The Skechers Back to School Shoe Guide
Whether your child needs smart black school shoes, sporty school trainers, easy slip-ons or a reliable pair for busy PE days, the right shoes should feel comfortable, fit securely and keep up with the school run, the classroom and the playground.
This guide brings together the essentials parents need before buying school shoes. When to shop, how school shoes should fit, which styles work for different school days and what to look for if your child needs something lightweight, durable, easy to fasten or uniform-friendly.
At Skechers, our kids’ school shoes include black school shoes, school trainers, lace-up styles, bungee lace styles, self-fastening options and hands-free Skechers Slip-ins. Use this guide to find the right pair before the new term begins.
When should you buy school shoes?
The best time to buy school shoes is usually two to four weeks before the start of term. That gives children time to try them on at home and wear them in gently, without buying so early that they outgrow them before September.
Shopping a little ahead of the back-to-school rush also gives you more choice across sizes, colours and styles. Leave it too late and popular black school shoes, slip-on school shoes and school trainers can sell out quickly. Buy too early and a summer growth spurt may mean the fit is wrong by the first day back.
A good rule is to measure both feet before buying, check the school’s footwear policy, then choose shoes that feel secure, comfortable and suitable for your child’s school day.
How to choose the best school shoes for your child
The best school shoes are the ones your child can wear all day comfortably. They should support growing feet, meet school uniform rules and hold up to everyday movement. Before buying, check these core features.
1. Start with the school uniform rules
Most UK schools ask for black school shoes or plain black school trainers. Some allow sporty styles, while others prefer a smarter shoe shape. Before buying, check whether the school allows trainers, visible branding, coloured soles, lights, boots, slip-ons or open designs such as Mary Janes.
2. Look for all-day comfort
Children wear school shoes for long stretches of the day, so comfort matters. Look for cushioning, flexible movement, breathable materials and a fit that does not rub at the heel or squeeze the toes. Skechers styles with cushioned insoles, lightweight midsoles and flexible soles are designed to support active school days.
3. Choose secure fastenings
The right fastening depends on your child’s age, confidence and school routine. Slip-on school shoes and bungee lace styles are useful for younger children or busy mornings. Lace-up school shoes can offer a more adjustable fit for older children. Self-fastening straps can work well for children who need quick, secure fastening without tying laces.
4. Prioritise durability
School shoes go through a lot. Walking, running, playground games, wet pavements, scuffs and PE bags all take their toll. Reinforced toes, sturdy soles, flexible materials and a secure heel structure can help shoes keep their shape for longer.
5. Check the fit properly
School shoes should feel snug but not tight. There should be enough room for toes to move, but not so much space that the foot slides forward. Ask your child to stand, walk and wiggle their toes. Check both feet, as one foot is often slightly larger than the other.
The Best Skechers School Shoes
Skechers is all about creating comfortable, durable, and school-friendly designs. Here are some Skechers styles perfect for the new school term:
Skechers Slip-ins
Skechers Slip-ins are a game-changer for busy mornings. With their hands-free design and structured heel, kids can slide them on easily. The new Glide Step for Kids adds extra comfort and flexibility with its lightweight, sporty sole that’s built to keep up from the classroom to the playground.
Skechers Uno
The Skechers Uno range combines style and comfort effortlessly, featuring a lightweight construction, air-cushioned midsoles, and a sleek design.
Skechers Microspec
Perfect for active kids, the Microspec offers breathable mesh uppers, supportive cushioning, and sturdy rubber soles. It's easy slip-on design with elastic laces makes mornings hassle-free while providing essential foot support throughout the day. While great for little kids, the Skechers Microspec range are also a great affordable option, ensuring you can send your child to school with great shoes without breaking the bank.
Skechers GO RUN
Renowned for comfort, Skechers GO RUN are all about superior cushioning and durable materials. Love spots? These shoes seamlessly transition from the classroom to the playground.
How to break in school shoes
New school shoes should be worn in gradually before the first day back. Start with short periods indoors, then increase the time over a few days. This helps the shoes soften and gives you time to spot any rubbing before term starts.
To break in school shoes safely, ask your child to wear them around the house with school socks for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Avoid long walks on day one, and do not force shoes that feel painful or too tight. If rubbing continues, the fit may not be right.
How to lace school shoes
Properly laced school shoes help keep feet secure and supported. Start by threading the lace evenly through the bottom eyelets, then cross the laces diagonally through each opposite eyelet until you reach the top. Pull the laces so they feel firm but not tight, then tie them securely in a bow.
For younger children, a double knot can help stop laces coming undone during the school day. If laces are still a struggle, consider slip-on school shoes, bungee lace styles or self-fastening shoes.
Back-to-school shoe checklist
- Check the school footwear policy before buying.
- Measure both feet and buy for the larger foot.
- Try shoes on with school socks or tights.
- Make sure toes can move without the foot sliding around.
- Choose secure fastenings your child can manage independently.
- Look for cushioning, grip and durable soles.
- Break shoes in at home before the first day back.
- Keep a separate pair of trainers for PE if the school requires it.
- Check fit again after growth spurts or if your child complains of rubbing.
Back-to-school FAQs:
The best school shoes for kids are comfortable, durable, secure and suitable for their school rules. Look for cushioning, flexible soles, a secure heel, breathable materials and fastenings your child can manage.
Skechers offers a range of kids’ school shoes designed for comfort, movement and everyday wear, including black school shoes, slip-on school shoes, bungee lace styles and sporty school trainers.
The best girls’ school shoes depend on the school rules and your child’s routine. Black slip-ons, Mary Jane styles, bungee lace trainers and cushioned sporty shoes can all work, provided they fit well and meet the uniform policy.
The best boys’ school shoes should feel comfortable, secure and durable enough for busy school days. Black lace-up styles, slip-ons, bungee lace trainers and sporty school shoes can all be suitable depending on the school policy.
For primary school, look for shoes that are comfortable, durable and easy for children to put on independently. Slip-on, bungee lace and self-fastening styles can be especially useful for younger children.
For secondary school, children may prefer smarter black trainers or more grown-up school shoes. Prioritise uniform-friendly colours, cushioning, secure fit and durability.
Children with wider feet need shoes that do not pinch across the toes or the widest part of the foot. Look for flexible uppers, secure fastenings and enough toe room. If your child often complains of tight shoes, measure their width as well as length.
For flat feet, look for comfortable cushioning, a secure heel and supportive construction. If your child has pain, frequent tripping or ongoing foot concerns, speak to a podiatrist or trained shoe fitter.
For PE, choose lightweight, cushioned trainers with good grip and flexible movement. Some schools require a separate pair of PE trainers, so check the school kit list.
Wipe away dirt regularly with a soft cloth or brush. Follow the care instructions for the material. Let shoes dry naturally and avoid direct heat, which can damage materials. For more detail, see our full guide to cleaning your Skechers shoes.
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