The best school shoes for kids are tough at the toe, flexible at the ball of the foot, easy for the child to fasten alone and correctly sized with a little growing room. For everyday wear and PE, a hook-and-loop sneaker such as the adidas Tensaur is hard to beat for the price. For schools that require all-black shoes, the Nike Court Borough Low and classic leather styles from Clarks meet most uniform rules.
In this guide
Picks are based on published product information and independent reviews, not our own testing. Always check your school’s uniform policy before buying.
Quick picks
| Shoe | Best for | Fastening |
|---|---|---|
| adidas Tensaur | Best value all-rounder, PE | Hook-and-loop or laces |
| Nike Court Borough Low | All-black uniform trainer | Laces or hook-and-loop |
| New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi (kids) | Active kids, wide feet | Bungee lace with strap |
| Stride Rite Made2Play | Younger children; washable | Hook-and-loop |
| Clarks kids school shoes | Formal leather uniform shoe | Strap or laces |
| Plae Ty | Hard-wearing, adjustable fit | Interchangeable straps |
The 6 best school shoes for kids
1. adidas Tensaur
Best for: most children, for class and playground
A simple, sturdy trainer with a synthetic leather upper that wipes clean, a non-marking rubber sole and a choice of hook-and-loop straps or laces. All-black and all-white versions are available.
- Good: affordable, durable, easy to clean, suits PE
- Less good: synthetic upper is less breathable; basic cushioning
2. Nike Court Borough Low
Best for: schools that ask for plain black shoes
A court-style shoe with a leather and synthetic upper, a reinforced toe and a tough rubber cupsole. The all-black colourway passes as a uniform shoe in many schools.
- Good: smart look, hard-wearing toe and sole, many sizes
- Less good: stiffer than running shoes; runs slightly narrow
3. New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi (kids)
Best for: children who run everywhere
A light, cushioned running-style shoe with a stretch lace and a top strap, so it goes on quickly and stays secure. New Balance offers wide and extra-wide kids sizes.
- Good: cushioned, light, wide sizes, quick to fasten
- Less good: mesh upper wears faster and is not waterproof
4. Stride Rite Made2Play
Best for: preschool and early primary years
Designed for small feet, with rounded edges, a flexible sole, reinforced toes and machine-washable construction. Wide and extra-wide widths are offered in many styles.
- Good: machine washable, flexible, several widths
- Less good: small size range tops out early; styling is young
5. Clarks kids school shoes
Best for: formal uniforms
Classic black leather shoes with padded collars, a scuff-resistant toe and a durable rubber sole, in strap styles for younger children and lace-ups for older ones. Clarks sells whole and half sizes in several widths.
- Good: leather upper, polishable, width fittings
- Less good: higher price; needs a short break-in
6. Plae Ty
Best for: rough use and hard-to-fit feet
A robust sneaker with a protective toe cap, a flexible sole and removable straps in different lengths to fit high or low insteps. It is machine washable.
- Good: very durable, adjustable straps, washable
- Less good: premium price; limited availability
How to choose school shoes
- Measure both feet, standing, in the afternoon. Children often do not say when shoes are tight. See how to measure shoe size.
- Allow growing room. About a thumb’s width (roughly 1 to 1.5 cm) beyond the longest toe; more than that causes tripping and blisters.
- Check the width. The foot should not bulge over the sole or slide sideways.
- Flex test. The shoe should bend at the ball of the foot, not in the middle.
- Firm heel, secure fastening. The heel should not lift when your child walks.
- Durability. Look for a toe bumper and stitched, not just glued, soles.
- Independence. Choose a fastening your child can do without help. For laces, see how to tie shoes.
How often do kids need new shoes?
| Age | Check the fit |
|---|---|
| Under 3 | Every 6 to 8 weeks |
| 3 to 5 | Every 3 months |
| 6 to 10 | Every 4 to 6 months |
| 11 and over | Every 6 months, or after a growth spurt |
Making them last the year
- Wipe mud off after school and let shoes dry naturally; see how to dry shoes.
- Clean scuffs with the right method: white shoes, polishing leather or machine washing.
- Treat smell early: how to get rid of shoe odor.
- Have a second pair for PE so each can dry between wears.
Frequently asked questions
How much room should kids have in school shoes?
About a thumb’s width in front of the longest toe. Buying a full size too big makes shoes unstable.
Are trainers or leather shoes better for school?
Trainers are lighter and better for active play. Leather shoes last longer, polish up and meet formal uniform rules.
How long should school shoes last?
Many children outgrow them before they wear out. Expect four to nine months, depending on growth and how hard they are on shoes.
Is it fine to pass shoes down to a younger sibling?
Lightly worn shoes are usually fine. Avoid pairs with worn-down heels or a moulded footbed, which will not suit another child’s foot.