Best Uniform Shoes for Kids in 2024 – Supportive, Affordable, and Durable!
Are you having a hard time finding a pair of school shoes that are supportive, affordable, durable, and at the same time comply with your child’s school uniform policy? Does your child have a “complicated” foot shape or foot condition that makes it more challenging to find shoes that fit? I have put together a list of the best uniform shoes for kids in 2024 that are capable of accommodating different foot shapes (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide, and high insteps).
Some schools require that children wear shoes that are made either of solid black, white or brown color. The good news is that the school shoes that I recommend are made out of leather and they are available in solid black, white, brown, and navy.
Examples of School Policy When it Comes to Footwear
Most schools require students to wear shoes that fit securely on the foot and shoes with open toes or backless shoes (including flip flops, crocs, mules, and slides) are not allowed. As far as the color of the shoes is concerned, some schools require students to wear solid black shoes, while some others might allow brown and navy.
What Are the Best Uniform Shoes for Kids?
The uniform shoes that I recommend not only comply with most school uniform policies as they meet the color requirement, they also provide excellent support, meaning that they will be comfortable for your child to wear. The shoes are also available in different widths to accommodate your child’s specific foot shape.
What Makes the School Shoes I Recommend the Best Choice for Back to School?
- Supportive but lightweight and flexible at the same time: All of the school shoes that I recommend provide a supportive outsole to keep your child’s feet supported and protected. However, even though the shoes are supportive, they are lightweight and flexible at the same time, to prevent your kids’ feet from easily getting tired.
- Color Code: The uniform shoes that I recommend are available in solid black, white, brown, and navy. Check with the school to ensure that the chosen shoes comply with any uniform or dress code policies they may have.
- Durable: The school shoes that I recommend are all 100% leather made, which helps increase comfort and makes the shoes more durable. You will notice that the shoes I recommend have reinforced stitching for maximum durability.
When back to school season hits, it’s a madhouse at the shoe store where I work. Parents take their children to be fitted for their school shoes, and since we are a fitting store, we take the time to make sure every child leaves wearing the perfect shoe size. This does lead to parents waiting from thirty minutes to an hour for their turn.
If you prefer to shop online, I will show you a list of the best uniform shoes that I have fitted before.
How to Order the Correct Shoe Size Online
Do you know what shoe size you need to order online? Are you 100% sure of your child’s foot shape? For example, some parents believe that their children have wide feet when in fact they have extra wide feet.
Shoes that are too short or too long can create foot issues for your child. To prevent your child from developing blisters, calluses, or ingrown toenails, you must make sure that the shoes are the correct size. With that said, you won’t be able to order the correct shoe size online, if you don’t know your child’s foot size to begin with.
Best Uniform Shoes for Kids in 2024
Below you can find a list of comfortable, casual and school-approved selection of uniform shoes that will keep your child’s feet comfortable and healthy.
Velcro and Slip-On Styles
- Shoe style R W.Snake Mocassino by Geox
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Leather uppers
- Oversized opening
- Adjustable hook and loop closure
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Claire by Stride Rite
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- 100% leather
- Padded collar for comfort
- Memory foam insole for enhanced comfort
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Jace by Hush Puppies
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Double velcro straps
- Padded collar for comfort
- Memory Foam foot bed for all-day comfort and support
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style 650v1 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style 650v1 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Prodigy 5100 by School Issue
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% leather
- Padded collar for comfort
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Jungle Moc Nubuck by Merrell
- Fits medium and wide feet
- 100% leather
- Outsole has excellent grip
- Air Cushion midsole allows long-wearing comfort
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Catania by Naturino
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Supportive outsole with padded heel area
- Rubber toe-cap for maximum durability
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style Reese by Hush Puppies
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% leather
- Outsole has excellent grip
- Supportive outsole
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Lace-Up Closure
- Shoe style Striper II by Sperry
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% leather
- Lace-up closure
- Full welt stitching
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style 650v1 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
- The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style 650v1 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Mesh collar and tongue are padded with foam for a great fit and added comfort
- The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Chad by Hush Puppies
- Available in medium and wide widths
- 100% leather
- Easy on-and-off with an oversized opening hook and loop closure
- Lace up closure for secure fit
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Lanyard by Sperry
- Fits medium and wide feet
- 100% leather
- Cushioned insoles with additional padding at the heel
- Lace up closure for secure fit
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Days II by Keds
- Available in narrow, medium, and wide feet
- 100% leather
- Padded collar and terry cloth lining for comfort
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style 480 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Cfederico1 by Geox
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- 100% leather
- Order this shoe a half size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style X 860v13 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- The ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Extra padding around the heels
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Keep in mind that for your child to get the full benefits that the shoes have to offer and prevent foot issues, the shoes need to fit the shape of your child’s feet correctly. That is the reason why I created a list of the best uniform shoes for kids based on their unique foot shape such as narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet.
If you are having a hard time finding a specific uniform shoe for your child don’t hesitate to leave me a comment in the section below or you can email me at:
Gym Uniforms
Some schools require students to bring a separate pair of gym shoes to school to wear for gym class. Your child might not be allowed to wear the same pair of shoes to school to keep the gym floor in good condition.
Gym shoes should be either white soled or nonskid. Students can wear their choice of sneakers and socks on gym days as long as they change into their gym sneakers. If you want to see a selection of the best gym shoes I suggest that you take a look at the article below:
Are Shoelaces Better than Velcro Closure?
Most parents prefer to provide their children with shoes with velcro closure, but shoes that come with shoelaces will provide your child with better support and stability.
The Importance of Providing Your Child with the Correct Back to School Shoes
Your child will be wearing his/her back to school shoes at recess, the playground, and physical education class. The shoes must provide children with the appropriate everyday support to protect their feet and leg, and prevent foot and legs injuries. The shoes must also provide good durability so your child can outgrow the shoes before anything happens to them.
Finding the correct type of uniform shoes for your child can be a struggle. Make sure that you check the school guidelines before buying your kids back to school shoes.
Uniform enforcement is up to the discretion of the school. Keep in mind that if your child is dealing with a specific foot condition or foot problem that requires him/her to wear specific shoes to accommodate orthotics, for example, you should ask the school to revisit their guidelines.
Make sure that your child wears socks with the shoes at all times, as that will help prevent foot issues, and the buildup of bacteria inside of the shoes which can lead to foot odor. Wearing socks with the shoes will also help prevent the shoes from wearing down faster.
Let me know in the comment section below if you have found a specific pair of uniform shoes that worked well for your child’s feet. I am sure other families will benefit from learning about your experiences!
