Best School Shoes for Kids Reviewed in 2024
Getting your kids ready for school can be challenging enough without having to worry about them complaining about their shoes. Many shoes fit well, look good, or have a durable design. Well, we have found the school shoes that are the best of all those worlds. This provides you with a variety of school shoes that are listed with designs that work well with uniforms or no uniforms. They are classically designed shoes that are great for any school-aged kid. Picking out shoes for the school year will never be so easy.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 47 hrs of research
Mary Jane style inspired design
Feature 100 % leather upper
Sole constructed from soft rubber
Inside features footbed made from comfy memory foam
Great school shoe with a uniform approved design
10 Best School Shoes for Kids
1. Hush Puppies Lexi Uniform Mary Jane
Mary Jane style inspired design
Feature 100 % leather upper
Sole constructed from soft rubber
Inside features footbed made from comfy memory foam
Great school shoe with a uniform approved design
Sizes do run large
Width is very narrow is design
Looking for a cool, classic, and comfortable shoe for your little one for school this year? Look no further, this a brand that is well known for quality shoes that have great designs that offer a classic look and are comfortable for all day wear. From walking to class to gym class these shoes are designed for everything that school shoes offer.
Read moreDesign
One of the best qualities of these shoes that are often hard to find these days is a quality construction made from 100 % leather. The design of these being constructed from leather allows for a durable shoe that is also very comfortable from day one. Along with comfort and durability, the design offers a cool style that is school uniform approved.
Comfort
The level of comfort for these school shoes is amazing, not only does the leather exterior of the shoe offers a soft flex that comforting the interior of the shoe is as well. The interior of the shoe features a memory foam cushy footbed. This gives the shoe a supportive and comfortable feel for all day wearing ability.
Value
The rubber sole, the memory foam, the durable leather exterior, and the antimicrobial treatment all come together to create one of the best school shoes on the market. Not only does the shoe offer all day long comfort and support, but it is uniform approved. This means that it is a win for the kids and a win for the parents making these shoes a great value for all.
Price Range
When we think about prices for shoes there are many factors that go into the price. The quality and materials along with the design are some of the major factors that influence that range. These shoes do fall into the mid-range for school shoes, but the quality materials and construction make them well worth the buy.
2. Keds Daphne T-Strap
Features a rubber sole and foam footbed
Comes with a T-strap closure
Has flex grooves that are deep
Includes a padded collar
Upper is made of high-quality leather
Sizes may run small and narrow
The leather upper did not clean well for some parents
School shoes are great when they offer a classic design that is also very neutral. It makes it easy to match with whatever they design to wear that day. These shoes have been designed in just that way. The classic white shoe with T-strap design has a special little flower just to give them that little extra style that every little one loves.
Read moreDesign
Their excellent craftsmanship is visible in fabulous creations such as this one for little girls. This grand model has twice the customer feedback online from highly satisfied customers with over 1,000 reviews. It is offered in toddler and little kid sizes and available in fourteen solid colors and mixed patterns. The most popular color for school in this style is white. The wonderful Daphne shoe includes a T-strap closure that is so easy to take off, put on, and adjust. It has flex grooves that are deep for the most flexibility in movement, and the traction is superb because of the rubber outsoles. This incredible sneaker has a delicate little flower of the same color as the shoe on the closure strap. The buckle and strap are very sturdy and long-lasting, and this ideal shoe includes a padded collar. The upper is made of high-quality leather material for the best comfort level and all-day support.
Comfort
Because these cute shoes come in so many color variations, you will want to get more than one pair for your child. They go with almost anything she will wear formally or casually.
Value
We love this simple decorative closure on these adorable shoes! The little tiny flower on the strap just set the whole shoe off, but the closure is so easy for kids to maneuver themselves.
Price Range
Just below the average price, these Keds for girls get their value from the cute design, top-quality rubber and leather materials, and the unique and easy T-strap Velcro closure.
3. Reebok Classic Leather
Available in fifteen bold and bright colors
The black color is used for formal wear and school
Has a leather upper and a rubber sole
Features terrific support, comfort, and cushioning
EVA midsole is lightweight and comfortable
A few people said the sizes were a bit off – had to reorder
The shoe tongue was long for some kids
Available in fifteen various bold and bright colors, the Reebok Classic Leather Shoe includes a soft leather upper and a durable rubber sole. The black model is most useful for school and formal event purposes, and this outstanding shoe is offered in just little kid sizes.
