The Best School Shoes for Boys and Girls 2025/26

A new school year brings excitement, and choosing the right school shoes is essential for every parent. With countless options on the market, selecting the best school shoes for your child can be overwhelming. From durability and comfort to fit and style, the perfect pair should support your child’s development while standing up to everyday adventures.

At Clarks, we’ve been fitting generations of children with expertly crafted shoes designed to take them from the classroom to the playground with confidence and ease. Whether you’re shopping for reception-age children or seeking the best school shoes for secondary school pupils, we’re here to help you find the right fit in both style and substance.

We understand that children lead busy, active lives, running between lessons, racing across playgrounds and exploring the world with boundless energy. That’s why our school shoes are made not only to look smart but to perform in real-life situations. From reinforced stitching and scuff-resistant toes to cushioned insoles and breathable linings, every detail is engineered with purpose.

We also know that school shoe shopping can be a challenge, especially with growing feet and evolving school requirements. That’s why we offer a wide selection of styles to suit every child, whether you're looking for a polished formal shoe, something sporty, or a pair designed for wider feet. And as part of preparing for the new term, many parents are also exploring school uniforms, ensuring everything is sorted in one go. With options for every age group, our shoes blend long-lasting comfort with the versatility modern families need.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make a confident choice, including how to measure at home, which features to look for, and why so many families across the UK choose Clarks for the best kids school shoes year after year.

Why Fit Matters for School Shoes

Children spend up to eight hours a day in school shoes, so a proper fit is essential. Ill-fitting footwear can cause blisters, posture problems and even impact how children move and play. Our shoes are designed to provide the right level of support while still allowing for natural foot movement and flexibility.

We understand that every foot is different, which is why we offer shoes in multiple widths, styles, and fastenings. Whether your child has narrow feet, a high instep, or needs extra space, finding the best school shoes for wide feet is made easier with our specialised range.

How We Design the Best Kids School Shoes

For comfort, durability, and performance, Clarks leaves nothing to chance. Every pair of school shoes we create is the result of expert craftsmanship, decades of research, and hands-on feedback from real families. We know children need shoes that do more than look smart, they need footwear that supports their growth, withstands wear, and keeps them comfortable all day long.

Here’s how we make that happen:

• Real-Life Testing

  Every pair is tested on real children of varying ages and foot shapes to ensure a secure, natural fit. From playground sprints to classroom sitting, our shoes are trialled in everyday conditions to make sure they hold up under pressure and adapt to real movement patterns.

• Hard-Wearing Materials

  We select premium leather, abrasion-resistant rubber outsoles, and breathable linings to maximise longevity and reduce wear-and-tear. Our high-quality finishes help resist scuffs and scratches, making them ideal for everyday use and ensuring your investment lasts longer than just a term or two.

• Flexible Support

  Healthy foot development is at the core of our designs. Our soles provide structure and cushioning in all the right places, while still allowing for the flexibility needed for balance, coordination and growth. Whether your child is climbing stairs or kicking a ball at breaktime, our shoes move naturally with them.

• Clever Fastenings

  We offer a range of easy-on, easy-off designs, including rip-tape straps, elastic laces, and adjustable buckles. These features help children develop independence while also ensuring a snug and secure fit throughout the school day.

• Style without compromise

  Just because a shoe is practical doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish. From timeless brogues and smart lace-ups to sporty hybrids and ankle boots, our designs suit every uniform policy and personal preference. There’s something for everyone, including options that work perfectly as the best black school shoes for boys.

All these details come together to make some of the best kids school shoes in the UK, shoes that work as hard as your children do. Whether you're prioritising comfort, looking for all-day wear, or simply want a pair that survives the school term, you can count on Clarks to deliver.

A Guide to School Shoe Types

We offer a wide range of styles to suit every child’s needs and preferences. From timeless classics to modern hybrids, each shoe is built to deliver comfort, resilience and style, no matter your child’s personality, year group, or daily routine.

1. 1. Best School Shoes for Boys

   Our collection of boys' school shoes is designed for durability and long-lasting wear. Whether your child prefers lace-ups, rip-tape styles, or slip-ons, we’ve engineered every pair to withstand energetic school days filled with movement and play. Reinforced stitching, grippy soles, and cushioned collars ensure our shoes stay comfortable from first bell to final lesson.

