We've yet to meet a child that enjoys school shoe shopping, but thanks to the internet, it's easier than ever to avoid shoe shopping in person. If you're after some girls' school shoes, we've selected our favourites that you can order today. Get the dreaded school shoe shopping out of the way ASAP.
Don't worry - we've got a guide to picking the right school shoes for boys, too.
Best at a glance:
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Best girls school shoes for its patent material: Girls Bridie Brogue T-Vel Patent Leather, £24
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Best girls school shoes for its grip: Black Fiona Patent Junior School Shoes, £56
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Best for its PVC sole unit: Dr Martens black 8065 Girls Junior shoes, £70
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Best girls school shoes for infants: Leapfrog - Black, Leather T-Bar, £49
And, did you know that according to the University of Southhampton: "It is estimated that 70% of adult foot problems begin at school. Shoes that are too big, too small, too high or inadequately supported are all to blame. Fallen arches, hammer and claw toes, bunions and muscular problems are just the start. Failure to recognise and rectify the consequences of bad footwear can lead to long term problems for children and they may fail to reach their full potential. In addition, troublesome feet can also have an adverse effect on the personality with awkward walking and poor posture causing shyness and an avoidance of sports.", says the University of Southhampton.
But hey, don't panic, here you'll be able to get your little one trying on potential options from the comfort of their own home. This way, you can avoid any in-store tantrums on a bad day… Genius, we know.
The best girls' school shoes
Best girls school shoes for its patent material
www.kickers.co.uk
What is there not to love about the Bridie Brogue - from its glossy black patent leather material to its flawlessly cute silhouette, these school shoes which feature extra protection to the toe and heel to prevent scuffs, will have your child walking in style. It also has a secure hook and loop fastening for kids putting their shoes on and off, plus a classy T-bar decoration to give your little ones look that extra spark.
One buyer said: "Very happy with these shoes, bought purposely for the anti-scuff and so far so good."
Pros
- Patent Leather
- Hook & loop strap fastening
- Extra protection to the toe and heel to prevent scuffs
Cons
- Only sizes available: 5, 6 and 7 (Infant)
Best girls school shoes for its grip
www.hushpuppies.co.uk
These Fiona Patent school shoes are made from sturdy materials that are bound to last and survive during any weather. The sturdy soles have a strong grip to it, giving stability and comfort. Its shiny black colour also gives it a chic and elegant feel, making these shoes suitable for any event. Whether it's running around playing with friends in the playground, or attending breakfast club, these shoes will keep your childs footwear at ease.
Parent review: "These black Fiona Patent Junior school shoes are a complete lifesaver! As soon as I took it out from its packaging, I was in awe! They are sturdy and strong, and scream 'comfort' all over. With its shiny material, and amazing grip, I have complete faith in these shoes. My 7-year-old little girl really loves its printed flower design, and to be honest she is ready to go back to school already! thanks to these magical shoes! It also features a cute little buckle, making it easier for her to put on and take off for PE lessons. Compared to other brands that we have tried, I am super happy with these, I can't see the rain getting into these!"
Pros
- Real leather upper
- Buckle strap fastening
- Hardwearing and durable outsole
Cons
- Only sizes S10 - L2 are available
Best girls school shoes for its traditional style
www.johnlewis.com
These stunning Young Soles Penny school shoes is a T-bar design, featuring an elegant hidden Velcro fastening, sitting beautifully behind an traditional finish buckle and a natural rubber sole, giving stress-free access and allowing your little one enjoy their school days.
Pros
- Leather material
- Riptape fastening
- Polish regularly
Cons
- Wipe clean only
Best for its PVC sole unit
www.schuh.co.uk
Hello Dr. Martens! These shoes are a complete game changer. With its soft and black leather upper, these classic looking must-haves are super comfy and even have a PVC sole unit, T-Bar strap, two adjustable buckle with a gold hardware design.
One review said: "My daughter was satisfied with her new school shoes. Especially when she found out that it was made of velcro, and there was no need in tying shoe laces every time she had to put them on. Thumbs up."
