Should you buy bigger school shoes?

With back to school around the corner, choosing the right school shoes for your children can be a daunting task, especially when their young feet grow so quickly. One of the most common question parents ask our instore teams, is should I buy bigger school shoes? 

The Importance of Proper Fit

Many kids experience noticeable growth every few months. This makes it essential to find school shoes that fit well while allowing for some room to grow. Though make no mistake, oversized shoes can lead to discomfort, blisters and even potential long-term foot issues. Regularly checking your child’s shoe size can help prevent these problems.

Signs Your Child Needs New Shoes

• Discomfort or Pain: If your child complains about their shoes hurting, it might be time to go up a size or a half size.
• Toe Proximity: If your child’s toes are pressing against the toe box (front of the shoe), this can be a sign they’ve outgrown their shoes.
• Frequent Tripping: If your child stumbles over their feet more often, this can also be caused by a shoe that is too loose or incorrectly fitted.

Should You Buy Bigger Shoes?

Now, that you’ve spotted the signs your child needs a bigger size school shoe. There are a few key factors to keep in mind when looking to buy bigger school shoes that offer the correct fit and support.

Room for Growth

It’s generally recommended to leave 1 - 1.5cm of space in the toe box (front area of the shoe). This allows for natural growth without sacrificing stability. Even a little extra wiggle room of a half size can make a huge difference. However, keep in mind that buying a size too large can also lead to instability and increase the risk of tripping.

Regular Measurement Check-Ins

Whether it’s at the end of the month or the start of a new term. Make a habit of measuring your child’s feet at least every few months or opt to visit your nearest The Athlete’s Foot store. Here one of our expert trained FIT experts can guide both you and your child to the right size ensuring an accurate size bigger school shoe fit each time. We also offer quiet appointments so if your little one isn’t only nervous for their first day of school, our trained and friendly staff can help them feel relaxed and well supported throughout their fitting process. 

Adjustable Shoe Features

While style is a contributing factor for the wide array of shoe types. Look out for shoes with adjustable features. Whether your child need styles with laces or even self-fastening, or buckle fastenings to help better tailor for a customised fit – you’re sure to find the perfect style for your little one.

Our Top Styles

Don’t know where to start? We’ve compiled some of our favourite options that provide both comfort and support when considering bigger school shoes this upcoming school year.

In this upcoming bigger school shoes hunt - remember to regularly check your child’s shoe size, consider other forms of shoe adjustability and styles and don’t hesitate to consult an expert FIT professional at your nearest Athlete’s Foot store.

Head in-store or shop online and walk away with the right pair of shoes, so your child can feel confident, comfortable and ready to take on the school year.