Read moreDesign
Reebok has been making running shoes and other types since 1895, so their brand is one that is reliable and suitable for everyday wear. This excellent shoe has terrific support, comfort, and cushioning for long-term use. The EVA midsole has a die-cut making it lightweight and comfortable, and the outsole is constructed for high abrasions and durability.
Comfort
Comfort is the key when it comes to school shoes because of the length of time that your little one spends in the shoes. These shoes offer a lightweight design that is easier to wear all day, plus the midsole offers that extra cushion that provides the support that is needed. The comfort in the design comes from the running shoe inspired style.
Value
It is a Reebok model – what is there not to love? These classic shoes for kids have a huge range of bright and even neon colors for everyday purposes and the solid black for school and formal events.
Price Range
This is the most average regarding price among these school shoes for kids. You know it is top-quality because of the Reebok name, plus the numerous choices of colors and the fabulously comfortable materials used.
4. Stride Rite Claire Mary Jane
Made of comfortable leather and sturdy rubber
Outsole provides traction, flexibility, and support
The company has more than 85 years of experience
Has a simple Velcro strap
The insole is made of cushiony memory foam
Colors may fade quickly
The overall quality disappointed some parents
Stride Rite has more than 85 years of experience in making top-quality shoes, such as these Claire Mary Jane shoes that are perfect for little girls to use for school. Made just for girls in toddler, little kid, and big kid sizes, they are made of soft comfortable leather and durable tough rubber. This outstanding model is long-lasting, versatile, and offered in three solid dark colors of black, navy, and brown.
Read moreDesign
The collar is padded for comfort, and the outsole is made of rubber, flexible, lightweight, and non-marking. Such an outsole provides great traction and support. These superb Mary Jane shoes can be put on and taken off easily by the child or the adult because of the easy closure. They have a simple Velcro strap for quick adjustments, and the insoles are made of cushiony memory foam. These are easy to keep clean, as most soil just brushes or wipes off with a damp cloth.
Comfort
The simple closure of this shoe model will be much appreciated by parents and children alike. Kids will love that they can put them on themselves without problems, and parents will like their kids having some independence.
Value
School shoes are one pair of shoes that you can almost guarantee that your little one is going to get dirty. So, being able to clean the shoes with a cloth and some mild soap to make them look new again makes them a great value. Day after day of use the shoes can be brought back to new with a cloth and soap, just like the kids when they get dirty. It really adds value to the shoe when this is possible.
Price Range
On the higher end of the price range, these adorable shoes for girls come in a wide range of sizes, have an easy durable closure, and is made of top-quality materials for comfort and stability.
5. New Balance KX624 Uniform
Includes a cushioned sock liner
It is perforated to provide great ventilation
Stitching is long-lasting and strong
Has a padded tongue and collar
Offered in little kid and big kid sizes
Some parents said the stitching does not last long
A few complained of the sizes being larger than normal
New Balance is a company that is committed to ensuring that each pair of shoes are comfortable and well designed to look good while feeling great. This means that the school shoes they have designed are shoes that are well designed, comfortable, and durable. They are the perfect match for any school uniform or neutral enough to be worn every day for schools that do not require a uniform.
Read moreDesign
The shaft is about two inches from the arch, and they are perforated to provide great ventilation in the shoe. The stitching is long-lasting and strong, plus the tongue and collar are padded for longer wear. They come in solid black and solid white for school purposes and are offered in little kid and big kid sizes.
Comfort
While some customers had very active kids who seemed to wear the stitching right off of these shoes, the craftsmanship of these is quite durable and reliable. They are built tough for school purposes.
Value
Shoes with padding in the tongue and collar are needed for kids to wear all day long at school. They will be so comfortable with these because of the extra care from the manufacturer.
Price Range
These fabulous shoes from New Balance are a bit above the average price, but they are worth it because of the strong stitching, padded tongue and collar, and the cushioned sock liner.