   For those seeking something extra robust, our best black school shoes for boys feature reinforced toe bumpers, padded linings, and scuff-resistant leather finishes, perfect for those who are always on the move. These practical benefits don’t come at the expense of style. Sleek designs and polished finishes ensure they look smart enough for the classroom, assemblies, or even formal school events.

   We also offer styles suitable for more mature tastes as your child progresses through upper school. Sleek silhouettes and lace-up brogues make them some of the best boys school shoes UK families rely on for both style and substance.

2. 2. Best School Shoes for Girls

   Our versatile range of girls' school shoes includes everything from classic Mary Janes and stylish loafers to brogues, ankle boots, and contemporary T-bar designs. Crafted with soft yet supportive materials, they are ideal for girls who walk to school, enjoy sports at lunchtime, or need all-day comfort without compromise.

   Each design is carefully balanced to support natural foot development, with features like breathable linings, cushioned insoles, and flexible soles. Whether paired with trousers, skirts or dresses, our shoes blend practicality and elegance effortlessly.

   Looking for something that’s both stylish and functional? Our most popular picks in the collection of girls' school shoes tick all the boxes, making them some of the best school shoes for girls in the UK. Patent finishes, heart-shaped cut-outs, and subtle details add a modern twist to traditional styles, without clashing with school uniform rules.

3. 3. Gender-Neutral School Shoes

   Not every child fits neatly into traditional styling categories, which is why we’ve developed a growing range of gender-neutral school shoes. These unisex designs focus on comfort, function, and simplicity, all wrapped in clean silhouettes and versatile colours like black and navy.

   They’re perfect for families looking to prioritise foot health and practicality over trend-driven details. These styles are also popular among schools with stricter uniform codes, thanks to their universal appeal and subtle aesthetics.

   Gender-neutral options are available in a variety of closures and widths, giving you greater flexibility when choosing the right pair of best school shoes UK wide.

   "We test our kids’ school shoes on real kids and put them through rigorous tests - including flexing the soles 40,0000 times - to ensure they are robust and resilient, and that we can provide kids with unrivalled comfort in movement, day after day."

4. 4. Specialist Options for Unique Needs

   We also offer specialist designs for children with unique fitting requirements. Whether your child needs orthotic-friendly shoes, wider widths, or extra arch support, our range includes tailored features to ensure everyone finds a comfortable fit.

   This includes some of the best school shoes for wide feet, designed with additional toe room, flexible uppers, and deeper heel cups for enhanced stability, all without sacrificing appearance.

By offering such a broad selection of carefully engineered footwear, we make it easier than ever to find a school shoe that works for your child, whatever their age, style preference, or foot shape.

Features That Make Our Shoes Stand Out

Every detail counts when choosing the best school shoes. Clarks school shoes are thoughtfully designed with real-life use in mind, combining smart features that support healthy feet and withstand the challenges of daily wear. From the classroom to the playground and every step in between,

here’s what to look for:

• Anti-scuff Protection

  School shoes take a beating, especially during playtime and outdoor activities. That’s why many of our models feature toe bumpers, reinforced stitching and premium scratch-resistant leather uppers. These durable elements make them some of the best anti scuff school shoes available today, helping them stay looking newer for longer, even with the most active children.

• Flexible Soles

  Movement is vital for developing feet. Our shoes are built with lightweight, flexible soles that allow for natural motion and freedom while still offering structure where it matters. Whether it’s running to class or sitting cross-legged in assembly, flexible soles adapt to your child’s every move while supporting balance and posture.

• Padded Collars and Insoles

  All-day comfort is non-negotiable. Padded collars help prevent rubbing around the ankle, while cushioned insoles provide support underfoot to reduce pressure during long school days. The extra comfort layer makes our shoes ideal for children who spend a lot of time on their feet or walk to and from school.

• Breathable materials

  To keep feet feeling fresh and dry, we use breathable linings and moisture-wicking materials. These help regulate temperature, reduce odour, and prevent the build-up of sweat, especially important for active children and warmer weather conditions.

