Sports shoes for school – a parents’ and kids’ dilemma

School shoes are a dilemma of parents and their offspring not only before the beginning of the new school year, but every time child’s feet grow, fashion changes, or it turns out the current model causes shoe bites and isn’t fit for further use. Kids’ sports footwear is the best option both for PE and other classes at school, though choosing the perfect model can be discouraging. After all, a child wants to look “cool” first and expects the admiration from their peers. As parents, however, we care about comfort. Ill-fitting footwear may have serious consequences in the future. See how to choose sports shoes for school, how many pairs should a child have, and how to reach a compromise when there are different priorities involved.

School shoes - two pairs are an absolute minimum

When choosing school footwear, we have to realise that regardless of a child’s age, we should get at least two separate pairs. Many schools require pupils to change shoes upon arriving at schooland wearing sports shoes for PE classes. No wonder! Weather can vary, and muddy classrooms aren't particularly helpful while learning. Ill-fitting footwear exposes a child to injuries during physical activity, which should be practiced from early years to prevent excess weight, to strengthen the muscles and foster a child’s focus.

Footwear for school

If our kids are just starting their journey at school or frequenting nursey it goes without saying they will often run across hallways, run down the stairs and do plenty of stuff that nearly certainly require kids’ sports shoes. For this reason, let’s talk to our child and try to reason them into choosing a more practical model that will protect them against shoe bites and ensure better foot stability.

Little ones love models featuring intriguing elements or characters from their favourite cartoons. Let's just try convincing them that one versatile pair of shoes for school will be a better choice. In the case of older kids who are about to graduate from primary school or are frequenting junior high, we can choose trendy sports shoes that will go well with most outfits. Older girls and boys often follow models, actors or bloggers who showcase their outfits that keep up with the latest trends. It’s worth remembering about it when a model chosen by us will be categorically rejected by our child.

Kids PE shoes

Though back in the day it was acceptable to frequent PE classes in trainers that were neither comfortable nor safe for our feet, now we’re more conscious in our choices, and we are aware that only kids’ sports footwear is a guarantee of safety and comfort.

Choosing models for little athletes should be similar to selecting products for an adult. After all, early stages of flat feet can be detected in schoolchildren, so it’s worth to start with the water test and check what’s the child’s current foot type. These are divided into pronation, overpronation, supination and excessive supination. If the child doesn’t have the so-called neutral foot, it’s worth choosing footwear that corrects deformities from the earliest years (e.g. shoes with more cushioning or heel support). The key to choosing comfortable sports shoes for a child is finding a model that won’t restrict the movement of the foot. Models for PE class should primarily protect against injuries that might heal faster than in adults, but they may leave marks that will last a lifetime.

As parents, we don’t have to know the exact anatomy of the foot, but we should be aware that it consists of 26 bones and is divided into the medial part that bears weight and the lateral one that supports the body. If we disrupt its functioning with ill-fitting footwear, we may cause subsequent problems with knees, hips, and even postural disturbances. A child’s foot develops over the first eight years of life. That’s why, for as long as we have a chance to take care of its proper growth, we should choose comfortable and functional shoes for a child, even if they’re very adamantly talking us into buying an uncomfortable model featuring their favourite cartoon character. Let’s remember that kids’ PE classes are often longer than our workouts, and they are very intense. Apart from light-coloured sole recommended by most schools (due to marks left on the floor), let us choose technologically advanced models that will ensure little athletes’ safety.

How to choose sports shoes for a child (perfect for PE classes)?

Once we know what should we pay attention to while choosing school shoes for a child, we should be aware what girls prefer to wear, and what is popular among boys. Obviously, the hottest trends change in the blink of an eye, but sports footwear is always a perfect blend of technology and design that is made to withstand even the toughest challenges.

School shoes for a girl

Let’s start with the fact that classrooms are not a place for high heels, platform shoes or slides. While the youngest ones aren’t likely to talk us into buying such footwear, kids frequenting junior high or high school might be resistant, wanting to stay trendy at all costs. The safest choice for a girl will be girls’ city shoes or sports shoes that have been eagerly worn with casual outfits for a few seasons now.

Shoes for a little girl who’s attending preschool or starting education at school should have Velcro straps to make it easier for a child to learn how to put them on by themselves. In is light-coloured, pastel footwear that will work perfectly with girls’ sports clothes. Slightly older kids attending primary school should wear lace up shoes with an extra Velcro strap, facilitating the perfect fit. Older girls will keenly wear canvas shoes and trainers in light hues (often white) that are easily paired with any outfit. If we’ve got a little fashionista on board, we can even choose slip-on shoes. Striking finishes and ease to put them on are benefits that every child will appreciate.

Sports styles in neon colours that will command the attention of their peers will be the best choice for PE classes. As parents, we should pay attention to shoe structure and all the features we’ve mentioned before in the article. Lace up sports shoes for girls with extra Velcro strap are the best, as they ensure improved cushioning and foot stability.

Boys' sports shoes

In the case of the smallest boys, we should choose shoes on a similar basis as for girls - the smaller the child, the more Velcro straps should there be to make it easier for them to put the shoes on. Boys’ city shoes, both lace up and with Velcro straps, are the best casual school shoes. Contrary to girls, the most fashionable styles feature dark, masculine shades and neon elements that spruce the footwear up. Both younger and older boys eagerly wear canvas shoes and trainers that can be easily paired with casual and sporty clothes. Boys usually prefer comfortable, sporty style, so it’s worth peeking into a boy’s wardrobe and choosing footwear that will go with most outfits.

If our child is more active even during recess, let’s choose boys’ city shoes with reinforced structure and improved stabilisation - ones that could be easily mistaken for sports shoes. Boys’ sports shoes - lace up or those with an extra Velcro strap - will work perfectly during PE class. Some of the styles come with quick lace system that makes it even easier to put the shoes on. When it comes to sporty styles, currently the most fashionable colours include shades of green and blue. Let’s not fear patterned and eccentric finishes; they perfectly highlight the shoe's dynamic appearance and improve the general look of the entire boy’s outfit.

Sports shoes for school - every parent’s wise choice

The choice of appropriate kids’ shoes might not be that easy, but basic technical knowledge and making a compromise with the child will help you get it done real quick. Remember that kids have no idea about comfort and practicality. Awesome appearance is something that they care the most about. When you find the perfect pair, make sure it won’t cause shoe bites and let your child have some fun - after all, you reminisce about your school days for the rest of our lives.

School shoes for kids? See the most fashionable styles for a girl and a boy that will provide them not only with comfort and safety, but also recognition among their peers! See also gym uniforms for kids.