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 will 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 recommendations from our in-house footwear experts for school shoes in 2023. Need additional durability? We also have reviewed the best hard-wearing school shoes.

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 School Shoes for Girls

1. Best Overall – Lelli Kelly Bella Unicorn, £59.99

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

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 Adverse Weather – Superfit Melody GTX Lace, £72

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

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

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

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 School Shoes For Boys

1. Best Overall – Clarks Pokemon Grip Trade, £50

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great for sporty kids who prefer the comfort of trainers for school.

2. Vans Ward Yth, £37

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

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

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.