Pros
- Sizes S10 - L3 are available
- Adjustable straps
- Comfy airwair
Cons
- Not ideal if you prefer a single buckle strap
Best girls school shoes for its sturdy back pad
These stunning Mary Jane school shoes with its classic round toe design, is perfect for any child who desires comfortability. It features a smooth polyurethane upper and thick back pad, giving your little one that snug fit and support throughout the day. And if your little one isn’t fully prepared to start tying up their own shoe laces, then fear not, as these shoes come with a hook-and-loop strap with adjustable buckle, making it easy to put on and take off.
Pros
- Classic round toe design
- Smooth polyurethane upper and thick back pad
Cons
- Only sizes 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 (kids) are available
6.
Jazzy Tap
Best girls shoes for little dancers
www.clarks.com
These Jazzy Tap shoes, inspired by the Hectik-Tok collection are perfect for aspiring dancers, who love dancing no matter where thry are! Your little one will love the premium leather uppers, great riptape strap and super-cosy foam footbed, while getting them into school mode.
One review said: "I bought these shoes last summer, as my daughters first pair of school shoes and they have lasted an entire school year with no issues- worth every penny."
Pros
- Black patent leather upper
- Padded collar for comfort and support
- Footbed printed with '80s-inspired graphics
Cons
- Only available in 2 colours: black patent and black leather
Best girls school shoes for infants
www.startriteshoes.com
With breathable leather linings, cushioned insoles, padded ankles, and added scuff bumper to the toe, the easily adjustable t-bar rip-tape fastening means these shoes will fit snug to the foot. Your child will playground, classroom, after school club and assembly ready with these must-have school shoes.
One buyer review said: "Excellent quality shoes very durable and last my little one all year for school. They look stylish and she comments on how comfortable they are. I will not go anywhere else!”
Pros
- Sizes S7 - L2 are available
- Leather linings to absorb moisture and help keep little feet dry and comfy
- Cushioned insoles for happy feet all day long
- Stunning classic T-bar
Cons
- Size S8 and a half is out of stock
Best vegan girls school shoes
www.johnlewis.com
Lift your child's school shoes experience with the ToeZone May Vegan T-Bar Unicorn School Shoe. Filled with qualities to guarantee cosiness, stability and elegance, these shoes are made to stand out. And guess what, take a look at the creativity on the insocks: left and right, which will help teach your little one how to put on their shoes correctly.
Pros
- Sizes 1 and 2 in infant sizes are available, sizes 8-13 in junior size is available
- Provides durability and a sleek appearance
- Increases visibility and safety in low-light conditions
- Provides extra protection and durability
Cons
- Wipe clean only
Best girls school shoes for extra room
www.shoezone.com
Featuring a black patent upper with heart detailing, these girls' school shoes have a return touch fasten strap for quick and easy fitting, while their flexible and lightweight outsole ensures comfort.
One grandparent review said: “Lovely shoes if a little on the big side. My granddaughter has very narrow feet.”
Pros
- Black patent upper with stitched hearts
- Easy fasten bar strap for a secure fit
- Padded collar
- Sizes S8 - L3 available
Cons
- Sizes S6 and S7 are out of stock
Best girls school shoes for
www.shoezone.com
By Lilley, these patent girls' brogue shoes showcase fine stitching and classic brogue details. Additionally, they provide a buckle fastening to ensure both a secure and comfortable fit for all. Their thick grip sole helps to offer added support and comfort beneath your feet. The perfect shoes for back-to-school season.
One review said: “These black patent shoes are ideal for my 11-year-old granddaughter for school. She said they are very comfortable and look good."
Pros
- Available in sizes: S10- L6
- Buckle fastening to ensure both a secure and comfortable fit
- Thick grip sole
Cons
- Smaller sizes under S10 are not available
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
8. We recommend Shoezone’s guide: Girls & Boys
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.
What do I need to consider when looking for the right school shoes?
Kickers have helped us put together this list.
Check the school policy – It’s a good idea to 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.
Think about 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 girl is running and jumping around the playground, you should look at durable options with extra protection.
Size is important – Your little girl is going to be wearing her shoes for six or seven hours a day, so it’s essential that her school shoes fit her 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. 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.
To Lace – or not to lace? 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.
Mummy to a little girl, Adejumoke Ilori is Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. With a BA hon in Creative Writing, she has worked for digital platforms, where she has empowered women from the inside and out, by sharing real life stories based on relationships and loving yourself.