The ‘easy mistake’ parents make when grabbing school shoes

It's tempting to cut corners to save a buck, but here's what parents need to know before stocking up ahead of term one. 

The current cost of living crisis has many parents desperately looking for ways to save a dollar or two - especially as we head into the (very expensive) return to school. 

While we have become rather savvy at cutting costs on things like stationery and hitting the op shops for other must-have items like uniforms and school bags, experts are warning parents not to cut corners when it comes to the biggest item on their term one list - the school shoes. 

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The problem with second-hand school shoes

According to the Fitting Children's Shoes website, a common mistake parents make when on a budget is hunting down second-hand school shoes. 

According to the site, accepting those hand-me-downs can cause all sorts of foot health concerns. 

"Hand-me-down shoes can actually weaken the muscles and ligaments of the foot, make your child more prone to develop a bacterial or fungal infection, and depending on the age of the child, they can alter the shape of the child’s foot," the site warns. 

The biggest problem with used school shoes is that they have already molded to another child's foot, making it a different fit internally for the new owner. 

It's a trap many parents fall into when hunting for new shoes for their school-age child, and often leads to the parent hearing complaints about discomfort before the first term is even over. 

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Buying second-hand school shoes can be problematic. Image: iStock

“Passing down second-hand school shoes always depends on how many times the shoes have been worn before being handed down," Clarks' Australian Design & Product Manager, Laura Pennell, tells Kidpsot. 

"Every child’s foot is different, so while getting some extra wear sounds like a great idea; to be safe and avoid any pain or discomfort, we always recommend a new pair that’s fitted to suit your little one’s feet.”

OK sure, but how does that help the cost situation then? I hear you ask. 

Consider your child's new school shoe the biggest investment for the year. The reality is, they're not always going to be cheap, which is why you want to ensure you're making the best purchase that will not only be comfortable for them to wear five days a week, but also last four terms. 

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How to find the perfect fit

According to Laura, it's important to determine what type of shoe will benefit your child the most, thinking of things like the type of materials used, breathability of lining, arch support, and how much room they'll have to move while maintaining great support. 

"Look for shoes that are specifically designed with comfort and support in mind. This means premium, high-quality leather uppers that feel soft and comfortable from the very first fitting," she says. 

"These leathers are also highly durable to get your child through the year.”

If your school isn't too fussed on leather shoes, look for a quality sport shoe that will also tackle those two key areas - comfort and longevity. 

"In terms of sport styles, they should always be extremely comfortable, and designed with breathable lining materials, memory foam innersoles and padded collars," adds Laura. 

It's an effort trying to remember all of these factors when schlepping our little rugrats to the shops for the perfect fit, but by ticking off all these key points, you could be saving yourself a second emergency dash to the shops by term three. 

Originally published as The ‘easy mistake’ parents make when grabbing school shoes