You’ve got the lunch boxes sorted and the books ready to go. Now it’s time to scout out the best school shoes to keep boys and girls comfortable and protected all year long.

But, we know that finding a smart pair of school shoes that ticks all the boxes is easier said than done. Not only are parents faced with endless choices, particularly when sneakers are an option too, but there’s also individual taste to consider as well as the cost.

So to help you tick shoes off your back-to-school checklist, we’ve done the research for you and put Australia’s most trusted school shoes for boys and girls in one handy spot.

Top Tips For Buying School Shoes

• Check your school’s requirements - Depending on the school your little fellow attends, the uniform requirements will differ. Some schools (especially at the primary level) encourage kids to wear sneakers as they’re comfortable and easier to move in – but fluoro colours may be a no-no, so check before you buy. Other schools require kids to wear more formal school shoes, which could be black or brown leather or faux-leather shoes, in either lace-up or Velcro styles.
• Measure your child’s foot properly - Have your child stand on a piece of paper on a flat, hard floor. Mark the top of the big toe and the back of the heel with a pen and then measure diagonally between each point for an accurate measurement. Keep in mind that when brands list the length (usually in cm), they’re usually referring to foot length, not shoe length.
• Understand sizing - With US, UK and AU sizing all used within Australia, it’s natural to feel confused figuring out your child’s size for online purchases. Take a peek at our kids’ shoe size conversion chart to help you get it right.
• Consider your child’s age - If your little ones haven’t learnt to tie their shoelaces yet, it’s best to go with Velcro closures.
• Don’t buy them too early! Because you’d be surprised how much young feet grow during the summer holidays!

 14 Best School Shoes In Australia For 2024

Whether you’re after black Velcro sneakers or a quality pair of leather lace-ups, you’ll find Australia’s favourite school shoes in this shortlist.

Clarks Discovery Black Leather Shoe, $149.95

New to Clarks for school 2024, the Discovery is the answer to easy on-and-offs and loads of support. Suitable for orthotics, they come with easy self-fastening straps, a thick sole, a reinforced toe cap for way fewer scuffs and mesh lining for better breathability. Easy to wear and great looking – what’s not to love? Sizes US10.5 (junior) – US6.5 (senior).

Why we love them:

• Mesh lining for better airflow
• Easy self-fastening straps
• Reinforced toe caps resist scuffs

Bobux Leap Double-Strap School Shoe, $129.95

Sporty and simple, this unisex school shoe is perfect for active boys and girls. It comes with a removable memory foam insert for extra support and a zero-drop rubber role that mimics barefoot walking. Best of all, the double-Velcro closure means kids can pull them on fast when you’re trying to get out the door in the mornings. Sizes: EU27 – EU33.

Why we love them:

• Padded collars
• Quickdry premium leather
• Reinforced toe caps

Clarks Daytona Leather School Shoe, from $149.95

One of the bestselling school shoes in Australia, the Daytona is available in 234 different sizes – so there’s a pair for any kind of foot! They boast a full-grain leather upper and lining, a padded collar for comfort, a lightweight sole and a PU-moulded footbed. They also feature Micro-Fresh technology for fitting foot odour, mould and bacteria. Sizes US8.5 (junior) – US15 (senior).

Why we love them:

• Suitable for orthotics
• Comes with a spare set of laces
• Leather upper and lining

Pablosky Girls’ Mary Jane School Shoe, $139.95

Designed in Spain, these classic girls’ school shoes have a beautiful premium leather, laser-printed upper that sets them apart from other styles. They come with padded collars, heel and toe guards, an anti-bacterial insole and a non-slip sole – great for active kids. Sizes US10 (junior) – US3 (junior).

Why we love them:

• Bovine leather upper
• Self-fastening straps
• Antibacterial insoles

Skechers Kids’ Durablox, $109.99

Sporty, smart and oh-so comfy, the Skechers Durablox is a fabulous school shoe for kids who are always on the move. Our favourite features include the padded collar and tongue, memory foam insole, non-marking soles and simple Velcro closure. These are sized for preschool and grade-school kids. Sizes US11 (junior) – US7 (senior).

Why we love them:

• Leather upper
• Chucky sole with a tough grip
• Kid-friendly Velcro strap

Harrison Indiana Girls’ T-Bar School Shoes, from $103.96

An absolute classic, the Harrison Indiana T-Bar is one of the most popular girls’ school shoes in Australia. Built to see young ladies right through the year, they boast a high shine for a smart finish and loads of breathability thanks to cut-out detailing. They come in Junior, Youth and Senior sizing. Sizes US11.5 (junior) – US10 (senior).

Why we love them:

• Fantastic ventilation
• Full leather upper
• T-bar fastening with buckle

ROC Strobe Boys’ School Shoes, $149.95

Available in sizes for juniors and seniors, the ROC Strobe boasts a clean design and multi-fit innersole. Not only are they lightweight and tough, but they’re compatible with orthotics and come with a padded collar to support growing feet. Sizes UK11 (junior) – UK13 (senior).

