Shop the best school shoes for 2025 – stylish, durable, and super comfy
Put their best foot forward beyond term one …
The average school child walks the equivalent of 4000km every year – that’s further than from Sydney to Perth!
It’s for this very reason, you want to find a school shoe that fits well, is supportive and will last the distance, even with the most rough and tumble of kids.
Check out the best options to get them them through the 2025 school year in the gallery below …
Great shoes built to last the 2025 school year!
2025’s top school shoes
- Clarks Daytona Youth Injection School Shoes, $119.96 (usually $149.95), Myer (here’s why)
- Nike Varsity Leather Sports Shoes, $55.96 (usually $69.95), Myer (here’s why)
- Harrison Kasey School Shoes, $79.96 (usually $99.95), Myer (here’s why)
1. Clarks Daytona Youth Injection School Shoes
from $119.96 (usually $149.95) at Myer
Best for: Flexibility and durability
The Daytona is easily one of the most loved school shoes out there! With a huge 234 size and width options, it’s all about keeping your kid comfy and supported from the first bell to the last.
Clarks gets that no two feet are the same, which is why the Daytona – their #1 school shoe – offers the perfect fit for every growing foot.
Key features:
- Leather upper, lining and sock
- Cushioned foot bed
- Padded ankle counters
Available at:
- $119.96 (usually $149.95) from Myer
- $119.96 (usually $149.95) from Clarks
- $119.96 (usually $149.95) from Shoes & Sox
2. Nike Varsity Leather Pre-School Boys Sports Shoes
from $55.96 (usually $69.95) at Myer
Best for: Sporty preschoolers
It can be a struggle gets kids into school shoes so opting for a sporty style like this Nike Varsity can make it easier for them to swallow. Just make sure that you kids’ school is ok with this style of shoe!
Key features:
- Leather upper
- Reinforced toe cap
- Elastic laces
- Self-fastening straps
- Breathable, flexible sock
Available at:
- $55.96 (usually $69.95) from Myer
- $55.96 (usually $69.95) from Shoes & Sox
- $69.99 from Rebel
3. Harrison Kasey School Shoes
from $79.96 (usually $99.95) at Myer
Best for: Kids who prefer Velcro straps
This classic Mary Jane style of girls’ shoe is a new addition to the Harrison range. A Velcro strap makes it easy for little kids to put on and take off.
Key features:
- Soft leather upper
- Self-fastening strap
- Rubber toe to minimise scuffing
- Synthetic sock and lining
Available at:
- $79.96 (usually $99.95) from Myer
- $79.96 (usually $99.95) from Shoes & Sox
- $79.96 (usually $99.95) from Shoe Warehouse
4. Vans Old School – unisex
from $112.49 (usually $149.99) at The Iconic
Best for: Cools kids (and retro parents)
An all-time favourite, the Old Skool Vans are a wardrobe staple. Designed for both males and females, these are the most versatile sneakers on the market.
Key features:
- Leather upper
- Classic Vans style
- Synthetic inner
Available at:
- $112.49 (usually $149.99) from The Iconic
- $149.99 from Vans
5. Clarks Indulge Junior School Shoes
from $111.96 (usually $139.95) at Myer
Best for: Busy girls who also want comfort
This classic mary jane style features padded collars to provide extra comfort and a streamlined heel fit.
Key features:
- Leather upper, lining and sock
- Padded collars
- Removable innersole shaped for extra comfort
- Self-fasteneing straps
Available at:
- $111.96 (usually $139.95) from Myer
- $111.96 from Clarks
- $119.99 (usually $149.99) from Athlete’s Foot
6. Clarks League Kids School Shoes
from $87.96 (usually $109.95) at Myer
Best for: Kids who want to strap and go!
These Clarks classics feature a leather upper and have double self-fastening straps for a flexible and supportive fit.
