The Best School PE Trainers for Boys and Girls

Every child deserves reliable trainers for sprinting across the playground, participating in team sports, or tackling indoor PE lessons. The right pair of school PE trainers can make all the difference, offering comfort, stability, and confidence throughout the school day. At Clarks, our school trainers are thoughtfully designed for growing feet. With lightweight soles, breathable fabrics, and secure fastenings, our range helps children move freely while staying supported. From classroom to sports hall, our school trainers are built for every step, stretch, and sprint.

What Trainers Should My Child Wear for PE?

Before selecting trainers, understand your child’s school requirements. Some schools request specific colours like all-black, while others prefer plain, logo-free designs. Always check the school’s uniform policy before shopping. At Clarks, we offer options to suit every rule, including all-black school trainers that deliver both function and form.

For PE lessons, look for trainers that support movement and protect growing feet. They should be:

• Lightweight: To help children move freely and reduce fatigue during physical activity.

• Breathable: Mesh panels or ventilated materials prevent overheating and keep feet fresh.

• Cushioned: Shock-absorbing insoles and padding reduce impact during running, jumping and team sports.

• Supportive: A firm yet flexible sole encourages proper movement and helps prevent injury.

• Securely fastened: Riptape, velcro or laces ensure a snug fit and reduce the risk of slipping or tripping.

Also, consider the types of activities your child will be doing. Indoor sports often require non-marking soles with strong grip, while outdoor PE may benefit from more rugged traction. Choosing a pair that balances comfort, durability and school suitability will help your child stay focused on the game instead of their feet.

Our school trainers cater to every stage, from primary to secondary school, ensuring your child has what they need for confident play and learning.

Best PE Trainers for Boys

Active school days call for trainers that can keep up. Our boys' school trainers are thoughtfully designed to support agility, stability and all-day comfort, whether they're in the middle of a PE lesson or enjoying playtime outside.

Look for lightweight designs that allow for quick movement and responsive grip, especially important during sports like football, running or team games. Many of our styles feature riptape fastenings for easy independence, padded collars to prevent rubbing, and breathable linings to keep feet feeling fresh.

A trusted option in the range is the Scape Youth style. These all-rounders are crafted with cushioned footbeds and shock-absorbing soles to reduce impact during energetic activities. For added hygiene and longer-lasting wear, many pairs are fitted with Agion® technology that helps to control odour and bacteria.

For outdoor activities or rough use, choose trainers with robust soles and abrasion-resistant materials. These designs provide reliable grip and support, helping to keep feet steady on all surfaces, even in wet or uneven conditions.

Best PE Trainers for Girls

From sprinting across the playground to taking part in team sports, girls need PE trainers that offer flexibility, comfort, and support. Our girls' school trainers are designed to meet these needs while still looking smart enough for school policies.

Choose trainers with breathable uppers to keep feet cool, even during high-energy activity. Look for padded collars and cushioned insoles to prevent discomfort and rubbing across the school day. Flexible, grippy soles help reduce slips on both indoor and outdoor surfaces, which is especially helpful for activities like athletics, netball, or dance.

If a pop of colour is permitted, explore the Hoop Run collection for vibrant and functional trainers. With bold colourways, soft linings, secure riptape fastenings and a lightweight build, these trainers are ideal for girls who want to combine function and flair.

For those who need an all-black option that can transition easily from lessons to sports, we offer classic styles that provide all the performance features needed for PE without compromising on school dress codes.

Velcro and Riptape: Easy Fastening Options

Younger children, especially those still developing their fine motor skills, often benefit from simple fastening solutions. Velcro and riptape trainers allow for quick changes without assistance, making them ideal for busy mornings and PE sessions where time is short.

These fastening styles promote independence and are particularly helpful during early school years. A secure fit is still essential, and our trainers with riptape straps are designed to offer both support and flexibility, adapting to growing feet throughout the school term.

Many options in our school trainers range include these easy closures, with breathable linings and cushioned footbeds to ensure comfort from first bell to home time.

Best Trainers for PE at School: Versatile Picks

If your child takes part in after-school clubs or enjoys sports beyond PE lessons, it’s worth choosing trainers that work across a variety of settings. All-black designs with sporty soles are a great option, as they blend seamlessly into school uniform requirements while offering the flexibility needed for physical activity.

The best school trainers for these busy days feature cushioned insoles, lightweight uppers, and shock-absorbing soles. These features help protect growing feet during high-impact movement and long wear times, whether they’re running drills in PE or playing games at break.

Some styles also offer multi-surface grip, making them suitable for both indoor sports halls and outdoor pitches. This kind of versatility ensures your child stays comfortable and supported wherever their day takes them.

Choosing the Right Fit

Ensuring your child’s trainers fit properly is just as important as choosing the right style. A well-fitted trainer supports healthy foot development, prevents discomfort, and helps avoid slips or trips during sports.

At Clarks, we offer an in-store fitting service where trained fitters accurately measure your child’s feet and recommend the best fit for their stage and foot shape. This service is ideal for growing feet that may need different sizes or widths.

If you prefer to measure at home, we also offer a handy shoe gauge you can purchase online. It helps you accurately measure your child’s foot length and width, so you can shop confidently from home.

Wearing shoes that are too small can lead to rubbing, pinching, and long-term discomfort. Shoes that are too large may cause instability and increase the risk of tripping. The right size ensures your child can move freely and safely throughout the day.

If you’re unsure where to begin, our helpful guide on how to buy school shoes explains each step of the process, including how to check the fit and when to size up.

Trainers vs School Shoes for PE

Knowing the difference between trainers and school shoes for PE helps in choosing the right pair. Some schools allow children to wear school shoe trainers all day, making them a practical choice. These hybrid styles offer the smart, formal appearance of traditional shoes combined with the flexibility and cushioning of a trainer. They’re especially useful for busy days when pupils move directly from classroom learning to PE lessons without needing to change footwear.

When schools require separate footwear for PE, dedicated school trainers are ideal. They’re specifically designed for sports activities, with lightweight materials, breathable fabrics, and soles that provide grip and support during high-energy movement.

If your child’s school prefers more classic styles for the classroom, consider our kids' school shoes collection. These designs prioritise durability and comfort, while also meeting uniform standards with polished finishes and smart silhouettes.

By understanding your school’s expectations and your child’s daily routine, you can choose the footwear that offers the best blend of function, comfort and style.

Final Thoughts

From riptape to lace-up, colourful to all-black, Clarks provides the best school trainers to support every child through lessons, clubs, and matches. Whether you're buying for a budding athlete or simply want something practical for PE, you'll find trusted, quality options at Clarks.