As the new school year approaches and the list of things to do starts to feel like Mount Everest, it can help to cross off the low-hanging fruit. Take school shoes. They're an integral part of your child's school uniform (like M&S' new school uniform range), and yet, seeing as they'll be wearing them day in and day out, feels like quite a big thing to get right.
Lots of supermarket school uniform sections, which are brilliant for purse-friendly finds, have nice options for school shoes, while John Lewis, whose uniform section is always reliable, stocks a range of different brands like Geox, Clarks, Start-Rite and Kickers. Lelli Kelly has lots of pretty styles that still look sturdy, while Dr Martens and Schuh's school shoe range majors in practical styles that will stand the test of time.
Shortlist: Grazia's Pick Of The Best School Shoes For Kids
Best overall school shoes for kids: Dr Martens Junior 1461 Mono Softy T Leather Shoes
Best unisex school shoes for kids: Kickers Youth Unisex Kick Lo Leather Black
Best affordable school shoes for kids: Matalan Girls Black Patent Chunky School Shoes
So, whether you're looking for a kids trainer with velcro straps to tie up your young child's tootsies or just want to grab a simple flat for your teen, we've found the best school shoes for kids that will withstand the scuffs of the playground. Keep scrolling for the best school shoes ahead of the back-to-school rush this September.
SHOP: The Best School Shoes For Kids
Best overall school shoes for kids
www.drmartens.com
Looking for a shoe staple that will last for your kids for years to come? Dr Martens Junior 1461s are the go-to, for real leather and a cushioned sole. Top tip: get your children to break these in early in the summer so they're not running around with loads of painful blisters.
Best unisex school shoes for kids
www.kickers.co.uk
Kickers are the ultimate classic unisex choice as school shoes for kids go. These Kick Lo shoes are known for being durable, dealing with scuffs easily as well as being a trendy choice. You know your children will be happy with these ones.
Best school shoes deal
www.deichmann.com
Of course, even when it comes to school shoes the kids still want the big brands. Luckily, with Deichmann's buy one get one half price offer on all school shoes, you can save on brands like Nike, Kickers and Fila.
Best affordable school shoes for kids
www.matalan.co.uk
With school shoes often being scuffed and torn without much thought, sometimes it's better to go for the cheaper options so that you don't splash too much money repeatedly buying school shoe after school shoe. These Matalan Patent Chunky shoes will do the job for just over £10.
Best patent school shoes for kids
www.schuh.co.uk
Lelli Kelly has been a leader in the school shoe ranges for years - and these Lelli Kelly Black Helen shoes are perfect for any of those young girls out there. Plus, the bow makes for a really cute feature on the patent leather finish.
Best simple school shoes for kids
www.johnlewis.com
Children's shoes are pretty much guaranteed to get scuffed up and ruined as they go through the year so you don't need to grab anything fancy. For a simple choice, stick to these Start-Rite Kids' Samba Shoes.
Best leather school shoes for kids
www.marksandspencer.com
Your child will appreciate a pair of good trainers that support their feet for all the running, playing and jumping they're inevitably going to be doing in their playgrounds. These classic M&S Leather Riptape school shoes are easy to take on and off, for everyday use.
Best flat school shoes for kids
www.geox.com
Girls don't always want to be rocking the best trainers, sometimes they just want a pair of easy ballerina flats to wear daily. These Geox Casey Girl flats are a go-to for simple but comfortable fitting.
What Are The Best School Shoes For Kids?
Okay, it's no easy feat to think about which school shoes for kids are actually going to last. If we're honest, it's a miracle if the children make it through the year without a hole in the toe or sole. To withstand the lengths of running around playgrounds, you'll want to look for something that hits all features between comfort, durability, support, and style. To really make sure you're supporting your child, look for shoes that provide ample cushioning and arch support, as growing feet need proper care.
You may also want to think about the school-specific requirements that come with choosing shoes for your children. Many schools recommend simple black shoes (no white trainers there) or even set a ban on certain brands or trends. Check in with the latest preferences of your school, to make sure you're buying the right thing.
What Style School Shoes For Kids Should I Buy?
There is certainly a trick to buying the right school shoes - and it's no surprise that styles come back year after year due to their reliability. Plimsoles, ballet flats, trainers and rip-tape shoes have been bought time and time again because of how durable they are, plus they work for many schools' requirements. Combining practicality and comfort, they will keep young feet comfortable and fresh throughout the school day.
Natalie Hammond is the Senior Fashion News Editor of Grazia UK.