For this post, I have put together a collection of the best boys school shoes currently available. See my top picks and buyer guides for all school shoes.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Kickers Kick Lo Vel Kid's School Shoes
- Best Budget Buy: Trux Boys Black Easy Fasten Shoe in Black
- Best Brogue Style: Start-rite Tailor Kids Shoes, Black Leather Boys School Shoes
When it comes to buying new school shoes, you need to get it right! Your child will be wearing them every weekday, so you need to be sure they not only fit well, but are comfortable, smart and durable.
How We Selected
We’ve picked the best school shoes for boys which are available to buy online now.
Read through my buying guide – I’ll show you what features to look out for and your key considerations when buying a pair of school shoes.
You can also read my reviews of the best options out there for girls. I cover all the top brands like Clarks, Start-Rite, Geox, Treads and more.
As well as our reviews we’ve pulled together 1000s of customer reviews so you can make a more informed decision.
Also see our top picks for Girls School Shoes and Clarks Girls School Shoes.
So here is my list of the best school shoes for boys.
Kickers Kick Lo Vel Kid’s School Shoes
- Boys leather school shoe with double strap fastening for convenience and style.
- Designed to promote healthy feet.
- Available in black.
- Available in sizes UK Child 5- UK 2.5.
- Pros: These shoes are made to last and are of good quality, velcro straps which are easy to do up, great for primary school kids.
- Cons: Scuff fairly easily.
- Consumer Score: Excellent feedback from buyers – 73% of reviewers give these shoes 5/5* ratings.
Geox Boy’s Jr Federico H Derby
- Formal school shoe.
- The sole uses patented technology for breathability and is hardwearing and flexible with an efficient grip.
- Available in sizes UK Child 12.5- UK 7.
- Black leather.
- Pros: With a removable footbed which is practical and hygienic, great for older kids and teenagers.
- Cons: They will need lacing up.
- Consumer Score: Great feedback from buyers – 79% of reviewers give these shoes 4/5* ratings or more.
Boys Startrite Hard Wearing School Shoes Bolt
- Practical but classic style black boys shoes.
- Features rip-tape fastenings for support and comfort.
- Leather.
- Pros: With antibacterial linings for fresh healthy feet, shoe trainer style so good for the playground.
- Cons: Not as smart as some.
- Available in sizes UK Child 10-UK 2.5
- One of Start-rites most popular selling school shoes.
Trux Boys Black Easy Fasten Shoe in Black
- Boys black easy fasten school shoes.
- With fine stitch detailing, a rounded toe front, gripped outer sole and a comfortable insole for lasting comfort.
- Available in sizes UK Child 8- UK 6.
- Made of synthetic material.
- Great budget option.
- Pros: Easy fastening, great for older kids and teenagers.
- Cons: Cheap.
- Consumer Score: Excellent feedback from buyers – 83% of reviewers give these shoes 4/5* ratings or more.
Dr. Martens Unisex Kids’ Everley Softy T Black Boat Shoes
- Iconic brand, sturdy, yet flexible soled shoes combined with soft and durable leather.
- Shoe that will stand the test of time.
- Made of softy T full grain leather upper.
- Available in sizes UK Child 4- UK 3.
- Available in black and black-black.
- Lace-up shoes.
- Pros: Durable, will last for ages.
- Cons: Very expensive, will need lacing up.
- Consumer Score: Very good feedback from buyers – 75% of reviewers give these shoes 5/5* ratings.
Start-rite Black Leather Boys School Shoes
- Smart lace-up brogue for boys.
- Made of soft premium black leather
- With tough rubber outsoles for durability.
- Available in sizes UK 2-5.5.
- Available in black or white.
- Pros: Great for older kids, the flexible sole and sculptured heel allow for movement and comfort.
- Cons: Will need lacing up.
- One of Start-rites most popular selling school shoes.
Us Brass Boys Slip On Back To School Black Shoes
- Boys black slip on school shoes.
- With cushioned inner sock and non-slip sole.
- Synthetic material.
- Great budget option.
