Back-to-School Sneaker Shopping: What Every Parent Should Know

Back-to-school shopping can be overwhelming. Between notebooks and new wardrobes, there’s an endless checklist of things to do. And a crucial step on that list should be finding the perfect pair of sneakers for school.

With each new school year, choosing the right children’s sneakers is an essential step. Kids need shoes with proper support, comfort, and durability to last throughout busy school days. They need footwear that holds up and is versatile enough to last in their wardrobe for a long time.

To help make selecting kids’ sneakers easier, this guide walks parents through everything they need to know. As you prepare for back-to-school season, these are the key things to keep in mind while shopping for children' s shoes.

What Parents Should Consider

When shopping for back-to-school sneakers, it’s important for parents to consider which shoes will work best for their children’s lifestyle.

Think about what your child realistically needs to get through each day. Which hobbies does their footwear need to support? How much time is spent indoors versus outdoors?

While individual needs will vary from person to person, here are some top factors to think about when purchasing new shoes for the school year:

Alignment and stability are paramount for growing feet. Look for shoes that promote proper posture and overall foot health.

Kids’ sneakers need to hold up throughout the school day. Make sure that the cushioning is designed to last all day, not just initially.

Kids run around, and their feet get hot and sweaty. Improperly managed moisture can lead to bacteria, fungus, and odor. Opt for shoes made from sturdy yet lightweight materials, like canvas, to help with air flow during play. Look for shoes with breatheable construction that helps wick moisture away from feet.

Kids’ sneakers should work for every occasion. Over the course of the school year, needs change. Style evolves. Interests emerge. You want a pair of sneakers that will last through it all. Choosing something ageless and adaptable ensures their new footwear is the pair they will reach for time and time again.

Practicality should always be a consideration when choosing children’s shoes. Think about the features that shape everyday wear. Look for options that are quick to put on while offering a secure fit.

Always ensure that the shoes your child wears to school are the correct size for them. An incorrectly sized shoe can cause lasting damage.

Even if you are shopping for school, that is not the only place your child will wear their sneakers. Think about all of the activities that impact your child’s lifestyle. Determine how much time is spent indoors and outdoors. Account for activities like sports, recess, and PE class. Shop for shoes that will seamlessly fit into every part of your kid’s day, not just their time in the classroom.

Select shoes with quality construction and materials if you want them to last longer. Weigh the best options within your budget while accounting for quality. Investing in a better-made option may come with a higher price tag upfront but save money in the long run. If you don’t want to have to replace your kid’s sneakers constantly, choosing a higher-end option may be the right choice.

How To Choose The Right Size

While some parents think sizing up gives kids’ feet extra room to grow, improperly sized shoes actually do more harm than good.

Shoes that are too small squeeze toes and restrict growth, while shoes that are too big cause friction and instability. A sneaker that’s too large can cause falls, slips, and blisters. An undersized sneaker can cause nerve damage.

You can tell if your child’s shoe is the wrong size by looking for the following signs:

• They talk about numbness, pain, or discomfort: If your child is constantly complaining about their feet, there may be an underlying issue with sizing. Consider searching for a new pair of shoes.
• Your child struggles to put on or remove shoes: If your kid can’t fit their heel into their sneakers, the shoe is too small. It’s time to upgrade to a larger size.
• They have no toe room: Sneakers should fit securely to avoid chaffing, but there should still be room to move. Check that your kid has about a thumb’s width (~½ inch) of space between their foot and the end of their shoe. If they have much more than that, it means their shoe is too big. Any smaller and their feet are being cramped.
• They have blisters, corns, or red patches: Look for signs of irritation. These can indicate painful rubbing due to an oversized shoe.

Although it can be costly, it’s better to purchase the properly sized shoe and replace it later than give your child a shoe that’s oversized. Shoes with a poor fit aren’t just uncomfortable for your child; they’re dangerous.

You can find the accurate sizing for your kid’s sneakers by measuring their feet before purchasing. A simple test is to mark from heel to toe on a piece of paper and measure the distance.

Knowing the accurate measurements can help you compare sneakers on sizing charts and find a snug but comfortable fit.

Why Choosing The Right Sneakers Matters

You may be wondering why shopping for kids’ sneakers is important. Some people assume that any old pair of shoes will do for their children, especially if they are still growing and will need to replace shoes again over time. But choosing the right footwear for your child is an essential step in preparing them to go back to school.

According to the University of Michigan, one in ten parents report that their child has complained about foot pain. Choosing shoes with reliable support can help mitigate that pain and prevent potential long-term harm.

Kids grow. They will go through changes throughout the school year, and that means they need proper support.

While children’s feet are still forming, providing them with shoes that promote proper support, posture alignment, weight distribution, and stability is crucial for healthy skeletal development.

Kids feet aren’t built like adults. They are made of soft cartilage that’s still hardening. If they don’t receive the correct alignment and cushioning, it can lead to chronic musculoskeletal problems in the knees, back, and ankles later on.

As a parent, you should prioritize shoes that fit well, feel comfortable all day long, and give kids the support they need for natural movement. Sneakers that serve as a stable base help prevent tripping and unnatural strides.

Likewise, it’s important to choose high-quality shoes with built-in protection to shelter your child’s feet from potential injuries. Shoes with durable soles, toe bumpers, and other protective details can guard growing feet when it’s most important.

The sneakers you choose now should be built to last on your child’s feet every day for the next year (and ideally more) to come. Making the right decision at the start sets them up for success and helps you save both time and money.

Even if your child is no longer growing, finding comfortable shoes that pair easily with casual outfits before the school year starts helps make life less stressful as schedules get busy. When you have a classic pair of sneakers you know you can throw on at any moment, it takes one more decision out of an already overloaded day.

When shopping for the back-to-school season, keep comfort and fit mind. Don’t settle for unsupportive shoes that will wear down easily and cause potential harm. Plan for the future by investing in quality options.

Shop Kids Sneakers From P.F. Flyers

P.F. Flyers sneakers make a great option for back to school, built around the Posture Foundation insole for all-day comfort and a fit kids want to wear every day..

Inspired by retro high-tops and low-tops, our Kids Collection blends classic design with dependable construction. Oldschool canvas gives a relaxed, pairable look, while tough rubber soles up with every step.

The 1993 is our most iconic canvas sneaker. Minimal all-black makes it simple to style for every occasion, while vintage touches add a hint of character. Its lightweight design, easy-to-tie laces, and resilient traction make it an excellent casual choice for children’s wardrobes.

Explore The 1993 in both high-top and low-top, and give your kids’ back-to-school outfits the comfortable boost they need.

Shop Kids Sneakers