How to Choose the Best Shoes for School
It’s that season again. As the new school year draws near, your kids need new kicks. Their feet have been busy growing during their summer break, and now you’re on a mission to find the best shoes for school that are not only durable but also comfortable and fashionable.
The importance of having the right pair of school shoes influences more than one may think. Shoes that pinch or rub can be uncomfortable and distracting while they’re trying to learn or cause painful blisters and sores. A pair without the right support can lead to accidental injuries. When your child will, at the bare minimum, be wearing their shoes for 8 hours a day, Monday through Friday, you want to ensure they’re comfortable.
Help your child start the school year off on the right foot with the best pair of kids’ shoes when heading back to school. Here’s everything you need to know about back-to-school shoe shopping.
Where to Begin
The right pair of back-to-school shoes depends on a lot of personal factors. There’s much more to consider than fit, comfort, and budget. Everything from how active your child is to the climate where you live can influence back-to-school shopping.
Weather and Location
Whether your children will be walking to and from school or just playing on the playground at recess, weather and location matter a lot. You might live somewhere with tons of snow or rain, necessitating waterproof shoe and boot options to keep them safe, warm, and dry. If you live somewhere where temperatures are warm and dry all year, you might want something more lightweight and breathable for their comfort.
Your Kids’ Preferences
Kids can be particular about their footwear. Their shoes go everywhere with them, and they want a pair they love. They want something that fits comfortably and shows off their unique fashion sense.
One child might love high-top sneakers, while another prefers low-tops or boots for their go-to daily pair. You might also have a kid who prefers tying their shoes, while another prefers slip-ons or Velcro straps. Pro tip: Velcro and slip-on shoes are a must for families on the go or younger children.
Since they’ll be walking around in them, they should get a say (within reason) about the shoes they get. The right pair can offer a confidence boost that brings them a little spark of joy every time they put them on.
Activity
Not all shoes are built the same when it comes to running and playing sports. You wouldn’t send your kid off to basketball practice in a pair of boots or cleats. The activities your child participates in matter when it’s time to buy their back-to-school shoes.
If your child plays sports competitively, they might need specialized shoes just for that. If not, consider just how active they are. Particularly active kids may do best with athletic shoes designed to withstand wear and tear. A good pair of athletic sneakers can support their feet comfortably in most scenarios, and they can be worn as a trusty daily pair when off the field or court.
Styles and Trends
This is where things can get a bit more interesting. Your child has their own personality and style, and they want their shoes to fit that personality just right. Whether they’re into sleek, sporty shoes or prefer something cuter, you’ll find it at Shoe Carnival.
Your child may be at the age where they’re excited to flex their own personal style. Brands such as Nike and Adidas have distinctive looks your child may want. Explore the shoes that are trending now to help find pairs that satisfy your child’s wants and needs, as well as your own.
Dress Codes
Some schools enforce a strict dress code or uniform. In this case, you’ll want to shop for uniform shoes that meet the regulations at your child’s school and are most comfortable for your child.
Schools that enforce a dress code often expect dressier styles, typically in plainer colors, such as black or brown, but may allow any color within certain styles. Before shopping for school uniform shoes, be sure to review your child’s school’s requirements to get it right the first time.
Your child’s school may also ban certain types of shoes. For example, some schools have a strict no Heelys policy because the wheels can pose a safety issue if children decide to ride them in the hallway. Crocs have also posed an issue in schools due to playground safety. While these shoes are popular, comfortable, and convenient, they aren’t as protective as a structured pair of closed-toe shoes that are designed to stay on the feet.
If your child will be participating in labs in science classes, they may be required to wear closed-toed shoes. Your child may require athletic shoes for gym class, even if they’ll wear another style for the rest of the day.
Our Back-to-School Shoe Highlights
Ready to shop for back-to-school shoes but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry. Browse our top five picks (in no particular order) instead. These brands offer style, comfort, and durability to carry your children well through the school day.
Nike
You can’t go wrong with a good, reliable pair of Nikes. They’re the best of all worlds, offering comfort and support in a durable, stylish package. These athletic sneakers work great for gym class and casual walking.
Nike shoes come with all sorts of features, from air cushioning to memory foam, and you’ll even find specific pairs for certain sports. They come in various colors, such as soft pastels, bold neon hues, and more unassuming shades of black and white.
Adidas
Like Nike, adidas is a well-known brand that’s made its name from creating reliable pairs of shoes that can stand up to the constant onslaught of wear-and-tear children are so good at subjecting them to. They also come in a range of designs to support and accommodate athletics and daily use.
Many pairs are breathable and lightweight while also reinforcing the toes for extra durability. Some are even tailored specifically for children’s gym classes, with extra cushioning and support in the soles. Shop from a wide range of shoe styles for children of all ages- big kids to small kids- including sneakers, sport slides, and running shoes in a range of colors and wide-width options available. adidas offers a great selection of Velcro and slip-on options as well.
Skechers
Skechers prides itself on creating durable shoes with sturdy outsoles and lightweight materials that make them comfortable to wear for extended periods. With supportive midsoles to maintain the right amount of arch support, these are some of the most comfortable all-purpose shoes your child can wear. Pro tip: Skechers hands-free slip-ins are a clutch go-to for high-schoolers who have a part-time job or non-competitive afterschool activity.
Skechers offers a variety of children’s styles, including creative patterns evocative of your child’s favorite games or animals and bright, playful colors. Even better, many pairs of Skechers for kids are machine washable, which is a big perk if you have elementary-aged children who love to traverse through mud and puddles.
Vans
Vans offers that quintessential sneaker style that fashion-minded children and teens love. Patterned pairs allow for unique kicks the other kids on the playground will fawn over, while more classic designs offer a tasteful sleekness to pair with their back-to-school outfit.
Older children may love the skater-friendly Old Skool Vans, which incorporate extra padding and reinforcement for durability. Plus, the signature rubber waffle outsoles provide additional grip.
Puma
A good pair of Puma sneakers can really make a statement. Whether your kids play basketball or soccer or just need a good pair of shoes to get them through gym class, these fit the bill. You’ll be hard-pressed to find the vibrant, unique patterns and color combinations that you’ll find on Puma shoes anywhere else.
Plus, as Puma is a brand renowned for creating athletic wear for professionals, your child’s feet will be nestled in a pair of shoes designed with cutting-edge technology. You can trust these shoes to be long-lasting, whether your kids are tearing up the court or your lawn as they run.
Shop Back-to-School Shoes With Shoe Carnival
Back-to-school season doesn’t have to be stressful as you shop for supplies and clothes for the coming year. You don’t need to complicate your back-to-school shoe shopping either. Luckily, at Shoe Carnival, you’ll find shoes for all occasions, sizes, and styles, making it your go-to store when it’s time for a new pair. Finish all your shoe shopping in one convenient place, and while you’re at it, you can find all sorts of other accessories, such as socks, hats, backpacks, sports bags, and more.
When you shop online, your order will conveniently arrive at your door. Need them sooner? Select in-store pickup or shop in person at your nearest Shoe Carnival. Don’t forget your Shoe Perks rewards!