How to choose the best shoes for the start of the 2026 school year?
The Espace des Marques Team | Updated on August 25, 2026
It’s nearly time for the new school year, and with it comes the age-old question: how do you choose the best shoes for the start of term? We’d all love to find a sturdy, comfortable pair that both children and parents will like, without breaking the bank. We understand! That’s why we’ve put together this guide to answer all your questions and help you make the right choice. How to choose the right style depending on age and use, what the trends are for 2026, the key criteria for comfortable and durable shoes, and finally, where to find the best pairs without breaking the back-to-school budget. We’ll tell you everything!
Trainers, smart shoes or loafers: which shoes should you choose for school?
Trainers: the choice for comfort and versatility
For everyday wear, trainers remain the safe bet. Lightweight, flexible and comfortable, they’re perfect for your child whether they’re in class, in the playground, at PE or out and about. They’re the best option for long school days, as they allow children to run, jump and move freely without getting hurt.
They’re also the easiest to look after and make last, making them a sensible investment for the whole school year. One pair is enough for younger children, who may still need to change shoe sizes during the year. For older children, you could, for example, buy two styles: a pair of white trainers that will easily match any back-to-school outfit, and a pair of sports shoes for school trips and PE lessons.
Smart shoes / loafers: for which occasions
Derbies and ballet flats aren’t necessarily the ideal shoes for school. They don’t provide as much support for the foot and are likely to wear out more quickly. However, they offer a more formal look that can be suited to the first day of term or the end-of-year celebrations, for example. Our advice: save them for special occasions rather than everyday wear, especially for younger children.
Plan ahead and buy winter ankle boots at the start of the school year
For little girls, think about ankle boots for this winter! Whether lined or not, they keep feet warm and dry (even when jumping in puddles).
When choosing, opt for a non-slip sole for wet or slippery surfaces, and a waterproof or water-repellent material. As with trainers, leave a little room at the toes to allow for foot growth without hindering walking.
They aren’t an absolute must-have right from the start of the new school term in September, but it’s a good idea to plan ahead before the first cold spells set in.
Our advice by age (nursery, primary, secondary)
- For your little ones in nursery, opt for trainers with Velcro fastenings, as they’re easier for children to put on and take off by themselves. They help develop independence and ensure optimal comfort. One pair is enough, as you’ll probably need to buy a second pair during the school year if your child’s foot size changes. You can add a pair of ankle boots for little girls who like to dress up in winter.
- In primary school, your children are growing up and some of them can now tie their laces! You can therefore choose between Velcro fastenings or laces, depending on your child’s level of independence and preference. Opt for one pair for everyday wear and a sporty style for PE lessons.
- At secondary school, children start to have a good idea of their own tastes and the trends in the playground. Their shoe size changes less frequently, and they take more care in matching their shoes to their outfits. It’s not uncommon to see young girls with several pairs of shoes so they can switch between different styles – trainers, ankle boots, ballet flats and so on...
Trendy trainers for the start of the 2026 school year
The colours and styles that children love this year
Good news for those feeling nostalgic: the 2026 fashion scene gives a lovely nod to the style of the 90s! Retro styles are making a strong comeback, worn by children and adults alike.
When it comes to colours, we’re moving away from neutral and understated shades. Make way for pop colours and pastel shades that let every child express their personality, as well as metallic and iridescent effects that catch the light — a real bonus for children who love to stand out in the playground.
For the little ones in nursery, branded trainers remain a must-have: Paw Patrol, Gabby’s Magical House and Stitch are among the most popular characters. It’s a style that appeals mainly to children — parents, on the other hand, often prefer timeless designs for everyday wear.
The most sought-after brands
Are you looking for the most popular brands to help you choose the right trainers for the start of the new school term? Here are our top 5.
- Puma remains a safe bet for all ages, including the little ones: a wide range of styles, affordable prices, comfortable soles and good durability are just some of its strengths.
- Adidas retains its place in the top three in terms of sales, driven by iconic trainers such as the Samba, the Stan Smith and the Spezial — which are generally recommended from the end of primary school onwards, as their design is less suitable for very young children.
- New Balance is particularly popular with secondary school pupils, thanks to its retro styles that are all the rage in the playgrounds: the 740 and 1906, for example.
- Nike is also one of the most popular brands at the start of the new school year: Air Force 1, Dunk, Jordan… The Nike Air and Air Max continue to be universally popular thanks to their recognisable air-cushioned soles – a timeless classic. Prices can be on the higher side, but you can find affordable Nike trainers in our online shop.
