A GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE PERFECT SCHOOL SHOES

3 KIDS WEARING SCHOOL SHOES AND SCHOOL BOOTS

When starting the brand, one of the biggest requests was school shoes! School shoes that looked good, were good for their feet, were long-wearing and didn't break the bank... exactly what I was looking for in school shoes for my own kids! Well the good news is, we have been perfecting our Back to School range for over 2 years and the new collection is launching now! 

Kids wear their back to school shoes for approximately 1330 hours a year and, as their delicate little bones are still forming, it’s REALLY important to consider some key factors when choosing the right school shoes.

 

Here are the important things to look for:

  • Comfort - You should be looking for shoes that provide adequate comfort and support. Look for cushioned insoles, arch support, and a well-padded collar (and tongue if it’s a fastened style). Adjustability is also key, the better they can be adjusted to the foot the better, so ideally velcro straps work best. And finally, shoes should be “foot shaped”, which means they should be wider around the toe and leave enough space for them to spread and wiggle - natural foot movement is essential for all-day comfort. All ZIG+STAR school shoes have been created around a unique last-shape, designed specifically for a child's developing foot.

 

  • Durability - School shoes should be able to withstand the wear and tear of a childs' daily activities both in the classroom and out!. Check the materials and construction of the shoes to ensure they are durable and long-lasting. Reinforced stitching, sturdy soles, and high-quality materials are important and contribute to the longevity of the shoes. At ZIG+STAR, we use chrome-free, ethically sourced cow leather for the uppers and natural rubber for the outsole, both knowN for their durability and resilience.

 

  • Fit - Proper fit is crucial for both comfort and foot health. It's important to have your child's feet measured by a professional at least once a year. If fitting at home, ensure there is enough room in the toe box for natural foot movement, and the shoe doesn't feel too tight or too loose. Remember to account for growth and consider leaving a thumb's width of space between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. Remember to use our free fitting chart, and check out this video guide to measuring at home

 

  • Support and Stability - Look for shoes that provide good support and stability for the feet. This is especially important for younger children or those involved in physical activities. Shoes with a supportive and padded heel counter and a supportive midsole can help prevent foot fatigue and promote proper alignment. All our back counters are fully padded just below the ankle bone and our leather and memory foam insoles provide continued support, wear after wear.

 

  • Breathability - Breathable materials keep the feet cool and reduce the chances of sweat buildup or odor, which can lead to instability in the shoe and even fungal infections. Fully leather upper and lined school shoes will provide the best performance for all day activity at school

 

  • Slip Resistance - School environments can include various surfaces, and various conditions! It's important to choose shoes with slip-resistant soles. Extra grip is provided by outsoles that have lots of non-contact points with the floor. Look for rubber outsoles with good traction to provide stability and reduce the risk of slipping, especially on wet or smooth surfaces. Have you ever looked at our unique patterned outsole, blending both cool design and brilliant grip!

 

  • School Regulations - Consider any specific style requirements or uniform regulations imposed by the school. While functionality and comfort are paramount, you must make sure they fit with the uniform guidelines. Some schools with demand all black shoes with black outsoles... we sell our school shoes with both black and gum outsoles for extra choice!

 

Wouldn't it be great if there was a brand that combined all these features, along with cool design and an extra bit of growing room to help them last longer... Wait, there is... that's ZIG+STAR! We hope you love them as much as we do!

Ali

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