Children’s feet go through around 30 different sizes from birth to adulthood — and 21 of those sizes happen during childhood. Their feet are still developing, and inappropriate footwear can interrupt that process.

Key Foot Facts for Parents

• Children’s feet contain 26 bones, all still forming and soft.

• These bones don’t fully harden until ages 13–17.

• Younger kids often have flatter feet, with arches forming around ages 6–7.

• Kids’ feet are mostly soft cartilage, which means tight shoes can actually reshape the foot over time.

• Girls take an average of 10,000–13,000 steps per day, and boys take 12,000–16,000 – so support truly matters.

Good school shoes help growing feet develop correctly while supporting kids through long school days, running at recess, and everything in between.

These six elements are used by podiatrists and professional fitters when selecting the right kids’ school shoes:

1. Length

There should be one child’s thumb-width between the longest toe and the end of the shoe.

• Less space = discomfort and fast outgrowing

• Too much space = instability and tripping

2. Width

Shoes must accommodate the natural shape of the foot.

• Too narrow = pressure, rubbing, blisters, calluses

• Brands like Clarks and Surefit offer multiple width options

3. Depth

The shoe should not feel tight across the top of the foot.
Insufficient depth can:

• restrict movement

• cause discomfort

• create long-term foot issues

4. Ankle Support

Good school shoes should offer a firm heel counter and stable ankle fit.

• No digging

• No rubbing

• No collapsing around the ankle

This helps with alignment and stability.

5. Heel Grip

The heel should sit comfortably against the back of the shoe.

• Not too tight

• Not slipping

• Secure and stable

6. Watch Them Walk

A gait check tells you more than any measurement.
Look for:

• natural, relaxed movement

• no slipping at the heel

• no leaning inward or outward

• no tripping or stiffness

If something looks “off,” the shoe probably isn’t right.

Choosing the right kids’ school shoes is not only about fit — it’s also about selecting the correct style and construction to support healthy foot development. Here are extra expert recommendations parents should follow:

1. Choose School Shoes With Proper Fastenings

As a general rule, children’s shoes should have:

• Laces

• Velcro straps

• Buckles or secure fastenings

• These help keep the foot stable inside the shoe. Avoid backless, slip-on, or loose-fitting shoes, which can cause instability and force children to grip with their toes.

2. Pick Breathable Materials

Look for materials such as:

• Leather

• Canvas

• Breathable synthetic uppers used in brands like Ascent

• Breathable shoes help keep feet cooler, dryer, less prone to blisters, less smelly, more comfortable throughout long school days

3. Avoid Heels on Children’s Shoes

Heeled shoes are not suitable for developing feet. They can:

• strain the Achilles tendon

• alter natural walking patterns

• reduce stability

• negatively affect long-term foot development

• For kids, always choose flat, supportive school shoes with an even, stable sole.

4. Look for a Grippy Sole

A textured or patterned sole helps children stay safe, offering:

• better traction

• reduced slipping

• more confidence on wet or smooth surfaces

• This is especially important given how active kids are during recess and sport.

5. Choose Flexible and Protective Soles

Good school shoes sole should be:

• sturdy and thick enough to protect from sharp objects and ground impact

• flexible enough to bend at the forefoot (where the toes naturally bend)

• If a sole twists too easily through the middle or bends in half, it won’t support growing feet properly.

6. Always Seek Professional Fitting Help

Because children’s feet grow rapidly — often multiple sizes per year — getting fitted by a trained professional is recommended.

At Active Feet, our podiatric-trained staff provide:

• FREE biomechanical assessments

• Treadmill video gait analysis

• Specialised measurements

• Brand and style recommendations (Ascent, Clarks, Surefit, Ecco)

• This ensures each child gets the perfect size, shape, and level of support for their individual foot needs.

To finish, a few simple habits can make a big difference for growing feet. Pair school shoes with breathable, high-quality socks such as Balega or Feetures to reduce moisture and improve comfort. Avoid buying shoes “to grow into,” as oversized footwear can change the way kids walk and lead to long-term issues. Regularly check for worn soles, rubbing or uneven wear, which can signal that it’s time for a new pair or a refit. And finally, encourage children to develop good habits, like undoing their laces or Velcro properly when taking shoes off, to help maintain the structure and lifespan of their school shoes.