HEALTH EXPERTS WARNING AS MILLIONS OF CHILDREN GO BACK TO SCHOOL

Millions of children could be heading back to school in shoes that will damage them, as new research reveals parents actively buy school shoes that are too big, using very basic measuring techniques.

“Poor footwear choices during childhood significantly increase the risk of long‑term foot deformities and chronic pain,” warns Karen Randell, Clinical Director of Randell’s Footcare. “The shoe can impact the function of the foot, encouraging incorrect or uncontrolled walking patterns. Footwear, especially in the developing foot, is crucial for healthy development. We regularly see issues such as ingrown toenails, corns and calluses, chronic heel pain, and nail trauma linked to poorly fitting footwear.

“Although bunions and other toe deformities are less common in children, ill‑fitting shoes during the growing years can contribute to long‑term structural problems. These include clawed toes, hammer toes and overlapping toes, all of which may lead to painful corns and calluses in adulthood. With around 70 per cent of adult foot issues now understood to originate in childhood, ensuring children wear correctly fitted shoes is one of the simplest ways to protect their long‑term foot health.”

If the shoe doesn’t fit

The survey by Start-Rite Shoes, which found 61 per cent of parents admit to buying school shoes “slightly too big so their child could grow into them”, also found that four in 10 school children have complained their shoes hurt. While 72 per cent of parents claim to know that badly fitting footwear can damage their child’s knees, hips, and spine - and half say ‘correct shoe size’ is their top priority - the majority still actively buy shoes that are too big.

London primary school teacher Vanessa Huckerby sees the daily demands placed on children’s school shoes first-hand. She explains: “I see just how much wear and tear children’s school shoes go through every day. They need to be able to run around comfortably, whether they’re kicking a football in the playground or playing outside at breaktimes, because staying active is such a big part of their health and wellbeing.”

What many parents might see as a cost-saving tactic often has the opposite effect. The survey also found that a third of parents are buying three or more pairs of school shoes for their child each year, suggesting that poor fit could be a contributing to more frequent replacements, as Callum Linger, Brand Trainer at Start‑Rite explains: “The instinct to save time and money by buying shoes half a size, to a full size bigger for ‘room to grow’ can end up costing more in the long run. When shoes don’t fit properly, the foot moves unnaturally inside the shoe, which can rub the skin sore and create wear and tear, in areas of the shoe not designed for pressure.

"Children grip or curl their toes, or drag their feet to keep oversized shoes on, which compromises the shoe and can cause trauma and biomechanical issues. By contrast, a well‑fitted shoe supports natural movement, feels comfy and lasts longer. Start-Rite school shoes are shoes that perform. They are designed with calculated ‘growing room’, which considers several factors including enough room in the toe box. Our shoes hold the foot securely at the ankle while allowing the toes to move comfortably at the front of the shoe. This freedom of movement actively promotes healthy development.” 

Rule of thumb

Buying oversized shoes isn’t the only area of concern. The survey also found that an estimated three million parents still rely on the ‘thumb test’, where they press the front of the shoe to feel where the big toe sits. And worryingly, 38 per cent don’t consider the width of their child’s foot at all. To help parents who use the 'thumb test' avoid common mistakes, fit expert Callum Linger encourages the use of Start-Rite’s ‘Check the Fit’ guide, a visual guide to help parents check more accurately before they buy.

Passing down problems

Start‑Rite also found a growing trend in pre-loved school shoes. This was most common amongst reception-aged children (47 per cent), compared with an average of 42 per cent across primary school and 35 per cent in secondary school. Fit expert Callum explains: “All children’s feet grow uniquely. The way a child walks, runs and balances is individual to them, and their shoes gradually mould to those exact movements. That’s why a pair that’s been worn by one child, even in the same size, often feels ‘not quite right’ the moment someone else puts them on.

“When you consider school shoes might be worn for more than 1,000 hours a year, if they don’t fit properly, children can start to change the way they walk without even realising it. Over time, these habits will be harder to correct as they grow and develop. In short, a well‑fitting shoe supports the foot, the posture and the natural walking pattern - it’s a small detail that makes a big difference to a child’s comfort and confidence every day.”

Fit check

With so many children heading back to school this September potentially wearing shoes that don’t fit, Start‑Rite is urging parents to prioritise proper measurement and in-store fit checks. For families who can’t get to a shop, its expert‑designed ‘check the fit’ guide, together with its partnership with SizeWise - a digital measuring tool – provides a complete at-home sizing solution, helping more children enjoy the benefits of properly fitted school shoes from the first day back at school. Use Start-Rite's Measure at Home Guide for detailed tutorials, advice and a link to the SizeWise tool. See here Start-Rite's School Shoe collection for 2026.

For more information about Start-Rite visit www.startriteshoes.com.

Ends

Editors notes

Survey methodology: The survey was conducted by market research agency OnePoll on behalf of Start-Rite Shoes between 30th April to 7th May 2026. The sample size comprised 2,000 parents of school-aged children (4 – 15 years) across the UK.

About Karen Randell: Karen Randell BSc (Podiatry) is an experienced podiatrist and the Director and Co-Founder of Randell’s Footcare. Karen and her team have an expertise in lower limb sports medicine, preventative foot health, and biomechanics. Established in 2004, Randell's Footcare operates multiple podiatry and biomechanics clinics across Norwich and Norfolk, providing expert care for all issues affecting the feet and lower limbs, and is one of the most established podiatry practices in the country.

About Start-Rite: A British family business for eight generations, Start-Rite Shoes has helped children explore in comfort and confidence for over 230 years. Proudly specialist in little feet, Start-Rite shoes are carefully crafted to support every movement with stability. Its shoes are endorsed by podiatrists, and informed by the biomechanics of how uniquely children’s feet move, giving reassurance of knowing you can trust and totally depend on every pair.