More than 13,700 parents have rated a pair of school shoes 4.8 stars out of five - and they cost less than £10. As part of the sports retailer's launch of its first-ever 'Middle Aisle' promotion, Decathlon has reduced its Kids' Soft 140 Rip-Tab School Shoes from £14.99 to £9.99, a saving of 33%.
Features and design
Available in black, the lightweight shoes are designed to withstand everything from the classroom to the playground. Coming in sizes 8C to 5.5, the waterproof trainers feature flex grooves in the sole for flexibility, and an EVA foam sole for a lightweight feel. The rip-tab and elasticated laces help your child be independent, as they can easily put them on and take them off themselves, while the non-marking sole won't leave marks on the floor.
Parent reviews
Real parents who have sent their children to school in the trainers have been pleasantly surprised by how long they last, considering the sub-£10 price tag. One said: “Before the school starts I get the same shoe for my son every year. It's comfortable and lasts longer compared to other shoes I have bought before. I have bought it for the third time.”
Another said: “My kid says they are comfy. They are very light, and still look good after 8 months. He will out grow them before they fall apart.”
One parent, who bought them on a whim in an emergency, said: “After realising my son had worn through his shoes whilst on holiday in Paris, we grabbed these for him, walked a million whinge free miles. Back in the UK, when his feet grew they were the go to trainer- he loves them, and we can still eat because they are not crazy expensive.”
One mentioned the sizing can come up on the big side, commenting: “The shoe size is larger than normal; it's advisable to order a size smaller than usual.” However, some may consider 'growing room', depending on the fit.
Others have been impressed with the fact they're waterproof, writing: “My boy uses these shoes for PE at school, and he always chooses them when we go out shopping. Lightweight, waterproof, and easy to put on.”
“My boy wears these lightweight, waterproof shoes to school every day - even in the rain. They're easy to put on and very practical for daily use,” another added.
Many who have tried them return to them year after year, too, with one parent commenting: “Second school year using these for my twin boys, if their feet don't grow they last all year and more importantly they are water resistant.”
Other back-to-school deals
Elsewhere at Clarks - a brand synonymous with school shoes - these Lumen Hero Kid trainers are £25. Lumen Hero is described by the brand as an 'everyday, easy-to-wear trainer' that 'blends underfoot support with child-friendly practicality'. M&M direct also stocks these Skechers Junior Boys Dynamight Day School Trainers, now under £20 down from £44.99. Ideal for P.E., the velcro fastening trainers boast memory foam cushioning for added comfort.
The discounted Decathlon shoes are just one of the products in the brand's Middle Aisle, which is designed to rival the popular bargain aisles found in supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl. Available across its UK stores, website and app, the limited-time discounts see a selection of school-ready essentials including trainers, backpacks and water bottles, reduced until August 30.
The retailer says the initiative comes as 45% of shoppers are actively looking for budget-friendly alternatives, helping families save money without sacrificing quality. Alongside the £9.99 school shoes, shoppers can also find discounted Adidas trainers, backpacks, reusable water bottles and other back-to-school essentials.
For those seeking an on-trend school bag, the Adidas 27.5L Backpack has been reduced from £24.99 to £15.99. It comes in four colours and has enough room for A4 folders, books and PE kits. Meanwhile, their Kids' Playventure Yard Shoes have been reduced from £19.99 to £14.99. This pair has been developed in partnership with 11 healthcare experts, to provide the right balance of cushioning, flex and torsion.
The offers are available in Decathlon stores, online and via the retailer's app until 30 August.
