Back to School Mini Guide: School Shoes

If you're in search of ethical school shoes for the upcoming academic year, we have a wide range of school-friendly footwear from top brands Vivobarefoot, Camper, Froddo, and Bobux.

At SMALL-FOLK, we meticulously choose each product we offer, placing sustainability at the forefront of our mission. We evaluate the production methods and locations of brands, collaborate with labels that ensure fair pay and treatment for their workers, and celebrate the exquisite, natural materials that create beautiful childrenswear and womenswear that will be cherished for years to come.

If you're searching for school shoes that will last beyond just one term, provide comfort and support for developing feet, and meet typical uniform requirements, we have something in our collection for you. We stand by each and every product we stock at SMALL-FOLK, so whichever shoe you choose we think they will be a success.

However, this can make it tricky to choose as every design offers a great set of credentials! With key features in mind - such as durability, seasonal design and fastenings - we've picked out specific styles we are most likely to recommend to assist you with your school shoes shopping.

If you’re after for extra affordability, don’t forget to browse school shoes that can be found in our Summer Sale collection - from today until 11:59 (BST) Sunday 11th August if you enter 'EXTRA15' at the checkout you will receive an extra 15% off!

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The Best All-Rounder - Vivobarefoot Kids Primus Ludo School - Obsidian / Vivobarefoot Juniors Primus Ludo School - Obsidian

Every season Vivobarefoot offers an impressive selection of children's shoes, including their take on the classic school shoe. Allowing for natural, independent movement the Vivobarefoot Primus Ludo School shoe (available in Kids and Junior sizing) help to keep young feet moving as close to barefoot as possible with a spacious footbed, gentle lace and velcro fastenings and an amazingly flexible sole.

The Best For Durability - Bobux School - Bound - Black

Whilst we can confidently say that all of the school shoes we stock are going to last through running, play, scuffs and puddles, the Bobux School - Bound - Black shoe has been crafted from premium leather, with an added protective coat to support scruff prone areas like the toe and heel. So you know it's serious about standing up against daily wear and adventures.

Additionally, this design features a new innovative Kid+ BBX rubber sole which is non-marking, flexes with natural foot movement and is designed to withstand the extra demand of ongoing wear.

Best For The Barefoot Experience - Vivobarefoot Preschool Wyn School - Obsidian / Vivobarefoot Kids Wyn School - Obsidian

Featuring a classic and simple, comfy slip-on design, with the added 'Vivobarefoot touch' that lets feet (and minds) thrive in the classroom, playground and beyond, the Vivobarefoot Wyn School shoe (available in Preschool and Kids sizing) has no insole for the full barefoot experience and a 'Kids Urban Play Outsole' for a combination of grip and flexibility whilst kids find their balance.

Best For Affordability - Vivobarefoot Juniors Addis Wyn School - Obsidian 

Two staple school shoe designs, featuring Vivobarefoot barefoot footbed and grip and Camper's iconic robust construction with classic appeal.

Both styles are currently in our Summer Sale - use the code 'EXTRA15' at the checkout until 11:59 (BST) 11th August 2024 for an extra 15% off.

Best For Practising Those Laces - Camper Peu School Shoes - Black

An essential lesson before the school day has even begun - tying laces! The Peu design has become a favourite of Camper collections and this school shoe edition has a black full-grain leather outer with a stitched outsole. Designed to follow the natural curve of the feet and featuring elastic zigzag laces that won’t come undone, the 360º stitched outsole and ergonomic sole of the Camper Peu School Shoes - Black offer flexibility and protection during everyday wear.

Best For Winter - Bobux School - Jodhpur - Black

For extra coverage from the rain and enough room to wear with thick socks, the Bobux School - Jodhpur - Black and Froddo Alex Barefoot School Chelsea Boot - Black are our picks for winter school shoes with slip-on designs and zip fastenings. 

Both inspired by classic boot shapes but with modern touches, Bobux has added its new durable Kid+ BBX rubber sole to enable natural foot movement whilst Froddo has focused on a barefoot, perfectly wide and foot shaped toe box to support the growth of young feet.