Clarks has launched a new range of 'super durable' school shoes, with prices starting from £38, alongside its existing value basics that begin at £25. Shoppers who buy three pairs can also get 50% off the third pair, which could be useful for families with multiple children or those who quickly outgrow their footwear.
The high street retailer has unveiled the collection, which is designed to withstand playground antics and the daily school run. Among the highlights is the Tapa Skip Youth Black Leather Shoe, priced at £38, featuring a premium leather upper and cushioned collar for comfort and support throughout the school day.
Range highlights and pricing
For a more decorative option, the Lorcam Jane Kid starts from £44 and is available in black leather or patent finishes. Offered in children's sizes 10-2.5, these shoes come in standard and wide fittings, with a bow embellishment that may appeal to children who are particular about their footwear.
Another choice is the Derry Bar Youth Black Leather Shoe, costing £40, which Clarks describes as a 'modern twist on the classic Mary Jane'. For older girls, the Lorcam Lace Youth offers a chunky, durable sole with a ribbon lace detail and a second plain lace option, giving two looks in one shoe. Available from £49, these lace-up styles come in sizes 3 to 9, including half sizes.
Comfort and value options
Many of the new super durable shoes feature scuff-resistant technology, with comfort and breathability designed to support growing feet that can spend more than 35 hours a week in school shoes. The range includes shoes for older children and teenagers.
Other value options include the Feather Shine Kid shoes, priced between £25 and £27. Available in sizes 1-13.5, they come in standard and wide fits. While not part of the super durable range, they blend a sporty style with classroom-ready practicality. One buyer said: "Great shoes my son loves them and they are comfy, plus keeps his feet dry as well in rainy conditions, would buy again." Another called them a 'good, hardwearing pair of school shoes', though one noted they "start off a little tighter across the top" for children with wider feet.
Shopping options and customer feedback
Clarks offers free standard delivery when shoppers buy a measure-at-home foot gauge, allowing kids' feet to be measured at home before ordering. For those preferring an in-store fitting, Clarks lets parents book a measurement appointment online to avoid queues. Its school shoes are podiatrist-approved and come in whole and half sizes, plus different width fittings. The retailer also sells other back-to-school essentials, such as school bags, lunchboxes and umbrellas.
For more budget-friendly options, Next offers school shoes including its Black Wide Fit (G) School Leather Lace-Up Shoes, with prices starting at £28. Matalan has also released its back-to-school collection, with these Black Scuff-Resistant Casual School Trainers priced between £12.80 and £13.60, down from £16 to £17.
On Trustpilot, Clarks shoppers were enthusiastic about the brand for back to school. One wrote: "Jaime provided us with excellent service when shopping for our daughter's very first pair of school shoes. Extremely kind and caring and looked after us really well." Another deducted a star, writing: "Good service, no issues, will always buy children's school shoes from Clarks. The prices are getting out of hand though."
Other reviews praised staff at various stores, including Carrie, who said: "Mo at Middlebrook Bolton store was brilliant with my son Leo. Purchased Leo's school shoes and he couldn't do enough. Thank you." Holly commented: "Ben and Emily at Clark's Poole store were fantastic with my twins. We came in for their first school shoes and PE trainers and the customer service was brilliant." Kimberley posted: "Sam was so friendly and helpful. We had foot measuring and bought new school shoes - all so easy. My daughter is also really pleased with her new shoes and can't wait to wear them!"
Another shopper added: "I took four of my children to Clarks in Huddersfield for school shoes yesterday, not realising it was so close to closing time. But this wasn't too much trouble for Assistant Manager, Michelle, who made sure we left with some lovely, well-fitted school shoes - thank you!" Next day delivery is available from £5.95.