- Pros: Slip on easily.
- Cons: Cheap.
- Available in sizes UK Child 8- UK 6.
- Consumer Score: Brilliant feedback from buyers – 85% of reviewers give these shoes 4/5* ratings or more.
What To Look For When Buying School Shoes
- Choose school shoes which are appropriate for your child’s school policy. Some schools disallow embellishments, patent shoes etc. so check first!
- Choose velcro straps for younger kids rather than laces or fiddly buckles as this will make it easier for your child to put on their own shoes everyday.
- Look for comfortable, flexible shoes so that your child won’t have trouble playing in, in the playground.
- Make sure you choose shoes which are the right size in width and length. It is essential you measure your child’s feet just before you purchase them, be it in store or with your own measuring gauge at home.
Buying School Shoes Top Tips!
Think Ahead
The school shoes rush always seems to happen just before the kids go back to school! Think ahead and buy your kids shoes in good time, so that you don’t get left with limited choices in sizes and styles. Kids feet do grow quickly but a month or so more won’t make much difference.
Buy Online
Typically, shopping for kids school shoes means queuing to get their feet measured in-store and buying what is available in the shop. This is a perfectly good way to buy shoes, but you also have the option of buying shoes online from your favourite store or website. You may find you have more choice in sizes and styles doing it this way. You can always have their feet measured in-store first, just so you are confident you are getting the correct size or you could use your own foot measuring gauge.
Make Sure They Fit
When the shoes arrive let your child try them on, ideally indoors on carpet, so that the soles stay clean. Don’t remove any tags or labels until you are sure you are happy with them and they fit correctly. To check the shoes fit, first test for the heel grip by holding the ankle with one hand and pulling down gently on the heel of the shoe. It should stay in place. Then feel over the top of the shoe and check there are no gaps, especially between the shoe and the heel. Then, feel around the ankle to make sure the shoe does not touch the anklebone, as, if it does, it could rub and cause blisters. Lastly, press down at the end of the shoe to feel for your child’s toe. There should be some growing room, but not too much.
Where To Buy Boys School Shoes
Boys School Shoes Sale & Bestsellers
Final Thoughts
My favourites are the Kickers Kick Lo Vel Kid's School Shoes as they are super stylish, designed to promote healthy feet and ideal for a smart but practical boys school shoe.
I also like the velcro fastening for easy dressing.
I hope this list of the best boys school shoes was helpful.
If you think I left any out or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Nicola
Last Updated: May 2022
- Updated image.
- Added Top Picks.
- Added ‘How We Selected.’
- Added internal links.
- Added Pros/Cons on all products.
- Added Alternative Retailers.
- Added Final Thought.
- Moved OOS.
School Shoes Buying Guide
Treads Brooklyn (currently unavailable)
- Traditional lace-up school shoes.
- Designed with comfort and durability in mind.
- Built for active boys.
- These shoes are made to last and are of good quality.
- Removable foot bed to give your school shoes a wide or standard fit option with more depth.
- Sizes: 4.5-5, 5.5-6, 6.5-7, 7.5-8, 8.5-9, 9.5-10, 10.5-11
- Width: Standard (F/G), Wide (G/H)
- Excellent feedback from buyers – 74% of 152 reviewers give these shoes 5/5* ratings.
Hush Puppies Jezza Boys Black Leather Shoe (currently unavailable)
No products found.
- Boys shoes with two easy fasten straps to ensure quick and easy fitting.
- With fine stitch detailing as well as a panel design.
- These shoes have a comfortable insole and a cushioned collar for added support.
- Available in sizes UK Child 10- UK 2.
- Available in black leather.
- Good feedback from buyers – No products found. give these shoes 5/5* ratings.
Clarks Street Edge Youth Black Leather Boot (currently unavailable)
- Chelsea boots with a sports casual feel.
- Made from breathable leather in a mid shine.
- Material protected against scuffs and scrapes making them perfect for the playground.
- Available in sizes UK 3-8. Standard or wide fit.
- Good customer reviews with average 4.3/5* ratings.