Key features:
- Leather upper
- Mesh lining and sock
- Heel collar cushioning
- Dual fitting
Available at:
- $87.96 (usually $109.95) from Myer
- $87.96 (usually $109.95) from Clarks
- $87.96 (usually $109.95) from Shoes & Sox
7. Clarks Denver School Shoes
from $59.40 (usually $149.95) at David Jones
Best for: Smaller sizes and reliable fit
These school shoes feature leather upper, linings and sock with a removable innersole shaped for extra comfort and suitable for orthotics.
Cushioning around heel collar hugs the ankles for comfort and support.
Key features:
- Leather upper
- Self fastening
- Removable innersoles
- Cushioning heel collar
Available at:
- $59.40 (usually $149.95) from David Jones
- $74.95 (usually $149.95) from Happy Fit Footwear
- $119.96 (usually $149.95) from Clarks
8. Roc Strobe Senior School Shoes
from $127.96 (usually $159.95) at Myer
Best for: Classic comfort for bigger feet
A classic and comfortable style for school, ideal for kids who are confident in tying their laces. Larger sizes suit older kids – or those with bigger feet.
Key features:
- Leather upper
- Laces closure
- Removable innersoles
Available at:
- $127.96 (usually 159.95) from Myer
- $159.95 from RocBoots
- $159.00 from The School Locker
9. Pablosky School Self-fastening Straps 784811
from $111.96 (usually $139.95) at Myer
Best for: Little kids on the move
With padded collars to provide extra comfort and a streamlined heel fit and self-fastening straps for an easy, adjustable fit these school shoes are great for little feet.
Reinforced rubber toe caps provide extra durability and the absorbent, antibacterial insole and non-slip rubber sole make for all-day comfort.
Key features:
- Leather upper provides comfort and breathability
- Self-fastening straps for an easy, adjustable fit
- Padded collars to provide extra comfort and a streamlined heel fit
- Heel pull tabs to assist with easy on and off
Available at:
- $111.96 (usually $139.95) from Myer
- $111.96 (usually $139.95) from Shoes & Sox
10. Harrison Dawson School Shoes
from $79.96 (usually $99.95) at Myer
Best for: Self-fastening school shoes
A new style school shoe from Harrison, the Dawson shoe has a soft Leather upper, a synthetic lining and synthetic sock. Also features a rubber toe to minimise scuffing and also a self-fastening strap for easy adjustment.
Key features:
- Soft leather upper
- Self-fastening
- Rubber toe
- Synthetic liner and sock
Available at:
- $79.96 (usually $99.95) from Myer
- $79.96 (usually $99.95) from Shoes & Sox
- $79.96 (usually $99.95) from Shoe Warehouse
Why do I need to get school shoes fitted?
You might be tempted to bypass the school shoe shop when you see how busy it is ahead of the new school term. But your kids are going to spend up to five days a week in these shoes,so it’s important that they fit properly and are comfortable.
The heel needs to fit properly (and not rub), the innersole needs to be the right length and the width needs to be just right. Check out tips from Clarks here.
How long does a pair of school shoes last?
Kids grow really fast, and their shoe lifespans can vary wildly. Sometimes a pair lasts a year, while other times, you might need to replace them four times in one school year! When getting school shoes fitted, professional advice can help you decide whether to size up a little to extend their wear time without risking your child tripping over.
Tips for making school shoes last
Clarks share their expert tips for helping school shoes last…
- Choose quality materials: Picking a trusted brand like Clarks ensures durable, high-quality materials designed to handle active school days. Plus, Clarks offers a 12-month outsole guarantee for peace of mind if any manufacturing faults pop up.
- Spot the signs of wear: Regularly check for a softened heel counter, a worn-down heel, or significant damage to the upper. These are all signs it’s time to replace the shoes.
- Care for them properly: Simple care steps like polishing, keeping them clean, and drying them out if wet can make a big difference in how long they last.
By choosing reliable shoes and keeping an eye on wear and tear, you’ll know when it’s time to swap out your child’s school shoes for a fresh pair.