• Slip-resistant Outsoles

  Safety is at the heart of everything we do. Our shoes feature grippy, textured outsoles that offer excellent traction on a variety of surfaces, from school halls and polished corridors to wet playgrounds. This reduces the risk of slips, trips and falls during busy breaktimes.

• Secure fastenings

  Whether your child prefers laces, rip-tape, or buckles, secure fastening systems help keep the foot in place, reduce the need for constant adjustments and support a better overall fit. They're also easy for little ones to manage independently, helping build confidence and routine.

• Smart yet practical designs

  Our shoes meet school uniform policies without compromising on personal style. Sleek stitching, minimal branding, and classic silhouettes keep things simple and smart while still feeling modern. This makes them suitable for both younger children and older students transitioning to secondary school.

How to Measure Your Child’s Feet with a Shoe Gauge?

To make sure you’re getting the perfect fit at home, Clarks offers an easy-to-use shoe gauge. This specially designed measuring tool allows you to determine both the length and width of your child’s feet with accuracy, helping to remove the guesswork from online shopping. It’s ideal for busy parents who want the convenience of shopping from home while still ensuring their child gets the correct size.

The shoe gauge comes with clear instructions and is suitable for toddlers through to older children. If you’d like additional guidance, our dedicated article on how to measure children’s feet at home offers step-by-step advice to help you feel even more confident.

For growing feet, we recommend measuring every 8–12 weeks, especially during growth spurts or just before the new school term starts. Ensuring a good fit helps to prevent discomfort and gives your child the best possible support throughout the school day.

If you’re shopping in person, our in-store fitters are specially trained to understand the unique needs of children’s feet at every stage of development. They’ll take precise measurements, assess your child’s foot shape and gait, and recommend styles that provide the best fit, comfort and support.

Whether you’re using our shoe gauge at home or visiting one of our stores, you can trust Clarks to help you get it right the first time, because healthy feet start with the perfect fit.

Planning Ahead with Back to School Shoes

Shopping for back to school shoes doesn’t have to be a last-minute dash. At Clarks, we understand that preparing for the new school year comes with plenty of decisions, from uniform fittings to stationery lists, which is why our full school shoe collection launches well before term begins. This gives you plenty of time to browse, compare, and choose the perfect pair without the stress of limited stock or long queues.

By planning ahead, you not only avoid the seasonal rush, but you also increase the chances of securing your child’s exact size and preferred style. Early shopping means better availability across sizes, width fittings, and closure types, whether you're looking for lace-ups, rip-tape or slip-on styles.

For parents who prefer the convenience of shopping from home, our online store offers a wide and up-to-date range of school shoes, including exclusive designs and extended size options. Each product page features detailed descriptions, customer reviews, and fitting advice to help you make the most informed decision possible.

If you're unsure about sizing, our online fitting tools and shoe gauge options make it easy to measure at home, ensuring that the pair you choose fits just as well as one fitted in-store. And with fast delivery and flexible return policies, buying in advance has never been easier, or more reassuring.

By starting early, you can tick school shoes off your list with confidence, knowing your child will walk into the new academic year in comfort and style.

Our Guide on How to Buy School Shoes

Still unsure which pair to pick? Our comprehensive guide explains how to buy school shoes based on your child’s foot shape, school requirements and lifestyle needs. From advice on choosing fastenings to understanding materials, you’ll find all the tips you need to make the right decision.

Conclusion

Choosing the right school shoes is an investment in your child’s comfort, confidence, and development. At Clarks, our goal is to make that choice as simple and reassuring as possible. Backed by decades of experience and trusted by families across the UK, we are proud to offer some of the best school shoes for boys and girls in 2025/26 and beyond.

We understand that no two children are the same, and the same goes for their feet. That’s why we offer a wide range of styles, fits and materials tailored to growing feet and the realities of everyday school life. Whether you're looking for sturdy support for active days, anti-scuff features that can handle the rough and tumble of the playground, or a smart, comfortable fit for long lessons, you'll find it here.

From boys' school shoes designed for durability to stylish and supportive girls' school shoes, and everything in between, we’re here to help you make a confident choice that your child will love and wear proudly.

Explore our full collection online or visit your local Clarks store to experience expert fitting advice and personal support. Wherever the school year takes your child, you can start them off on the right foot with Clarks.