The Best UK School Shoes for 2024 – 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 large 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 2024. 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 Overall for Boys and Girls

Approved by Footwear Experts – Superfit Rush GTX Bungee, £72

We’ve scoured our school shoe collection for the very best school shoes for both boys and girls, and the Superfit Rush GTX Bungee tops the charts by far. With a guaranteed waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, all-black design and lightweight build, these kids’ black trainers tick all the boxes AND meet uniform requirements. The sole is made from the highest quality material available in the industry and is hard-wearing, long-lasting and shock-absorbent.

Best School Shoes for Girls

1. Best Overall – Clarks Relda Spark, £48

The Clarks Relda Spark replaces the Relda Sea range, this time with even more exciting details. With unicorn designs and clever features, you can be sure of your little one’s comfort and support all day long.

 

2. Most Fashionable – Lelli Kelly Bianca Unicorn, £59.99

For little ones who love unicorns, these stylish Lelli Kelly school shoes will tick all the boxes. The shiny patent leather upper is smart whilst the customisable charms offer a choice of looks.

 

3. Best for Wet Weather – Superfit Melody GTX Lace, £77

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, £49

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 Hard Wearing – Tidal Flare Bungee, £49.99

The Clarks Tidal Flare girls’ school shoes have a trainer-style silhouette with smart features and cute details. The extended rubber toe bumper offers a more durable design whilst the anti-odour Agion lining helps to keep feet fresher.

 

6. Best Trainers – Lelli Kelly Paris Low Bungee, £45

Bang on trend, these older girls’ shoes are stylish and easy to clean. The rounded toe, the trainer sole and the Velcro straps are similar to Nike school shoes.

7. Best Skechers – Skechers Dreamy Dancer, £39.99

If you’re looking for a handy pair of school trainers, whether for PE or the playground, look no further than these Skechers black trainers. Machine washable and lightweight, they are ideal for active pursuits in and out of school.

8. Best First School Shoes – Start Rite Wish Mary Jane, £49

These Start Rite school shoes are ideal for your little one starting school for the first time! The shiny patent leather upper is smart whilst the riptape strap is easy to fasten.

9. Best T-Bar School Shoes – Clarks Jazzy Tap T Bar, £46

Clarks bring us these Jazzy Tap girls T-bar school shoes. Back on trend, the T-Bar fastening is a popular style that maintains a smart appearance, this time coupled with a Velcro fastening for ease.

 

Best School Shoes For Boys

1. Best Overall – Clarks Steggy Pace, £48

The Clarks Steggy Pace 2V is here to replace Rex Stride, with new and improved details such as a hard-wearing toe bumper and dino spikes on the heel. The anti-odour Agion lining ensures feet are kept fresher for longer whilst the double Velcro straps offer easy fastening.

 

2. Best For Older Boys – Start Rite Rhino Warrier Lace, £62

These older boys’ school shoes feature a smooth black leather upper and adjustable laces for customisable fastening. The rubber toe bumper offers additional durability.

 

3. Most Hard Wearing – Geox New Savage Tex, £62

If your little one is hard on their feet, then look no further than these hard-wearing school shoes by Geox. With rubber toe bumpers for extra scuff protection and a rugged outsole, you can be sure of durability and quality.

 

 

4. On Trend – Skechers Uno Stand Air JNR, £59.99

These Skechers school trainers are bang on trend and meet uniform requirements thanks to the all-black appearance. With a visible air chamber for excellent cushioning, you can be sure of comfort and style at school.

 

 

5. Best Waterproof – Superfit Storm Shoe Gtx, £75

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 Strike, £55

These Start Rite boys’ shoes are fun and hard-wearing. There are football details on the side and rip tape straps, whilst the durable toe guard improves durability.

7. Best For Juniors – Clarks Steggy Stride, £48

Another worthy mention from Clarks is the Steggy Stride school shoes. The Velcro and bungee lace are ideal for juniors or older primary school children, whilst the durable toe guard offers a hard-wearing feature.

Best Unisex School Shoes For 2024

1. Skechers Uno Lite Vendox, £44

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

2. Vans Seldan Youth, £40

Street fashion meets school uniform, this is an ideal alternative to the traditional school shoe from an iconic brand.

3. Superfit Heaven Zip Lace, £69.99

This addition from Superfit offers smart, no-fuss styling.

Best Plimsolls or Gym Shoes For 2024

1. 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.

2. Lelli Kelly Lily Gymie, £33.90

Cute and stylish, these Lelly Kelli plimsolls are ideal for PE in style. With two velcro straps and a little bow on the side, your little one can be stylish and sporty in one.

3. Clarks Hopper GO Gymie, £9.99

These Clarks plimsolls are cute and stylish, and excellent value too! The cushioned collar is super comfy whilst the floral details will appeal to many.

4. Budget School Gym Shoes, £6.99

These budget-friendly gym shoes are ideal for throwing in your little one’s PE bag. Whilst they don’t offer much support compared to other styles, their cheap and cheerful nature will appeal to many.

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.