You're probably thinking about September because it rolls around so quickly every year. Whether it's your little one's first day at school, or they're in need of a new pair of shoes thanks to a growth spurt, new school shoes are sure to give your child the confidence he needs to step out onto the playground or back into the classroom. We've popped together some of our favourite boys' school shoes - so you can avoid the dreaded trip to the high street.
Related: The best back-to-school uniform for primary school children
Don't be fooled into thinking that the only option out there is boring plain black. After all, there are plenty of creative designs so your kid can show off their personality (without breaking any uniform guidelines)! From flashing lights to superheroes and dinosaurs, here are some of our favourite boy school shoes available online and on the high street.
What do I need to consider when looking for the right school shoes?
Kickers have helped us put together this list.
School Policy – Check the school uniform policy before clicking “add to basket”. To clarify, some schools may be stricter than others and may not allow ‘trainer-style’ shoes. Others may have rules regarding colours and accessories. So, it’s wise to check before you buy.
Style – Every little one is different. So, think about your child’s day before choosing a school shoe. For example, do they get their shoes scruffy in record time? If your little boy is running and jumping around the playground, you should look at durable options with extra protection.
Size – Your little boy is going to be wearing his shoes for six or seven hours a day, so it’s essential that his school shoes fit him properly and are comfortable too. Luckily, we’ve put together a guide for sizing, which can be done in the comfort of your own home. Why not scroll down?
Material – The best quality materials deliver the best performance. So, it’s important for school shoes to be made from premium leather, which moulds to the foot for a perfect fit. Plus, shoes should also be breathable and anti-odour. They need to be comfy, but durable.
Laces - This really does depend on your child and whether they have mastered laces or not. You can’t go wrong with Velcro or a slip-on if your daughter hasn’t conquered laces.
The best boys' school shoes for first-day confidence - 2022
Kickers www.kickers.co.uk
Description
School shoes with laces look lovely but for little ones who don't know how to tie their shoes they can be a nightmare. Kickers have created these genius shoes which have the appearance of a laced but actually have a discreet zip at the side. Making putting them on and taking them off much easier for little hands. These brilliant shoes are available in leather and vegan leather.
Mother&Baby Writer, Hannah James said: " I really wanted a traditional-looking shoe for my son's first day. I sat with him trying to find a shoe that he liked. When he picked these I was worried at first. However, when I realised they had a zip we were both over the moon. The vegan shoes and the leather shoes are identical and the quality is matched. The shoes can be a little tricky to put on at first but as with all new shoes the more they are worn the easier it becomes. We have had so many compliments on these shoes, I would recommend them."
Available in sizes: J5 - J12
Editor's Favourite
www.argos.co.uk
Description
These kickers will be smart and comfortable. Made from super-cool black faux leather, these shoes feature a twin one-touch strap fastening, cushion padding, a funky light-up dinosaur on the side, and have a scuff resistant upper - what's not to love?
Available in sizes: S9 - J2
Review: "I bought these for my son for school and he absolutely loves them. He loves the light-up feature and how comfortable they are. He couldn't wait to get back to school to show his friends his cool new school shoes."
Best Value Boys School Shoes
www.shoezone.com
Description
These boys' black smart school shoes from Beckett have an easy, strap-fastening at the front. Plus, they have a padded collar for extra comfort, breathable mesh inside the lining and stitch detailing on a grip sole. So comfy. We think these shoes are perfect for any special occasion - as well as school, of course.
Available in sizes: S10 – J6
Review: "Touch fastening easy for my grandson to put on and take off.”
Best Vegan School Shoes for Boys
www.startriteshoes.com
Description
These vegan-friendly shoes are classically designed with durability in mind. They're ready for anything the playground throws at them with enhanced protection around the toe, heel and side. Plus, they're riptape for a secure fit.
Available in sizes: S9 – J3 1/2
Review: "Happy to have vegan options now. I had a good ordering and delivery experience. The shoes are ideal and very comfortable.”
Best Football Themed Boys School Shoes
www.marksandspencer.com
Description
These durable leather school shoes are smart enough for the classroom with enough grip for the playground. We love the design and the FreshFeet technology which combats odour-causing bacteria.
Available in sizes: J2 - J9
Amazon's Top Pick
Description
Made with a classic leather upper and featuring our super comfy padded collar, this Kickers' has triple stitching. Plus, they've got two hook and loop straps. The active anti-odour technology keeps bacteria away.
Available in sizes: S2 - J2.5
Review: "I purchased this brand for all my children. It is good to see that the quality has not changed over the decades. Thank you! No points to improve. I've purchased Kickers for all my children and it is good to see the quality has not changed over the years. You make one busy Mum's life so much easier. Thank you."
Best School Shoes for Boys
www.marksandspencer.com
Description
Another FreshFeet option from M&S, which is part-lace, and part-riptape for extra security.
Available in sizes: S8 - J1 1/2
Best Slip Ons
www.marksandspencer.com
Description
Sturdy and smart, these classic leather loafers are the perfect new school shoes. Made with a recycled polyester lining and sustainably sourced leather in an effortless slip-on style. Squidgy underfoot foam and soft collar padding ensure all-day comfort, and a scuff-resistant coating will keep these shoes looking newer for longer.
Available in sizes: S13 - J9
Review: "Excellent Quality and Comfy! My 13-year-old son Highly Recommends." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Luxury Boys' School Shoes
www.startriteshoes.com
Description
These contemporary yet robust senior school shoes will provide all-day support for the classroom and the playground. A robust and durable vegan choice - with no compromise on style.
Available in sizes: L2 - L10
Review: "These are amazing quality. Thrilled with everything about them - my son has worn them all day in the house because they are so comfy."
FAQs
How do you measure your child’s feet?
Ideally, children’s feet should be measured every six weeks to ensure that the shoes still fit.
According to Shoezone, a good thing to remember: “the younger the foot, the faster it grows.”
Though it’s true that children should have room to wiggle their toes, you should avoid buying shoes to ‘grow into’ - because shoes too big can cause just as many problems as small ones.
Nevertheless, we recommend using the longer foot as a guide when choosing the right shoe.
Each foot can be different sizes and the difference in length can be up to half an inch.
Method
1 Find a flat surface
2 Place a piece of paper with the edge against the wall
3 Stand on it with your heel also against the wall
4 Make a mark on the paper where the longest point of your foot is
5 Repeat this process with both feet as they may be slightly different sizes
6 Measure the length (which is heel to toe)
7 Use an online guide to find your shoe size
Related: How to measure baby feet
How can you tell if your child is wearing the wrong size?
There are some signs that your child may be wearing the wrong shoe size:
Foot pain – if the pain persists, they could be wearing the wrong size.
Damaged toenails – any sign could be an indicator; it can lead to ingrown toenails.
Having trouble walking – wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause a change in the way children walk.
Changes in foot appearance – foot deformities and changes in appearance are often caused by wrongly fitted shoes.
Your child is complaining about their feet – check in with your little ones.