Back to School: A Guide to Kids’ Plimsolls
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Children need reliable, comfortable footwear for dashing across the playground, heading into the classroom, or lining up for assembly. The right shoes not only keep young feet protected, but also help boost their confidence and independence, especially during busy school routines.
Among the most popular choices for school footwear are plimsolls. Plimsolls, known for their simplicity and lightweight design, have been a staple in children's schoolwear for generations. Their flexible canvas uppers and rubber soles make them ideal for everything from indoor lessons and lunchtime play to PE sessions and extracurricular activities. Whether secured with rip-tape, elastic inserts, or laces, they are designed with practicality and comfort in mind.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about kids’ plimsolls. You’ll discover what plimsoll shoes are, how they should fit, when they are typically worn, and the best ways to care for them. We will also explore where to buy plimsolls and how to choose the right pair for your child’s needs.
If you're in the process of pulling together your back to school checklist, make sure plimsolls are on it. These versatile shoes are more than just a uniform essential. They offer the comfort and functionality children need for active school life, making them a smart and reliable choice for both parents and pupils.
What Are Plimsolls?
Plimsolls are a type of casual shoe, typically made from a flexible canvas upper and a thin rubber sole. Also known as plimsoll shoes, they’ve been used in schools for decades. The term ‘plimsoll’ dates back to the 19th century and originally referred to the line where the rubber sole meets the upper canvas, similar to the line on a ship that marks how deep it can sit in water.
These shoes are designed to be simple, practical, and easy to slip on or off. You’ll find a wide range of styles available, from classic black pairs to colourful designs with elastic inserts, rip-tape fastenings, or laces.
Plimsolls have become a staple in many children’s school wardrobes due to their versatility and comfort. They are especially popular for physical education lessons, indoor play, and casual wear around the school premises. Lightweight yet durable, plimsoll shoes can support a variety of school activities without compromising on flexibility. Their breathable canvas material helps keep children’s feet cool during warmer days, while the grippy rubber sole provides stability on indoor floors.
Many parents also choose plimsolls because they are budget-friendly, easy to maintain, and available in a range of sizes to suit children of all ages. Whether your child needs a pair for PE, a backup shoe for rainy days, or something to change into once inside the classroom, plimsolls are a practical and reliable option.
Why Kids Need Plimsolls for School
Many UK primary schools include plimsolls as an essential part of the school uniform. Below are the main reasons why plimsolls are a practical, supportive choice for growing children and a helpful solution for busy school days.
1. Required by Many School Uniform Policies
In many schools, plimsolls are not just recommended but required as part of the indoor uniform. Most often seen in primary schools, they are typically used during class time, assemblies, and physical education. School policies often favour plimsolls because they help distinguish between outdoor and indoor footwear, keeping the learning environment clean and protected. As such, they are a must-have item when purchasing your child’s back to school shoes.
2. Ideal for Indoor and Light Physical Activities
Plimsolls are perfect for indoor activities such as PE lessons, drama, dance, and classroom movement exercises. While they are not intended for rigorous outdoor sports, their lightweight construction supports balance and flexibility. The flat, grippy soles offer reliable traction on smooth floors, reducing the risk of slips. This makes them especially suitable for early years PE and movement-based learning, where comfort and confidence are key.
3. Help Keep School Floors Clean and Safe
Another major reason schools favour plimsolls is their contribution to cleanliness and floor care. Outdoor shoes can track in dirt, water, and grit, which can damage flooring or create hazards. Plimsolls, however, are worn only indoors, helping to maintain cleaner classrooms and communal areas. They are also quieter to walk in, minimising noise in corridors and learning spaces and supporting a more peaceful school environment.
4. Encourage Independence and Confidence
Plimsolls are designed with children in mind. Thanks to their simple, fuss-free structure, children can easily learn to put them on and take them off by themselves. Styles with rip-tape fastenings or elastic inserts are especially helpful for younger children still mastering fine motor skills. Learning to change shoes independently builds confidence and helps children take responsibility for their own belongings during busy school transitions.
5. Support Active School Life
From maths lessons and arts and crafts to lunchtime activities and indoor sports, a child’s school day is full of movement. Plimsolls are versatile enough to keep up with their schedule, offering the flexibility needed for different indoor activities. Whether sitting cross-legged on the carpet or participating in light physical play, plimsolls offer all-day comfort and support. They allow children to stay focused on learning rather than distracted by uncomfortable shoes.
How Should Plimsolls Fit?
Plimsolls should fit securely and comfortably, allowing natural movement without slipping or squeezing. A proper fit is crucial to avoid discomfort or injury, particularly during the busy and active school day.
Start by checking the toe area. Your child should have enough room to wiggle their toes, but not so much that the foot moves around inside the shoe. There should be about a thumb’s width of space between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. This helps prevent pressure and allows for natural foot growth.
The heel should sit firmly in place without lifting when your child walks or runs. If the heel slips, it could cause blisters or lead to trips and falls. Similarly, the sides of the shoe should hug the foot gently without feeling tight or restrictive.
It’s important to try plimsolls with the type of socks your child will wear to school, as this can affect how the shoes fit. Socks that are too thick or too thin can change the feel and lead to sizing errors.
Avoid sizing up too far in advance. While it might seem sensible to leave extra room for growth, oversized plimsolls can result in rubbing, instability, and difficulty walking. Plimsolls are often used for activities like PE and movement, so stability and proper fit are key.
You can visit a Clarks store for an expert fitting, where trained fitters will measure your child’s feet and recommend suitable styles. Alternatively, use our at-home measuring tools to size confidently from your own living room.
For more detailed advice, take a look at our guide on how to buy school shoes, where you’ll find expert insights on fit, comfort, and when to size up.