Why we love them:

• Thick outer soles
• Tough leather upper
• Multi-fit innersoles

Airflex Stitch 360 Leather School Shoes, $149.99

Aptly named, the Stitch 360 comes with external stitching around the shoe for maximum durability. The Energy Pod System works like a shock-absorption system, providing pillow-like comfort in the heel area. It’s the classic school shoe with all the modern support juniors and seniors need. Sizes AU10 (junior) – AU12 (senior).

Why we love them:

• Smart, timeless design
• Leather upper, lining and sock
• Airflex Energy Pod System with shock absorption

Ascent Sustain 2  Junior Athletic School Shoes, $89.99

Designed as a versatile running shoe, the Ascent Sustain is particularly popular for active primary school kids. The full-grain leather upper gives you a tough exterior for class and play while the EVA cushioning keeps feet comfy throughout the day. These come endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association and feature a simple hook and loop closure for getting out the door faster. Sizes US10 (preschool) – US7 (junior).

Why we love them:

• EVA cushioning
• Full-grain leather upper
• Vulcanized rubber sole for fab traction

Bata Girls’ Trace School Shoes, $65

Equal parts stylish and tough, the Bata Trace school shoe is easy to wear and huge on comfort. The padded collar protects and cushions growing feet and the TPR outsoles are ready to go the distance. As always with Bata, these are affordable and tick all the boxes. Sizes AU9 (junior) – AU1 (junior).

Why we love them:

• Thick outer sole
• Full-grain leather upper
• Easy hook and loop closure

Nike Varsity Boys’ Leather School Shoes, $79.95

Cool and comfy, the Nike Varsity is a favourite for boys who need a sport-friendly school shoe that doubles as a casual sneaker. It has a reinforced toe cap to help reduce wear and tear on the front of the shoe, and a breathable sock to help keep feet cool. Sizes US4 (senior) – US7 (senior).

Why we love them:

• Reinforced toe cap
• Flexible internal sock
• Genuine sports shoe with leather upper

Clarks Blake Leather Girls’ School Shoe, $139.95

If your little ladies love a bit of pizzazz when it comes to their footwear, they’ll flip over this school-friendly creation! With a memory foam innersole, they deliver loads of comfort to growing feet and even come with a genius scuff-resistant toe cap to prevent damage to the front of the shoe. Each pair comes with a Clour Castle keyring pouch and a themed box. Sizes US10.5 (junior) – US5 (senior).

Why we love them:

• Leather upper
• Scuff-resistant toe caps
• Comfy memory foam footbed

ASICS GT 1000 SL 2 GS Kids’ Running Shoes, $109.99

It only takes a quick glance around a busy yard to realise how popular ASICS are for school kids – and the GT 1000 SL 2 is as versatile as they get. It delivers a flexible, comfy fit with a solid rubber outsole and signature ASICS shock absorption in the heel. Sleek and sporty. Sizes US1 (junior) – US7 (senior).

Why we love them:

• Supports sporty kids
• Synthetic leather upper
• GEL cushioning for absorbing impact

Harrison Dawson Black Velcro School Shoes, $99.95

Built to match even the sportiest of school kids, the Harrison Dawson is ready to take on all manner of scuffs and scrapes with style. It comes with easy self-fastening straps, a padded collar, ultra-tough rubber soles and a toe guard. Sizes US8.5 (junior) US6 (senior).

Why we love them:

• Self-fastening strap
• Full leather upper
• Rubber toe reinforcement

How to label your kids’ school shoes

Depending on the colour of the insole, some parents will opt for using a permanent marker to write their child’s name inside school shoes. A black marker works well on light insoles, and a silver marker is the most visible on dark insoles. Another option is to purchase stick-on shoe labels, which are available in a huge range of colours and styles and can be personalised with your child’s name and grade.

How to care for school shoes

School shoes don’t come cheap, so naturally, you’ll want them to see your kids through the bigger part of the school year. The answer to this lies in how well they’re cared for by busy kids. Here are our top tips for caring for school shoes:

• Encourage kids to put their shoes on and take them off properly. This means taking the time to undo buckles or laces (which few kids can be bothered with!). Forcing feet into shoes or kicking them off without undoing them is a fast track to stretched, damaged shoes.
• Keep them dry as much as possible – including laces. A waterproofing spray helps to repel moisture on most types of shoes.
• Ensure kids always wear socks with their school shoes to prevent odours, blisters and unwanted wear and tear on the inside of the shoe.
• Keep them clean by either wiping them down (best for synthetics) or using shoe polish on leather styles.

Top image: Clarks Discovery school shoe

After more goodies to help the kids through the school year? Take a peek at our roundups of Australia’s most popular insulated water bottles and school backpacks!