Your child is a whirlwind of energy, racing from the classroom to the playground and everywhere in between. They're constantly in motion, exploring, running, and jumping. That's why choosing the right school shoes is so important.

We want to protect those precious little feet from injuries while supporting their active lifestyles. The right shoes can significantly affect their comfort, posture, and well-being.

So, let's explore the top 10 children's school shoes that look and feel good.

» Support your child's school journey with the most comfortable shoes

Tips When Choosing School Shoes

The right pair of shoes can support your child through long school days, active play, and various activities. Here's what to keep in mind when selecting the perfect pair:

• Proper Fit: Measure a thumb's space width between your child's longest toe and the shoe's end. The fit should be snug but not tight, with no pinching or slipping. Kids' feet grow rapidly, so check their size every few months.
• Breathable Materials: Choose shoes made from materials like leather or canvas. These fabrics let air circulate, keeping feet cool and dry. Good airflow helps prevent smelly bacteria and fungus. While synthetic options might be cheaper, they can trap sweat and lead to foot problems.
• Good Support: Consider options with a Thomas heel. This specialised heel design supports the arch and helps prevent the foot from rolling inward, improving posture and stability.
• Secure Fastening: Ensure the shoes stay put—you don't want them slipping off mid-adventure! Velcro's excellent for little hands, while zip and lace shoes offer a versatile option. Zips provide quick and easy access, while laces ensure a snug fit.
• Non-Slip Soles: Look for soles with good traction to prevent slips and falls. Rubber soles often provide the best grip. Check the tread pattern—a textured or patterned sole generally offers better traction than a smooth one.

» Explore our ultimate guide to finding the perfect kids' shoes online

1. Best School Shoes for Comfort: Hunter Forest Boots

Durability Meets Adaptive Comfort

Features

• Shoelaces + zipper
• Extended ankle support
• Anti-bacterial insoles
• Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
• Removable insole
• High built-in arch support
• Air valves for moisture reduction
• Thomas heel

The Hunter Forest Boots are the epitome of comfort and style. Their standout feature is a dual fastening mechanism. This combination of laces and a zipper ensures a customised fit, accommodating different foot shapes and ensuring the boots stay securely on.

They also have anti-bacterial inserts, shock-absorbing thermoplastic outsoles, and air valves to reduce moisture. The arch support and Thomas heel provide stability and support for developing feet. These features work together to create a shoe that is not only stylish but also supportive and comfortable

» Encourage every adventure with supportive and durable footwear

2. Best School Shoes for Girls: Maddie Lynn Sneakers

Playful Design, Serious Support

Features

• Three adjustable Velcro straps
• Anti-bacterial insoles
• Anti-scratch/scuffs toe cap protector
• Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
• High built-in arch support

These adorable sneakers feature a bright white base with playful polka dots and come with pastel-coloured Velcro straps for a perfect fit. But the Maddie Lynn Sneakers are more than just cute—they’re built for busy kids.

With features like anti-bacterial insoles to keep feet fresh, a protective toe cap to shield against scuffs, and shock-absorbing outsoles for comfort, these sneakers are ideal for the energetic school day.

» Boost your kid'd footwear with high-quality, comfortable leather shoes

3. Best School Shoes for Boys: Mason Bands Sneakers

Stylishly Robust for Active Boys

Features

• Two adjustable Velcro straps
• Removable insole
• Anti-bacterial insoles
• Anti-scratch/scuffs toe cap protector
• Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
• High built-in arch support

Crafted with durability and comfort in mind, these sneakers are perfect for the energetic little man. The sturdy leather construction combined with an anti-scratch toe cap ensures they can handle the rigours of playtime without compromising style.

Inside, anti-bacterial insoles keep feet fresh, while shock-absorbing soles and supportive arch support provide all-day comfort, making Mason Bands Sneakers the ideal school shoe for busy boys.

» Make sure you know these crucial points about child foot care

4. Best Shoes for Preschoolers: Billy Smooth Sneakers

Preschooler's Comfort in Motion

Features

• Shoelaces + zipper
• Extended ankle support
• Removable insole
• Anti-bacterial insoles
• Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
• High built-in arch support

Billy Smooth Sneakers are designed for the active preschooler. The combination of shoelaces and a zipper makes getting ready quick and easy, perfect for fussy little ones.

The extended ankle support provides extra stability for those wobbly first steps, while the shock-absorbing soles cushion every jump and run. This reduces foot fatigue, letting preschoolers play longer without discomfort.

