Best Shoe Brands for Back to School – The Top 5 Most Durable and Affordable Brands

May 11, 2025 Back to School Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

When preparing for a new school year, finding shoes that are durable, supportive, and school-uniform compliant is key. The right pair not only handles daily wear and tear but also promotes healthy foot development. As a passionate children’s shoe fitter with years of experience, I’ve handpicked the top five back-to-school shoe brands that combine comfort, durability, and affordability—plus, I’ll share the best styles from each brand to match your child’s foot shape and school requirements.

What Type of Shoes Are Best for School?

When shopping for school shoes, consider the following features:

Feature One: Stable Base of Support. Your child’s back-to-school shoes should strike the perfect balance—offering the support needed for growing feet while remaining lightweight and flexible to keep them comfortable and energized all day long.

Side-by-side comparison showing the superior arch and heel support of the recommended New Balance back-to-school shoe versus a less supportive alternative.

Feature Two: Firm Heel Counters. Back-to-school shoes should feature firm heel counters to provide essential stability and protect your child’s heels and ankles throughout the day. This critical part of the shoe—located at the back—helps keep the foot aligned and supported during walking, running, and play.

A shoe fitter pressing on the heel counter of a back to school shoe.

Feature Three: Durability. School shoes should withstand daily wear and tear. Look for shoes made from high-quality materials such as leather or sturdy synthetics that can handle the rigors of playground activities and classroom use. Reinforced stitching and robust soles are also indicators of a durable shoe that will last through the school year.

New Balance all black kids back to school shoe.
An image of a black New Balance school shoe made from high quality materials.

School Shoes That Comply with Your School Uniform Policy

Some schools have stricter uniform policies when it comes to which types of shoes children can wear in terms of material, color and style. There are certain schools that allow children to wear full black leather shoes, whilst others allow children to wear nearly any type of enclosed shoe.

Top 5 Durable and Affordable Back-to-School Shoe Brands

These are the top back-to-school shoe brands known for their support, comfort, and durability. However, not every style within a brand offers the same benefits—some perform much better than others. I’ll guide you through the best styles from each brand to ensure your child gets the right fit and support.

Stride Rite

Stride Rite has been a trusted name in children’s footwear for decades, especially for back-to-school shoes. Their popular Claire Mary Jane is crafted from 100% leather, featuring a durable outsole and firm heel counter for superior support. Available in classic school-approved colors like black, brown, and navy, this style also accommodates medium, wide, and extra wide feet.

Extra wide Mary Jane shoe for toddler girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Claire by Stride Rite on Zappos or Amazon
  • Also available in brown and navy
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • 100% leather
  • Padded collar for comfort
  • Memory foam insole for enhanced comfort
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

New Balance

New Balance is known for producing durable school sneakers that offer exceptional support and structure. Made with high-quality leather, these shoes come in a variety of widths—including medium, wide, and extra wide—for a perfect fit. Available in classic black and white, they meet most school uniform requirements.

990v6 by New Balance

These all black sneaker shoes made by New Balance are an excellent option known for their superior quality and support. They are particularly well-suited for children who need added support due to foot conditions or those who are especially active.

990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe 990v6 by New Balance on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

Fresh Foam 650v1 by New Balance

This all black sneaker offers a cushioned insole for comfort, a durable outsole for traction, and a stylish silhouette that appeals to kids. Its construction ensures that it can withstand daily wear and tear, making it a reliable choice for active children.

New Balance all white kids school shoe.
New Balance all black kids back to school shoe.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Fresh Foam 650v1 by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
  • Padded collar for comfort
  • Velcro closure
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Geox

Geox is an Italian brand celebrated for its breathable technology that keeps feet cool, dry, and comfortable all day. Their leather school shoes offer the perfect blend of style, durability, and support—ideal for active kids. The styles below are best suited for children with medium or wide feet.

Newfast Moccasin

Crafted from 100% leather, these kids’ slip-on shoes combine timeless style with school-ready durability. The sturdy rubber outsole offers reliable traction and long-lasting wear—perfect for active school days.

Geox black school shoes for kids.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Newfast moccasin by Geox on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Shock absorbtion sole and insole
  • 100% leather
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

Naimara by Geox

These classic leather Mary Jane school shoes blend timeless style with everyday comfort. Designed to fit girls with medium or wide feet, they offer a secure fit and a polished look perfect for school uniforms.

T-strap back to school Mary Jane shoe for kids by Geox.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Naimara by Geox on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Leather made
  • Supportive outsole with firm heel counter
  • Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening hook and loop closure
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Naturino

Crafted from 100% premium leather, these Naturino Mary Jane shoes offer a sleek, polished look with a comfortable fit for girls with narrow or medium feet—perfect for school days.

Naturino Mary Jane for kids with narrow feet.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Catania by Naturino on Zappos or Amazon
  • Fits narrow and medium feet
  • Double velcro straps
  • 100% leather
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

Sperry

Sperry manufactures some of the most popular back to school shoes for kids. Their signature shoes are the Dirty Buck and their boat shoes. The shoes below can fit children with medium or wide feet.

Gamefish by Sperry

These Sperry top sider wide shoes are an excellent choice for school-aged children with wide feet, combining classic style with kid-friendly comfort.

Sperry boat shoes for kids.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Gamefish by Sperry on Amazon
  • Available in wide widths (fits children with high insteps)
  • 100% genuine leather upper
  • Lace for easy on/off and adjustability
  • Memory foam footbed
  • The laces tend to stay tied
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

Songfish by Sperry

The Sperry Songfish is a stylish and supportive boat shoe for kids, perfect for school and everyday wear.

Sperry shoes for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Songfish by Sperry on Zappos or Amazon
  • Available in medium and wide widths
  • Slip-on
  • Memory foam footbed
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

Authentic by Sperry

This Sperry kids’ boat shoe combines timeless style with everyday comfort.

Sperry slip-on boat shoes for kids.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe Authentic by Sperry on Zappos or Amazon
  • Fits children with medium or wide feet
  • 100% genuine leather upper
  • Lace for easy on/off and adjustability
  • Memory foam footbed
  • The laces tend to stay tied
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

Bonus Resource: Best Athletic Shoes for Back to School

If your child is active or participates in school sports, wearing the right athletic shoes is essential. Below, you’ll find a curated list of supportive sneakers perfect for PE class—designed to help prevent foot, ankle, and leg injuries while keeping up with your child’s energy and movement.

Ordering the Correct Shoe Size Online

Not sure if your child has narrow, wide, or extra wide feet—or whether they have flat, regular, or high arches? My virtual shoe fitting service helps you accurately determine your child’s foot size and shape from home, giving you the confidence to choose the perfect shoes every time.

Contact Me for Personalized Recommendations

If you have specific questions or need personalized recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape, feel free to contact me via email. I’m here to help you find the perfect pair of back-to-school shoes for your child, ensuring they start the school year with confidence and comfort.