About this guide: Getting the right school shoes should be easy and reassuring. This guide walks families through exactly what to expect when you visit us in store for a school shoe fitting, from the moment you arrive to caring for the shoes once term begins. We are a trusted name for School Shoes Maidstone, School Shoes Kent and School Shoes across the South East, and every child is fitted by our trained team so their feet are properly looked after through the school year.
From the moment you step through the door you will be greeted by a friendly member of our team and seated comfortably. School shoe shopping can be busy, especially in the run-up to a new term, so we take the time to make children and parents feel relaxed and looked after. There is no pressure and no queue-and-grab — just a proper, personal service that families across Maidstone and Kent have trusted for years.
Every fitting begins with an accurate measurement taken by our trained team. We measure both feet, because it is completely normal for one to be slightly larger than the other, and we always fit to the larger foot. As well as length, we check the width and depth of the foot, so the shoe is right in every direction rather than just “about the right size”.
We hand-pick school footwear brands that are known for quality, durability and a genuine focus on children’s foot health. Whatever the uniform requirement, our team will point you towards the styles that suit your child’s feet best. Tap any brand below to browse the range.
A long-established British children’s brand offering excellent width and half-size options for growing feet.
Trusted school shoes in a wide range of fittings, from first shoes right through to senior styles.
Hard-wearing, recognisable styles that are popular with older children and teenagers.
Breathable footwear designed to keep feet comfortable and fresh throughout the school day.
A European brand built around supportive, well-shaped lasts for younger feet.
Italian children’s footwear with a focus on comfort and healthy foot development.
For older students, we also fit smart leather styles from the Ladies’ and Men’s departments, including school-friendly ranges from Loake and Barker.
Once we have measured, we bring out styles in the correct size and fitting and try them on properly. We check the fit at the toe, across the width and around the heel, watch your child stand and walk, and make sure nothing rubs or slips. Firmer leather sometimes feels a little stiff at first, so we often soften the heel cup in the shop, and you are always welcome to bring shoes back for us to soften further if needed — this is quite normal.
Correct fit matters because children’s feet are still developing. Shoes that are too small can crowd growing toes, while shoes that are too big can cause slipping, rubbing and poor posture. A properly fitted shoe supports natural foot development, keeps your child comfortable all day and helps the shoes wear evenly and last longer.
School shoes take a daily battering, so we only stock footwear that is built to cope. Our ranges use quality leathers and hard-wearing soles, with reinforced toes and sturdy construction on the styles that need it most. Well-made shoes that are correctly fitted will comfortably see most children through the school year, and often keep enough life for a younger sibling afterwards.
Different children get on with different fastenings, so we carry a full choice and will help you pick what works for your child’s age and independence.
A secure, adjustable fit that is ideal for older children who are confident tying their own shoes.
Quick and easy for younger children to manage on their own, with a snug adjustable hold.
A classic look on many girls’ styles, offering a neat and adjustable fastening.
Simple and smart, though we allow less growing room here so they do not slip off with wear.
Where schools allow trainers, we also fit hard-wearing black trainers for school and PE trainers.
We fit school shoes across the full size range, so we can look after the whole family under one roof. Younger children are fitted in our Children’s shop, while older students can be seated in the Ladies’ or Men’s department where the styles run into adult sizes.
No two feet are the same, which is why measuring the length alone is never enough. We stock multiple width fittings and half sizes across our key school brands, so we can fit narrow and wide feet just as carefully as average ones. If your child needs a wider fitting, see our wide fit shoes for kids. If your child is between sizes or has one foot larger than the other, our team will find the combination that fits best rather than settling for “close enough”.
A little care goes a long way in keeping school shoes smart and comfortable for longer.
Ready to browse before you visit? Explore some of our most popular school footwear collections:
No appointment is needed — simply visit us in store and our team will welcome you and fit your child straight away. During the busy back-to-school period it can help to come earlier in the day when feet are at their most reliable to measure.
Children’s feet can grow quickly, so we recommend having them measured at the start of each term, or sooner if shoes start to feel tight. There is no charge to pop in for a re-measure.
Bring the school socks or tights your child will wear day to day, so the shoes are fitted exactly as they will be worn. It also helps to allow a little extra time so the fitting is never rushed.
Yes. We stock multiple width fittings and half sizes across our main school ranges, so narrow and wide feet are catered for just as carefully as average widths.
We are a long-trusted name for School Shoes Maidstone, School Shoes Kent and School Shoes across the South East, offering professional fitting, quality brands and a full range of sizes and fittings all in one place.
This is quite normal with firmer leather. Bring the shoes back and we will soften the heel cup or leather for you so they feel comfortable.
customer service reviews