Simple way to avoid common school shoe mistake: 'Save money, last longer'

Yes, I know school isn’t even out for summer but as any parent would know, that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start thinking about back to school (or in some cases hoping for it too). Whether it's classes, teachers, subjects, or booklists, there are loads to consider for the 2025 school year, and this includes uniforms.

And what is a school uniform without school shoes? Well, if you ask me – it’d be a much simpler process because despite being eight years in, I still find purchasing the ‘right’ school shoes - ones that fit, are comfortable, and my kids like - a challenging task.

Unfortunately, shoes are a must and consolation or not, I know I’m not the only parent in these…shoes.

Marie Ishak-Lewis, Principal Podiatrist and Owner and Director of Elite Podiatry tells Yahoo Lifestyle that some of the most common mistakes she sees is parents choosing a specific style of shoe without ensuring it’s suitable for their child.

How to find the right school shoes for your child

And, she says, a suitable school shoe includes these three must-have features.

1. Rigid fastenings. “Laces, zips, Velcro, or buckles are needed to hold the foot firmly in the shoe. No slip-on and no elastics,” Ishak-Lewis says.

2. A strong firm heel counter. “Minimal to no bending halfway down the back of the shoe where the heel bone sits. The stronger the better. The shoe also lasts longer.“

3. A neutral and simple sole. “No built-in 'arch support', no gels on the outer heel, no bubbles, holes, waves, air pockets, carved-out soles, or anything that, when loaded with a human, will give way and collapse,” she adds.

Ensuring the school shoe has these three features is essential for comfort and foot health but also durability, which equates to something I love: saving money.

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“It helps to allow everything to work beautifully together - the foot, sock, orthotic (if there is one) and the shoe. It also helps to reduce discomfort and trauma when there is a foot not perfectly fitted,” Ishak-Lewis says.

Trusted experts in children’s shoes, Shoes & Sox understand the importance of properly fitting shoes by including half sizes and various width fittings; they also place a high priority on training their staff to ensure the perfect fit every time.

They are so committed to helping you find the right shoes for your kids that if you're not completely satisfied, all you have to do is return the shoes within one month of purchase for a complimentary fit check.

How the wrong shoes can cause serious damage

This not only generates financial peace of mind but prevents any nasty foot damage too, which according to Ishak-Lewis, can be painful and sometimes, serious.

“An incorrectly fitted shoe can cause increased heat, swelling, blisters, hard skin including corns and calluses, black or bruised nails, nails falling off and even irreversible nail damage,” she says.

The good news is that along with Shoes & Sox fitting services, all the top footwear brands stocked by them - Clarks, Harrison, Ciao, Nike, Asics, New Balance, Reebok, Adidas and Skechers- have an amazing range of suitable shoes that are safe, durable, stable and cool.

With 80+ locations across Australia, including Myer Concessions and an online store- Shoes & Sox is the perfect stop for ensuring the perfect fitted school shoe.

Why you should buy school shoes in December

Now, I know what you’re thinking- it may seem overzealous to purchase school shoes in December- but it can actually help your child put their best foot forward in the coming school year by providing ample opportunity to break in new shoes—particularly stiff leather ones—which can help to prevent blisters and discomfort.

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Plus, this December, Shoes & Sox is offering an exclusive promotion to make your school shoe shopping even more rewarding with 20% off all full-price black leather and black sports shoes, including top brands like Clarks, ROC, Asics, and more!

It's the perfect opportunity to get a head start on back-to-school shopping, save money, and give your child the best start to the new school year with shoes that fit right, feel great, and support their growing feet.

To check out the full Shoes and Sox range, click here.

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