5 Things to Look for When Buying School Shoes
In this informative (no it's not boring) video, Dr Brenden Brown dishes out expert advice on how to buy the perfect school shoes for your little tykes. He covers the five essential factors that you absolutely cannot overlook, like making sure they fit like a glove, have enough support to withstand a zombie apocalypse and are made of materials that can withstand a nuclear blast. He'll also teach you about the toe box and arch support, cause let's face it, who wants to see their kid hobbling around like a penguin with flat feet? With Dr Brown's advice, you'll be able to buy shoes that are not only practical but also make your kid the coolest kid in school.
School Shoes Near Me
Australia is fortunate to have an abundance of retail outlets that sell school shoes. After you’ve checked the uniform requirements for your school, there are a large number of brands and style choices to wade through. Many of the outlets have online options, which can be a little daunting for many people (what happens if they don’t fit properly etc.)
The best option is to buy shoes with your children in tow from a physical store. Using the tips below, you can select the best school shoe for your children.
DIY School Shoe Measurements
If you are unable to get into a physical shop, there are more and more online options available.
There are quite good systems that you can use at home, like simply printing out a scalable image and taking specific measurements. You can fairly accurately estimate both the size you should be looking for and the width that is best for your child. I really liked this one, the Athlete’s Foot Kits Fitting Chart. You just print it out and follow the instructions.
There are many options now to buy in-home foot measuring devices. Clarks have a Junior Fit Guide, Junior Fit Gauge Non Defined By Clarks, and Williams has an online service called Strutfit. Measure and Fit (williamsshoes.com.au)
BEFORE you start measuring up your child’s feet, watch this short video about how to find the correct size.
Choosing the Right Size School Shoe
Hey parents, listen up. Don't be tempted to buy your kid a tight shoe just to make them last longer or to save a few bucks. Trust us, it ain't worth the pain and misery for your little one. Always make sure to get the right size school shoe, otherwise you'll be dealing with a limping, complaining child. Plus, let's be real, no one wants their kid to be known as the one with the giant clown shoes. So, in short, invest in the right size shoe and save yourself the hassle. Your kid (and their dignity) will thank you.
Traditional School Shoes VS Trainers (Joggers or Sports Shoes)
Many schools (primary & secondary) have formal dress codes and require school shoes as part of their uniform. Traditional school shoes have been designed to be worn five days a week to school, and sports shoes are often designed to be worn mainly for sports.
Dr Brenden explains more about the difference between School Shoes and Joggers in the video below.
School Shoes for Girls or Boys, what's the difference?
Choosing a school shoe style will depend on what type of shoe is permitted by your school’s uniform policy. Some schools have strict requirements regarding the style and fastening method (no buckles, no Velcro etc.) Check with your school before you go shopping.
It’s important when you’re familiar with the requirements that you buy a shoe that your child wants to wear, unless you want to see them walking around with a paper bag over their shoes. And let's be real, the only difference between boys and girls shoes is the color, so don't stress too much about it.
Laces, Buckles, Velcro or Slip-ons?
Dr Brenden Brown dishes out expert advice on how to buy the perfect shoes for your little ones, whether they're laces, Velcro, buckles or slip-ons. He'll talk to you about the closure types, whether it's laces, Velcro, buckles or slip-ons and how it can affect the support and comfort for growing feet. With Dr Brown's advice, you'll be able to buy shoes that are not only practical but also make your kid the coolest kid in school.
School Shoes for Girls or Boys
Choosing a school shoe style will depend on what type of shoe is permitted by your school’s uniform policy. Some schools have strict requirements regarding the style and fastening method (no buckles, no Velcro etc.) Check with your school before you go shopping. It’s important when you’re familiar with the requirements that you buy a shoe that your child wants to wear.
Hi-Tech School Socks
School Shoes with Socks (Sox)
Often an overlooked but oh-so-important part of wearing school shoes; Comfortable Socks! Sock technology (yes, there is such a thing) has advanced significantly over the years. Not only do they have reinforced heels and toes for extra durability, but some are infused with silver which inhibits the multiplication of odour-causing bacteria. Now you can go all day without smelling like a locker room!
Some socks have high-density cushioning around the high-impact areas to ensure more comfortable wear during a hard day of running and jumping, making your child's feet feel like they're walking on clouds. "Bless their little cotton socks" takes on a high-tech, space-age meaning when looking at today’s choices. With the right socks, your kid's feet will be so comfortable, they'll be begging to go to school!"
When to Buy School Shoes?
The best time to buy school shoes is when the stars align and the moon is in the 7th house. Or you know, in the first week of January. Often the post-Christmas sales will still be on, and stock levels will be high.
It’s an excellent time to beat the crowds and allow a more fantastic choice of styles, plus you can finally get rid of those ugly Christmas socks your aunt got you. So mark it on your calendar, set a reminder on your phone, tie a string around your finger, or just remember: January, shoes, sales. Got it?"
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*IMPORTANT NOTE
This guide, questionnaire and recommendation should not and can not replace qualified medical advice. The information on this page and website are a guide only. We strongly advise you to consult our Podiatrists or a qualified health practitioner for professional advice.
(No really come on get and see someone, you’re really unlikely to get better trolling the internet for a cure! Said with love because we care ? )
No medical treatment in Australia can be guaranteed, in fact it is illegal to do so. Results will vary from person to person.
Dr Brenden’s White paper report on the “6 Reasons You Won’t Beat Heal Pain” outlines what’s stopping you from beating this and tips on how to stop it in its tracks!