Back to School: How to Choose the Right Shoes for Growing Feet

Ok, so the school holidays haven’t even begun, but you know it will be no time before the hunt for new uniform, stationery and (of course) school shoes will be in full swing.

With little feet spending over 35 hours a week in their school shoes, finding the right pair isn’t just a box to tick, it’s an investment in their comfort, development and long-term foot health.

Here are our top tips to help you choose wisely and step into the new school year with confidence.

Before you go

Getting ready for your shoe fitting appointment can make the whole experience quicker, calmer and more successful, for you both.

Here are a few things to help you prepare:

• Check the school uniform policy: some schools are quite specific about colour, style or even material. Knowing the rules before you start shopping avoids any last-minute surprises (or returns).

• Bring the right socks: if your child wears specific socks or tights to school, bring a pair with you to the fitting. It makes a big difference to getting the fit just right.

• Plan your timing: try to avoid peak times if you can. Fitting sessions are generally easier, and more thorough, when your child isn’t overtired, hungry or feeling rushed.

• Know your child’s preferences: while foot health is the priority, it’s helpful to have a sense of what your child likes. Many already have an idea of the type of shoes they’d like and some school starters are shocked to discover their shoes have to be black! If you have a conversation in advance, you’re more likely to leave with a pair you’re both happy with.

  
  

Arriving prepared will help your child feel more relaxed and involved in the process, which can make a big difference to how they feel about wearing their school shoes every day.

It’s all about the fit

Not all school shoes are created equal, and not all children’s feet are the same shape. A well-fitting shoe will support their feet, encourage healthy movement and help prevent rubbing, pressure points or long-term issues. 

Regular checks will ensure they continue to fit well through the school year. For primary-age children, checking every 3–4 months, roughly once a term, is usually enough. Feet can grow quickly and unevenly, especially in younger children. Spotting a growth spurt early can help avoid discomfort and lasting effects. Even if their current shoes look fine, it’s worth having the fit checked.

Don’t size up “to make them last”

It’s tempting to buy a size up, especially when they’re racing through shoes faster than you can say “school run.” But oversized shoes can cause tripping, gripping with the toes, instability and poor posture. A properly fitted shoe will always be more comfortable, and safer.

Look beyond the brand

It’s easy to be drawn in by well-known names or a style that everyone in the playground seems to be wearing. But don’t be afraid to look beyond the usual suspects. There are brilliant smaller brands out there, designing shoes with children’s foot health front and centre, some of which aren’t available on the high street.

Barefoot school shoes are on the rise

In recent years, we’ve seen some fantastic barefoot-friendly school shoes come onto the market. These are designed to allow natural movement and development, with features like wide toe boxes, flat flexible soles and lightweight construction.

They’re particularly good for building strength in growing feet and supporting better posture and balance, without compromising on the smart school look. And just because they’re flexible and lightweight doesn’t mean they’re not durable. Many barefoot styles are made with tough, high-quality materials built to withstand the demands of daily school life.

Prioritise practicality over polish

It’s no secret that many girls’ school shoes are more about looks than function. Delicate straps, narrow soles and minimal support might look pretty, but they’re rarely built for the realities of the playground.

Where you can choose shoes that allow for freedom of movement, offer good grip and will stand up to the demands of a full school day. After all, their comfort and confidence matter far more than what’s trending in Year 4!

Check how they move

The best way to spot whether a shoe is the right fit is to watch your child walk, and run, around in them. Do they look natural and comfortable? Are they stomping or is the shoe slipping at the heel? Do they not want to keep them on? If something feels off, trust your instinct, and theirs.

Final Thoughts

Choosing school shoes shouldn’t feel like a battle between form and function. When we find a pair that’s supportive, practical and comfy, our children can get on with what they do best… running, playing, learning and simply being their brilliant selves.

Once you’ve found the right pair, it’s a good idea to let your child wear them around the house for an hour or so each day in the lead up to the start of term. The transition from soft summer shoes, or no shoes at all, into more structured school shoes can be a bit of a shock for little feet, so a bit of time getting used to how they feel will help ease them into those first days back. Plus it’s useful to practice getting them on and off, especially if they have new fastenings. 

If you’re unsure where to start, pop us a message or book an appointment with one of our expert shoe fitters. We're here to help make back-to-school shopping one less thing to stress about.

School shoes are currently sold by CeCe & Me Wandsworth, CeCe & Me Salisbury and CeCe & Me Bath.