Start-Rite Shoes Launches New Tool to Help Parents Save Money on School Shoes

School shoes are one of the biggest investments for the new school year. So, for back-to-school 2024, Start-Rite Shoes unveils SizeWise: a first of its kind digital measuring tool that can be activated using your phone while at home, to check if last term’s shoes still fit and are suitable for the new term.

Here is Wayne Lubbock, Technical Development Manager at Start-Rite, with 30 years’ experience in this field, to give tips on how to check if your kids’ shoes are still fit for purpose before rushing to invest in a new pair. The checklist is as follows:

1.       Size

Check the shoes still fit using the new SizeWise measuring tool. This can be used on your mobile device in the comfort of your own home.

2.       Sole Unit

Check the tread pattern. Is it worn down? Imagine it’s like a tyre tread. Soles are designed to give underfoot protection, so thickness is important not only for grip but to protect the child from harsh everyday environments.

3.       Insole or Footbed

The insole will help you establish if your child’s shoes are too small. There should be roughly 12-15mm space between the toe imprint on the insole and the toe end. This is the magic ‘growing room’ we talk about. Replace the insole if the big toe has become eroded and worn through as this should be supporting the child and not misshapen.

4.       Upper Stitching

Is this still connected? Less quality pairs of shoes will use stitching that wears more quickly and will compromise protection. Because this is so important, at Start-Rite we use twin rows of stitching for added security.

5.       Fastenings

Have they loosened? Is the rip-tape intact? Will they be capable of holding the foot in place inside the shoe without toes needing to grip the shoe down?

6.       Top Line or the ‘padded collar’ at the back of the shoe

If the collar or ‘backpart’ is eroded, the shoe cannot support the heel and will enable the foot to slip inside. Start-Rite uses methods and materials so that the back of the shoe grips the heal in place to enable the growing room and comfort for the toes at the front of the shoe.

When you do purchase children’s shoes, the most important factor is to choose carefully to protect your investment – the right style for the shape of the foot and the correct measurement are two important elements that will help the shoes last longer.

Ends

Editors notes

Heritage British children's footwear company, since 1792. Creating quality fitted footwear that supports healthy development.