6. Adidas Performance Stan Smith J
Inside lining is terry and breathable mesh
Has an OrthoLite sock liner to fight odors
Has been created and popular since the 1970s
A dependable model perfect for everyday
Perforated on the sides for ventilation
Sizing can be a problem
Some said the logo faded in their shoes
The Stan Smith Tennis Shoe from Adidas has been a popular court shoe since the early 1970s. It is a dependable model that is perfect for everyday use with a shaft that is low-top from the arch. It features an inside lining of terry and breathable mesh in addition to the antimicrobial OrthoLite sock liner that will absorb moistures to limit odors.
Read moreDesign
This incredible footwear provides fantastic traction because of the rubber cupsole and comes in big kid sizes. Eleven different colors are offered including solid white and solid black for school use. It is perforated on the sides for wonderful ventilation inside and has a thick all-rubber sole for cushion and flexibility. The wonderful Stan Smith model includes the Adidas logo on the tongue and outsole and has strong laces and eyelets that are long-lasting. This reliable Adidas product is made of sturdy rubber and full-grain leather materials.
Comfort
The company of Adidas has been crafting this amazing model of shoe for almost fifty years straight. That longevity tells you of its top-quality, need, and loyalty from Adidas buyers.
Value
Kids must wear their school shoes more than any other type of shoes when classes are in session. Because of this, they must be comfortable to wear such as this model with the perforations for great breathability.
Price Range
Because of the Adidas name and the high-quality of the model, these are the most expensive shoes on our list. They are valued also for the excellent features of the cupsole, sock liner, and full-grain leather.
7. Keds School Days II
Classic designed dress shoe with sneaker feel
100 % leather upper design
Featured memory foam for comfort and support
A traditional lace-up closure system
Durable and easy to wipe up
Terry cloth lining makes it hard for the little ones to easily slip the shoe on
Sizes run small
Keds’ Shoe Company has been designing classic school shoes for many generations. These designs always offer comfortable shoes that also look good. They are simple designs that offer lots of comfort with the durable leather uppers and a footbed made of memory foam. It is able to offer a classic style that matches just able anything and is still comfortable enough to be able to be worn all day long.
Read moreDesign
The upper part of the shoe has been constructed from leather and features a classic black and white design. The front toe part of the upper is white, with a black strap across where the strings ties then followed up in the rear with the white. The closure systems for these shoes are the classic lace-up design. They lace up to provide a secure and tight fit. Inside the shoe, there are memory foam insoles that provide the kids with a footbed that is comfortable for all-day wear. The collar has been padded for extra comfort and featured with the memory foam insole is a terry cloth lining that also adds to the comfort level. Matching their clothes to their shoes will be easy with this traditionally designed lace-up shoe. It is comfortable, easy to lace up, and looks great with anything.
Comfort
Leather shoes provide kids with a shoe that is durable and easy to clean up. With as rough as kids are on their shoes you want to provide them with a shoe that will last and can be cleaned up from time to time. These shoes are constructed from 100 % leather and will provide all that and more.
Value
Great classic designed shoes that makes getting ready for school in the morning easy. They match just about anything and work great with school uniforms.
Price Range
When they are requesting some style, but still need a classic shoe that matches all their school clothes and you are a smart buyer, these are just the shoes you are looking for. The classic design of these School Days is truly priceless, but they do have a price tag. Each pair comes in at the low end of the price range for quality school shoes that the little one is able to wear each day.
8. French Toast Cole Oxford
Includes an outsole with excellent grip
Includes a rubber sole and a leather upper
Has a pull-tab to make pulling on easy
Perfect for school or any formal occasion
Offered in little kid and big kid sizes
These did not last long for a few kids
The sizes may run a bit large
These French Toast Cole Oxfords include an outsole with excellent grip and a heel that is almost an inch thick. This is an Oxford shoe model with a wide Velcro strap on top and strong tonal stitching all around.
Read moreDesign
The helpful Velcro strap makes putting on shoes simple and easy. These include a rubber sole and a leather upper and a pull-tab to make pulling them on easy. Perfect for school or any formal occasion, they are offered in little kid and big kid sizes.
Comfort
Oxfords with a Velcro strap have got to be one of the best models possible for boys. They not only look fabulous, but they are extremely easy to fasten and adjust as you need.