» Worried about stinky feet? Here's what you can do

5. Best Lace-Up Sneakers for School: Avary Belle Sneakers

Traditional Style, Modern Support

Features

• Shoelaces + zipper
• Extended ankle support
• Removable insole
• Anti-bacterial insoles
• Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
• High built-in arch support

With their lace-up design and zip, the Avary Belle Sneakers offer young children the best of both worlds. The zip allows for quick and easy on and off, essential for busy parents and impatient kids. This is especially helpful for toddlers who are still learning to be independent.

While the zip is convenient, encouraging kids to learn how to tie their laces is an important developmental milestone. This combination promotes gradual learning, as kids can practice tying while still having the option of the zip.

» Follow these expert tips to fix loose laces

6. Best Stylish School Shoes: Misty Meringue Boots

Hightop Fashion Meets Utility

Features

• Shoelaces + zipper
• Extended ankle support
• Anti-bacterial insoles
• Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
• Removable insole
• High built-in arch support
• Air valves for moisture reduction
• Thomas heel

Ready for your little one to be the most stylish kid in the class? The Misty Meringue Boots will do the trick. Their neutral colours suit any outfit, making them perfect for most occasions.

Beyond aesthetics, these boots prioritise comfort and foot health. The shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles cushion every step, reducing fatigue and protecting from impact. The air valves effectively wick away moisture, keeping feet dry and comfortable throughout the day.

» Find out whether high-tops or low-tops protect your kid's feet better

7. Best Durable Shoes for School: Scott the Alpha Sneakers

Timeless Style, Unrivalled Durability

Features

• Two adjustable Velcro straps
• Removable insole
• Anti-scratch/scuffs toe cap protector
• Anti-bacterial insoles
• Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
• High built-in arch support

Scott the Alpha Sneakers are built to withstand the energy of the most active kids. They're also designed to last with features like durable anti-scratch toe caps and adjustable Velcro straps. The removable insoles make cleaning a breeze, ensuring your child's feet stay fresh and comfortable all day.

Comfort is key for active kids—that's why these sneakers have excellent cushioning with shock-absorbing outsoles and built-in arch support. This helps protect your child's feet while they explore and play.

» Find the best shock-absorbing shoes for playful kids

8. Best High-Top School Shoes for Boys: Johnny Rocket Boots

Elegant and Supportive Leather

Features

• Two adjustable Velcro straps
• Extended ankle support
• Removable insole
• Anti-scratch/scuffs toe cap protector
• Anti-bacterial insoles
• Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
• High built-in arch support
• Air valves for moisture reduction
• Thomas heel

Johnny Rocket Boots are designed to keep up with super active lifestyles. The combination of shoelaces and a zipper ensures a secure and adjustable fit, making them perfect for school days.

The anti-scratch/scuff toe cap protector guards against everyday wear and tear, while the anti-bacterial insoles help keep feet fresh and odour-free. The shock-absorbing thermoplastic outsoles cushion every step, reducing fatigue and providing all-day comfort.

» Recognise if your baby's sweaty feet indicate hyperhidrosis

9. Best Patterned School Shoes for Girls: Amanda Sherwood Boots

Patterned Beauty with Practicality

Features

• Shoelaces + zipper
• Extended ankle support
• Removable insole
• Anti-scratch/scuffs toe cap protector
• Anti-bacterial insoles
• Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
• High built-in arch support
• Air valves for moisture reduction
• Thomas heel

You don't have to sacrifice looks for function—Amanda Sherwood Boots deliver in every way. The extended ankle support provides stability for energetic play, while the removable insole offers versatility and hygiene.

Keeping feet fresh and healthy is essential, especially during long school days. That's where the anti-bacterial insoles help to prevent odour and create a healthier foot environment. They're also removable for easy cleaning and customisation.

» Worried about stinky feet? Here's what you can do

10. Best Supportive Shoes for School: Tyler B. White Sneakers

Classic Sneakers with Modern Comfort

Features

• Two adjustable Velcro straps
• Anti-bacterial insoles
• Shock-absorbent thermoplastic outsoles
• High built-in arch support

These timeless leather sneakers are designed for comfort and foot health. The adjustable Velcro straps make it easy to adapt to your kid's growing feet, ensuring a personalised fit. The anti-bacterial insoles keep their feet fresh by preventing odor-causing bacteria.

» Find out what happens when your kid's shoes don't fit properly

Tyler B. White Sneakers have shock-absorbing thermoplastic outsoles for extra cushioning, guaranteeing all-day comfort. Finally, the high built-in arch support encourages proper foot alignment and reduces the risk of future foot problems.

» Does your kid have flat feet? Find out if they need arch support

Choosing the Perfect Fit

Choosing the right school shoes can be a challenging task. Yet, striking the ideal balance between comfort, durability, and style is essential. Luckily, First Walkers knows what kids need for this important milestone, so you don't have to stress about it.

» Check out our selection of school shoes balancing style and comfort