Are Plimsolls Only Available in Black?
While black is the most common colour for plimsoll shoes, especially in school settings, they are not the only option available. Plimsolls come in a variety of colours and designs, including white, navy, grey, and patterned styles with playful prints or colour accents. These alternatives are particularly popular for casual wear or for younger children outside of school.
That said, black plimsolls remain the preferred choice for most UK schools. This is because they align with uniform policies, maintain a smart appearance, and are less likely to show dirt or scuffs from daily wear. Some schools even specify black soles in addition to black uppers, so it’s important to read the school’s dress code carefully.
If you're buying kids’ plimsolls for school use, always double-check the uniform requirements first. For out-of-school activities or weekend wear, coloured and patterned styles can be a fun and functional addition to your child’s wardrobe.
Plimsolls for PE and Physical Activity
Plimsolls are a popular choice for PE in many UK primary schools, particularly for indoor lessons such as gymnastics, dance, and basic movement exercises. Their lightweight design and flexible canvas uppers allow children to move freely without restriction, which is especially important when developing balance, coordination, and motor skills.
The thin rubber soles provide a good level of grip on polished wooden or vinyl flooring, helping to reduce the risk of slipping. This makes them ideal for activities carried out in school halls, gymnasiums, or classrooms where trainers might be too bulky or heavy. They are also easy for children to change into quickly, encouraging independence and helping to keep transitions between lessons smooth.
That said, plimsolls are best suited to low-impact activities. For outdoor PE lessons or more vigorous sports such as football, netball, or athletics, children need shoes with greater cushioning, ankle support, and traction. In these cases, plimsolls should be replaced with purpose-built school trainers that can better protect growing feet and prevent injury during high-energy play.
It’s also worth checking your school’s PE kit requirements, as some may request a second pair of plimsolls strictly for indoor use. This helps maintain hygiene and protects indoor surfaces from dirt and scuff marks.
In short, plimsolls play a key role in supporting physical activity at school, but choosing the right footwear for each type of sport or setting is essential to keeping your child safe, supported, and ready to move.
Conclusion
Plimsolls play an important role in your child’s school routine. With their lightweight design, flexible canvas uppers, and easy fastenings, they support freedom of movement and help children stay comfortable during lessons and indoor activities. For younger pupils, they also encourage independence by making it easier to get ready without assistance.
Whether your child needs them for classroom wear, PE lessons, or general indoor use, choosing a well-fitting and durable pair is key. Make sure to check your school’s guidelines on colour and style, and select a pair that’s practical, comfortable, and built for daily wear.
Once you’ve found the right pair, your child will be better prepared to focus, move freely, and enjoy their school day with confidence.
Ready to tick off this essential? Explore our latest collection of kids' plimsolls and help your child step confidently into the new school year.
FAQs About Kids’ Plimsolls
Q: How to Clean Plimsolls?
A: Most fabric plimsolls are machine washable; always check the care label first. If your child’s plimsolls come home muddy or marked, knock off excess dirt, then wash them on a gentle 30°C cycle using non-bio detergent. Avoid using a tumble dryer, as heat can warp the rubber soles. Instead, let them air dry naturally. Regular cleaning helps keep plimsolls looking smart and ensures they last throughout the term.
Q: How to Wear Plimsolls?
A: Plimsolls are commonly worn as part of a child’s school uniform, especially for indoor lessons or PE. They’re also a great option for casual wear outside of school, particularly in spring and summer. Lightweight and versatile, plimsolls pair easily with trousers, shorts, or skirts for a neat, comfortable look. Their slip-on style or simple fastenings also make them ideal for children learning independence.
Q: Where to Buy Plimsolls?
A: If you're looking for high-quality, school-ready plimsolls, Clarks offers a range designed for comfort, fit, and durability. Browse the latest styles online or visit your nearest store for a fitting. Whether you’re updating your child’s PE kit or shopping for kids’ school shoes, kids’ plimsolls remain a staple part of schoolwear.
Q: Are Plimsolls Bad for Your Feet?
A: No, plimsolls are not bad for your feet when worn for the right purpose. They’re designed for light indoor use and low-impact activity. When they fit properly, they allow for natural foot movement and help develop coordination in younger children. For more intense sport or outdoor play, it's best to switch to trainers with added support and cushioning.
Q: Are Plimsolls Trainers?
A: Plimsolls and trainers may look similar, but they serve different purposes. Trainers are built for more intensive activity, with added arch support, cushioning, and grip. Plimsolls, by contrast, are lighter and more flexible, making them ideal for indoor school use or light PE. Most UK schools distinguish between the two when setting uniform or PE kit requirements.
Q: Can You Wear Plimsolls to the Gym?
A: Plimsolls aren’t recommended for gym use, particularly for high-impact workouts. Their flat soles and minimal support make them less suitable for activities that require stability and shock absorption. For gym-based training, proper sports trainers are the safer and more supportive choice.
Q: Do You Wear Socks with Plimsolls?
A: Yes, wearing socks with plimsolls is recommended. Socks help prevent rubbing and blisters, keep feet fresh, and improve overall comfort during the day. Whether your child is wearing plimsolls for PE or daily indoor use, socks can make a big difference in fit and hygiene.
Q: How to Lace Plimsolls?
A: If your child’s plimsolls have laces, use the standard criss-cross method to create even pressure across the foot. Tie them securely, but not too tightly, so feet can move naturally. A double knot can help prevent laces from coming undone during the school day. Some styles may also feature elastic inserts or rip-tape fastenings, which are great for younger children.
For more detailed steps, check out our How to Tie Shoelaces for Kids guide with practical instructions to help make learning easier.