Value
Outstanding in style and appearance, these Oxfords will match your child’s school uniform or formal wear well. They have a professional quality about them that is simply stunning.
Price Range
These Oxford shoes are one of the more economical shoes on our list. They are valued for their professional appearance, easy Velcro strap, and durable tonal stitching.
9. Dream Pairs 160479-K
The design is comfortable and lightweight
Has added support from the cushioned insole
Includes a durable rubber non-skid outsole
The closure is a simple Velcro strap across the foot
Includes a padded collar for comfort
Velcro was too short for a few kids
Some smaller kids found these to be heavy
These Dream Pairs School Loafers for boys are available in nine color variations, but we feature the solid black for school purposes. The design is comfortable, lightweight, supportive, and soft, plus has added support from the cushioned insole.
Read moreDesign
The upper is made of DP premium textile material, and the closure is a simple Velcro strap across the top of the foot. This wonderful boys’ school shoe includes a durable rubber non-skid outsole and a padded collar for high comfort. The rounded edges will help prevent falls and stumbles, especially for younger kids.
Comfort
It may not seem like something that would be very important for shoes, but the rounded edges on these will keep kids from having so many falls and spills that normally happen with more squared-edge shoes.
Value
For smaller kids, Velcro closures are the best. They can wait to learn how to tie shoes when they get a bit older, as those take some delicate fine motor skills to manipulate.
Price Range
These are the lowest in price on this list of school shoes. The terrific value comes from the rounded edges, easy Velcro strap, and the highly comfortable feel when they are worn.
10. K-Swiss Kids' Classic VN Sneaker
A classic brand name designed a shoe with a traditional design
Features classic five strip design on the side with three piece toe design
Lace up closure system with featured branded D-rings
Molded non-marking rubber sole
Durable design with classic style
Sizes run large
No glued well, glue spots on lots of shoes
A pair of shoes that provides a timeless design with endless possibilities to match to a cute outfit for any kid. The shoes have been constructed with both synthetic and leather materials. This makes the design durable and easy to care for. On the bottom, you will find a rubber sole that has been made durable and lasting.
Read moreDesign
It is a design that supports a low top and is very supportive in the arch area. This gives the kids great support and provides them with a shoe that allows them to run and play. The inside of the collar has been constructed with a textile. The textile is durable and adds a level of comfort around the ankle. Each liner of these shoes features a Die-Cut EVA design. This design has been created by this company for advanced comfort and breathability. It also features a classic lace-up design for the closure system. On the side of the shoe, you will notice the brand design with the five strips and the d-rings that have been placed in the lace up system along with the three-piece design on the toe. These details to the design make this shoe a complete head turner for the kids. Get your kids into a stylish pair of shoes that provide them with comfort and match just about anything.
Comfort
The designs of these shoes are stylish. They provide kids with a great quality shoe that has been made by a well-known brand and is as durable as they look. Often kids shoes are either durable or look cool and this pair has both.
Value
These shoes really take parents back to their childhood when this design was in style. The design in back in style and is a great addition to any kids school shoe collection.
Price Range
This is an averagely priced shoe depending on the size that you need. Larger sizes were on the above average price.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Value
This buying guide highlights the best school shoes for kids that manufacturers currently are offering online. We choose only the top items in a category to put in our informative guides for your shopping pleasure. We only want the best for our families, just as you do for yours. Our helpful lists will show you all of the best choices in one terrific place. The school shoe that has the most reviews is the Keds Daphne T-Strap shoe, and the shoe with the highest rating from customers is the Reebok Classic Leather shoe. Consumers are overwhelmingly pleased with these two selections and the other eight shoe models on this list.
Comfort
Although some customers claimed that their kids went through some of these models rather quickly, they are the best shoes that manufacturers have on the market right now. Like we said before, children can be quite hard on shoes because they run and jump in sometime unfavorable places, such as mud puddles, rough sidewalks, or gravelly areas that can tear shoes apart. The stitching on these kids’ shoes is top-quality and sturdy meant for extended wear on kids. The other materials of the leather and rubber are long-lasting as well. Any of these fantastic shoe models should last kids at least five or six months of everyday wear, depending on the care from the user.
