Footbed
- Laces Fastening
- Washable Removable Insoles
A fashionable trainer that retains a smart school shoe look.
6. Best For Wide Fit – Start Rite Leapfrog, £45
- Leather Upper
- Wide Fitting
- Removable Insoles
- Velcro Fastening
- E, F & G Fit Available
- Also Available in Patent Leather Upper
This girl’s school shoe offers additional comfort for those with a wider foot.
Best Boys School Shoes For 2022
1. Best Overall – Superfit Storm Shoe GTX, £69.99
- Leather Upper
- Mesh Fabric Offers Ventilation
- Sole Offers Increased Traction
- Gore-Tex Offers Waterproof
- Double Strap Velcro Fastening
- Also Available as a Boot
One of the most popular styles, this shoe is both hard-wearing and waterproof, making it perfect for those that brave the puddles.
2. Best For Durability – Geox Arzach Boy Vel, £50
- Leather Upper
- Cushioned Collar
- Removable Leather Insole
- Non-Marking Sole
- Double Strap Velcro Fastening
- Also Available in Lace-Up
A practical, durable trainer that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.
3. Most Popular – Clark Rex Stride, £44
- 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
An all-round sporty favourite from Clarks that leaves a dinosaur print behind. How cool is that?
4. Best For Older Boys – Start Rite Tailor, £55.99
- Brogue Design
- Soft Leather
- Lace Up Fastenings
This school shoe boasts sophisticated styling and is great for older boys looking to perfect their smart look.
5. Best Waterproof – Geox New Savage Tex, £59.99
- Robust Shoe with Rubber Toe for Extra Protection
- Padded Collar
- Fully Waterproof
- Cleated Sole for Great Grip
A sporty silhouette, perfect for active ones. Quick and easy fastening that will stay secure throughout the school day.
6. Best For Features – Start Rite Luke 2v, £39.99
- Leather Upper
- Durable Toe Guard
- Removable Insoles
- Velcro Fastening
This bestseller from kids footwear specialists Start Rite provides support and comfort throughout the school day.
Best Unisex School Shoes For 2022
1. Skechers Glimmer Kicks, £37
- Breathable Man-Made Material
- Overlays For Improved Durability
- Flexible and Lightweight Sole
- Shock Absorption Technology
Great for sporty kids who prefer the comfort of trainers for school.
2. Vans Atwood Youth, £33
- Breathable Canvas Upper
- Vulcanised Rubber Wafflecup Sole for the perfect balance of Flexibility & Durability
- Perfect for Teens – On Trend Style
- Non-Marking Soles
Street fashion meets school shoe, this is an ideal alternative to the traditional school shoe from an iconic brand.
3. Skechers Microspec Texlo, £32
- Flexible Sole
- Machine Washable
- Bungee Lace and Rip Tape Strap
A sporty silhouette, perfect for active ones. Quick and easy fastening that will stay secure throughout the school day.
4. Primigi Luca Lace, £49
- Leather Upper & Leather Lined
- Washable Removable Insole
- Lace Up Fastening
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.