As the clock strikes midnight on July 31, parents begin preparations for an August filled to the brim with back-to-school shopping. From weaving in and out of crowded stationery aisles with an indecisive little one who can’t quite work out which pencil case to go for this year, to shopping for yet another set of new school uniforms for kids who seem to grow at an exponential rate, there’s plenty for parents to busy themselves with before children begin a new academic year in September.
Why black school shoes remain a staple
One of the most important purchases a parent will make before a child returns to school is picking out a new pair of uniform-appropriate black shoes. A tradition which dates back to the beginning of formal schooling in the UK, black shoes represented the zenith of professionalism and were considered to be the smartest form of footwear – making them exceedingly appropriate for instilling academic values in children new to the classroom.
Nowadays, they’re a practical, scuff-resistant, and utilitarian option for kiddos up and down the country. While some forward-facing schools might offer a more casual, trainer-led approach to footwear, the vast majority of state and private schools will require students to wear a pair of uniform code-approved black shoes.
Top picks for durability and comfort
We’ve curated a selection of durable and hard-wearing school shoes for boys that’ll keep them comfortable throughout the school day. Keep scrolling for a selection of steadfast stompers that’ll survive a playground kickabout.
Best overall – Clark's kids leather derby shoes: £44, Marksandspencer.com. Another no-nonsense style from the experts over at Clarks, these shoes are a fresh, functional take on the classic brogue that won’t give your kiddo break-in blisters thanks to the extra comfortable eco foam footbed cushions.
Best budget school shoes – Clowder Stripe Kid Black Leather: £20, Clarksoutlet.com. Supportive without being bulky, these elasticated and rip-tape fastening school shoes from Clarks are equipped with a hybrid leather and mesh construction for ultimate breathability. Padded collar and tongue details ensure supreme support, while a lightweight EVA midsole absorbs impact.
Best school trainers – On Cloud Sky 2: £90, On.com. Designed to bring a little comfort and wiggle room for always-on-the-grow feet, the Cloud Sky 2 are an extra-durable version of the adult model. Secure, breathable, and ready for a good bit of rough and tumble from your offspring, the trainers are made to easily slip on and off with minimal fuss – an ideal style for the mini-me that’s always on the move.
Best trendy school shoes – Adidas VL Court 3.0: £60, Adidas.co.uk. Adidas trainers are everywhere right now, from the cult-favourite Samba to the gum-soled Spezials. If your child is locked into all things fashion, they’ll likely want a pair of school-appropriate Adidas for the new academic year, and these suede Court 3.0s are a brilliant option. Plus, Diechmann is offering a buy-one-get-one-free promotion for the back-to-school season, making them a brilliant choice for households with multiple kiddos.
Best toddler shoes – Kickers toddler boys school shoe: £45, Kickers.com. Slightly sturdier than a classic plimsoll yet just as comfortable, these Kickers are a perfect accompaniment to an active toddler that’ll keep up with them throughout the school day and beyond.
More styles to consider
New Balance 580 v Junior Trainers: £30, Schuh.co.uk. A slightly smarter sneaker for school-approved excellence, the New Balance Junior 480s are equipped with both elasticated lacing and an adjustable rip-tape fastening. They’re also fitted with uber comfy Ortholite insoles. Sleek, stylish and practical.
Kickers Youth Mens Fragma Lace 4 Eyelet Leather Black: £34.99, Amazon.co.uk. Kickers are a perennially stylish unisex school shoe classic. The Fragma lace 4 Eyelet is an elevated version of the brand’s classic moccasin style, this time with a more squared-off and sporty silhouette.
College Black leather boys primary slip-on school shoes: £65, Startriteshoes.com. Perfect for boys starting college and requiring a slightly smarter shoe, these slip-on loafers from Start-Rite are equal parts comfortable, utilitarian and sophisticated. These innovative shoes have a biochemically engineered sole which provides targeted flexibility, as well as a soft tongue for agility and control.
Nike Air Force 1 LE Older Kids’ Shoe: £75, Schuh.co.uk. If your school allows them, there’s nothing quite as cool as a pair of black leather Air Force 1s. The sturdy, perennially stylish design will be the envy of kiddos and adults alike. What makes the Air Force 1s a great school shoe is the fact that you can throw them in the washing machine on a delicate cycle after a particularly muddy day or simply wipe clean as needed.
Skip Black riptape canvas school plimsolls: £22, Startriteshoes.com. Incredibly easy to pop on and off, these canvas plimsolls will keep your child comfortable all day long.
Clarks Lorcam lane kid: £45, Clarks.com. This sturdy and well-manufactured leather school shoe is sure to go the distance. Clark’s hybrid shoes are suitable for tweens and teens who are comfortable with a slightly less casual, lace-up option.