Design
Made of only the best materials, each one of these models is constructed with superior craftsmanship. Only the highest level of rubber, leather, and mesh materials were used to create these highly durable shoes. Everyday shoes must be trustworthy because they need to be worn every day for school, church, or other formal functions. Kids can be quite harsh on shoes because the feet are not always in the most ideal situations. The high-quality of these great shoes is a reflection on the great producers who created them.
Price Range
Stride Rite, Adidas, and Merrell have the most expensive shoes here with the vast majority of the others being priced under the average. Because of the huge variance in prices, it is wise to consider the brand names when looking at each item. The more popular brands will, of course, be the most expensive. These higher-priced shoes throw off the average range quite a bit. We list the value base for every item here in its own Cost and Value section for your convenience.
Most of the shoes are suitable for all year round except for winter. Namely, the materials used in the making of some shoes are not fit for snow or rain and the feet may not be kept dry.
Children's feet are continuously growing and changing. The right shoes should provide both external and internal support and good cushioning. Quality shoes will last longer. Both feet should be measured to provide the most optimal results.
Other Factors to Consider
Brand
Kids today want to wear the shoe brands and styles that are the most popular and the ones that are currently trending. All of these great shoes for school come from the top name brands of today. We feature products from Adidas, Merrell, Keds, Reebok, Stride Rite, New Balance, and Deer stags to name a few. These are long-time manufacturers who have decades of experience in making shoes that are popular, fashionable, and stylish. Your child will be glad to wear any of these terrific models to school and any other formal setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Can both girls and boys wear the shoes that do not state one gender or the other?
Yes, for the models that did not specify gender, it would be good for both sexes to wear them. Boys will not want to wear the styles for girls, such as the Mary Jane model or the Daphne T-Strap, but girls could wear some of the boys’ shoe models quite comfortably. Girls and women often wear boys’ and men’s shoes because they have a more comfortable fit. Male shoes are often wider, so they fit women and girls who have wide feet very well. If your little girl has wide feet, then it would be advisable to get a model that was intended for boys for the best fit.
q: Do these come in other colors than just the black for school uniforms?
Yes, almost all of the models were offered in other colors that could be used for normal everyday wear. Some even had bright neon colors that would match regular casual clothes. If the shoes are comfortable enough for wearing all the time at school, then it would be a great idea to buy another pair for the child to wear with his or her regular wardrobe in a favorite color.
q: What is the most common complaint of these shoes online?
When it comes to clothing, shoes, or anything that must fit the body, sizing is always the biggest problem. Especially when ordering items online, trying them on first is not an option. The sizing issue is not a reflection on the manufacturer because customers for the same model complained of the same shoe that is too big or too small. The only way this is possible is that the sizes do not match the size that the child normally wears, or the parents ordered a size up or down. It is best to order the size that the child wears to avoid returning the shoes. If they then do not fit, you will know which way to go on the sizing chart – up or down. Buying a size up or down only creates a bigger problem if you are wrong. For then, you do not know which size will fit and may have to return the various sizes several times.
q: Which shoe did customers like the best and which one has the most reviews online?
The Keds Daphne T-Strap is the most reviewed shoe with over 1,000 reviews, and the Reebok Classic Leather shoe has the highest rating of all models from consumers. These are the best of the best that customers would overwhelmingly purchase again for their children.
q: What is the best way to clean these shoes for school?
You would have to follow the manufacturers suggestions for cleaning the particular brand and model that you purchase, but in general, most of them should just be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Most of them have leather uppers, which cleans fairly easy of mud and dirt. It is possible that they can be machine-washed and then air-dried, but it is best to follow the instructions that come with the shoes.
q: Are these shoes more durable and long-lasting than regular shoes, or will they perform just as normal shoes would?
This really depends on the types of shoe you compare them to. With the grand manufacturers we feature here, it will be hard to impossible to find shoes with better endurance or quality because these are the best. Customers have rated them according to how they performed for their kids. These top producers put their all into making these ideal shoes that are perfect for formal wear, such as school uniforms.
Sources
- Choosing the right school shoes, Online Article ,
- Back to school: Finding the right shoes for your children's feet, Online Article ,
- How to buy the best school shoes, Informative Article ,