- Low-top or high-top Converse trainers make a comeback every spring as a sure-fire choice to complete a back-to-school wardrobe.
Find all the leading brands of children’s trainers on clearance at Espace des Marques to find back-to-school shoes at the best prices.
Our tips for comfortable and durable shoes all year round
Soles, breathability, materials: what to look out for
A good pair of shoes for the start of the school year isn’t chosen based on looks alone. A few technical criteria make all the difference to everyday comfort and the lifespan of the shoes:
- The sole: opt for a flexible sole that’s thick enough to cushion the impact of playground activities, with good grip to prevent slipping on smooth surfaces.
- Breathability: materials such as mesh (technical mesh) or canvas allow the foot to breathe, which is a real bonus for children who wear their trainers for 8 hours a day.
- Outer materials: leather or imitation leather offer better resistance to wear and tear and are easier to clean, whilst canvas is lighter but can sometimes wear out more quickly.
- Ankle support: for very active young children, a slightly higher upper can help stabilise the foot whilst playing and running.
Choosing the right size
This is undoubtedly the most important factor, yet it’s often overlooked. A child’s foot grows quickly and can change size during the course of the year – sometimes even jumping a size!
If you’re ordering your children’s back-to-school shoes online, you’ll need to know your child’s shoe size off by heart to avoid buying the wrong size or an uncomfortable pair.
To measure your child’s foot at home, have them stand on a sheet of paper and draw a line behind the heel and another line above the big toe. Then measure the length and refer to this size chart to find their shoe size! If their measurement falls between two sizes, go for the larger size to ensure they’re comfortable. Some brands also offer half-sizes.
Always leave a little room — about the width of a finger between the tip of the longest toe and the end of the shoe — to allow for growth without hindering walking.
Be careful, however, not to go too big either: a shoe that’s too wide can cause rubbing, poor posture or falls.
How to make your shoes last longer
A few simple habits can help your shoes last longer:
- Air them out regularly, especially after a day of sport or in hot weather, to prevent dampness and unpleasant odours.
- Clean them as and when needed rather than at the end of the season, to prevent dirt from damaging the materials.
- If possible, alternate between two pairs, which allows each pair to dry properly between uses and reduces premature wear and tear.
- Store them away from damp and direct heat (avoid radiators, which can damage the glue and materials).
Where can you find children’s shoes for the start of the new school year at the best price?
Getting the whole family kitted out for the new school year can quickly add up to a hefty bill, especially when your children’s feet are growing just as fast as their appetite for the latest trends! At Espace des Marques, we’ve made value our speciality: our children’s trainers and shoes are available at rock-bottom prices thanks to our clearance sales, giving you access to the biggest brands (Puma, Adidas, New Balance, Nike, Converse…) at much more affordable prices.
Clearance sales: how do they work? We source end-of-line stock, production surpluses or past collections – all brand new and guaranteed – to offer you savings of up to 70 per cent off the original price. That’s enough to kit out the whole family at low prices without compromising on quality.
Our tip: clearance stock changes constantly depending on new arrivals, so don’t wait until the last minute to find the right size and style before the new school year starts!
FAQ
What shoe size should you choose for a child who is growing quickly?
Measure your child’s foot regularly (ideally every 2–3 months), leaving a gap of about a finger’s width between the longest toe and the tip of the shoe. This gap allows for growth without hindering walking.
How many pairs of shoes should you buy for the start of the school year?
In nursery school, one pair of trainers is usually enough to start the year, bearing in mind that a change in shoe size is likely during the year. In primary and secondary school, ideally you should have two pairs: a pair of trainers for everyday use and a pair specifically for PE, so that each pair lasts longer and has time to dry out properly between uses.
Trainers or smart shoes for nursery school?
Velcro trainers remain the best choice for nursery school: they’re easy for children to put on by themselves, comfortable and suited to playground activities. Smart shoes or loafers can be reserved for special occasions (parties, outings), but aren’t recommended for everyday use at this age.
Where can you buy affordable children’s shoes for the start of the new school year?
Espace des Marques offers trainers and children’s shoes from leading brands (Puma, Adidas, New Balance, Nike, Converse, etc.) from clearance stock, with discounts of up to 70 per cent off the original price. A great way to kit out the whole family on a budget.