Shoe Care 101 Practical Tips for Prolonging School Shoes

What makes a quality school shoe? And how can we make sure our kids get as much wear as possible out of them? School shoes take a real battering- they’re on little feet for eight hours a day, 195 days a year, which adds up to over 1500 hours of wear annually. Read on for Shoe Care 101 Practical Tips for Prolonging School Shoes.

Here’s a fun fact: Start-Rite, one of the leading school shoe brands, tests its shoes to withstand the equivalent of 100,000 steps worth of wear before they even hit the shelves. This is great news as 61% of parents report frustration when their children’s school shoes fall into disrepair within just six weeks.

With stats like that, it’s no wonder we’re all looking for ways to make school shoes last longer. The good news? A bit of regular care can go a long way in keeping those shoes looking smart and surviving the rough and tumble of the school day.

Before the new school year started, Start-Rite very kindly sent Emmy and Harry new school shoes. Emmy opted for a classic style Black patent girls T-bar buckle school shoes called Imagine which I absolutely adore – they remind me of her younger school years, stylish and practical in design.

I am so happy she chose something which I would have actually picked out (if I were still allowed to do that for her – at 14, she HAS to choose her own clothing or it won’t be worn), and this is a pair I definitely would have gone for – they fasten properly, cover her feet so are perfect for winter and buckle up so no more almost tripping down the stairs at school.

Harry opted for a Velco fastening option, as although he is now in secondary school, and has finally learnt to tie shoe laces, he can’t get the laces tied tight enough and with having to change for PE we decided that this would be a easier option to reduce his anxiety and stress levels. His are called Mission, they have a double rip-tape (Velcro) fastening, a flat sole and ankle padding. They are lightweight and look smart while being super comfortable to wear every day.

Here are my tried-and-tested tips for school shoe care to help keep them in tip-top condition:

Shoe Care 101 Practical Tips for Prolonging School Shoes

1. Clean Them Regularly

To get the most wear out of school shoes, it’s important to clean them regularly. I aim for a quick clean every week (when I remember!). A damp cloth is brilliant for leather shoes, while a soft brush works wonders on suede or fabric. If the kids come home with shoes covered in mud or scuffs, a mild soapy solution is the best way to start cleaning them. Once the mud has dried, it is easy to brush as much off as you can first with a dry brush (over the bin or outside, otherwise you have a whole new cleaning job on your hands).

2. Polish Leather Shoes

Polishing isn’t just for keeping shoes shiny – it also helps protect them from scuffs and scratches. I grab a colour-matched or neutral polish and buff the kids’ shoes once a week. Not only does it make them look smart, but it also adds a layer of protection that keeps the leather from wearing down too quickly.

3. Waterproof Them

The great British weather means waterproofing is a must. A quick spray of waterproof protector on new shoes – and then every few weeks helps protect against rain, puddles, and the inevitable playground mud. Just make sure to choose the right product for the material (suede, leather, or fabric). Caring for leather shoes this way makes a huge difference when the weather turns!

4. Stuff Them or Use Shoe Trees

After a long day at school, my two kick their shoes off the moment they walk through the door (usually leaving them in the hallway for me to trip over). To stop the shoes from losing their shape, I either stuff them with newspaper or use shoe trees. This simple trick helps avoid that awful creasing and keeps the shoes looking newer for longer.

5. Rotate Shoes When Possible

If you can manage it, having a spare pair of school shoes is a great idea. Rotating between two pairs gives each one a chance to air out, reducing odours and wear. I’ve found this trick particularly helpful during those rainy weeks when shoes take forever to dry!

6. Dry Them Properly

Wet shoes are a fact of life when you have kids who love puddles. When it happens, I stuff the shoes with newspaper to absorb the moisture and leave them to air dry naturally. It’s important to avoid direct heat – like radiators or heaters – as it can crack leather and ruin the shape of the shoes.

7. Fix Small Problems Quickly

Keeping school shoes in good condition means catching little problems early. I keep an eye out for loose stitching, worn soles, or scuffed toes, and I fix them as soon as I spot them. Whether it’s a dab of glue or a quick trip to a cobbler, these small repairs can extend the life of the shoes significantly.

8. Add Insoles or Heel Pads

Insoles and heel pads are brilliant for comfort and durability. They protect the lining and help with wear and tear – especially if your kids are as active as mine. This simple addition can save the shoes from wearing out on the inside before the outside shows any signs of damage.

9. Teach Kids to Take Care of Their Shoes

This one is easier said than done, but I try to teach Emmy and Harry to undo their laces or straps properly instead of yanking their shoes off. Pulling them off without untying is a surefire way to crush the heels and misshape the shoes.

10. Store Shoes Sensibly

Lastly, I make sure school shoes have a designated place to live. A shoe rack or cupboard works best to keep them out of harm’s way (and off the floor). This stops them from being squashed under bags or coats, which is a regular occurrence in our house!

With a little effort and regular school shoe cleaning and maintenance, you can prolong the life of your kids’ shoes, saving you both money and frustration. Do you have any tips for keeping school shoes smart? I’d love to hear them – drop your advice in the comments below!