With the overwhelming majority of schools across the UK subscribing to a traditional uniform policy, it’s exceedingly difficult for fashion-conscious school kids to express a sense of style during the week.
This, of course, is the principal aim of uniforms, which work to create a disciplined academic environment in which all students are placed on an equal sartorial playing field.
We’re certainly not criticising the existence of school uniforms, and frankly wish it was in place for office-based nine-to-five environments. It would most definitely save us time in the morning by removing the often perilous decision of what to wear out of our busy morning routines.
Nevertheless, the only means of demonstrating one’s personal aesthetic at school is through hair accessories (if they’re allowed) and the stylish school shoe of choice.
Of course, all school shoes must be black to adhere to the general uniform policy. But there’s a surprisingly vast array of uniform-appropriate styles on the market for primary and secondary school kids to choose from.
From patent platform styles to lace-up chunky brogues, to rip-tape Mary Janes, to a classic primary school-approved plimsole, the options for girls’ school shoes are surprisingly endless.
To take the stress out of waiting in never-ending in-store queues, we’ve trawled through the expansive online selection of girls’ school shoes to not only save you time, but precious money too. Keep scrolling for an edit of the best school shoes for girls to kit them out for the new academic year.
Shop stylish and supportive soles for fashion-conscious souls below.
Black leather girls lace-up closed school shoes
A stylish, comfortable, chunky brogue we envy even as adults, these school shoes have been designed with the fashion-conscious student in mind. They’re also equipped with cushioned insoles to prevent rubbing and provide premium ankle support.
Buy now £62.00, Start Rite
Black Delphine School Shoe
This Mary Jane-style school shoe by Start Rite has been around for as long as we can remember and continues to be a brilliant choice in academia-appropriate footwear for primary school littluns. A subtle riptape closure makes securing them a breeze and supports the classic design.
Buy now £65.00, Trotters
Hush Puppies Ella Patent Shoe
Available in both Junior and Senior sizing, Hush Puppies offers a delightful patent double-buckle school shoe that’ll look great both in and out of school.
Buy now £57.00, Tu
Catwalk Black Chunky Lace Up Brogues
We’re seeing chunky lace-up brogues on high-fashion runways across the globe as of late, so it’s certainly a top-notch choice in school shoes for the fashion-conscious kid.
Buy now £29.99, Deichmann
Adidas Advantage Court Lifestyle Hook-And-Loop Shoes
A stylish big-brand option, these unisex kicks from Adidas are void of any pesky laces thanks to the stylish hook-and-loop straps. These trainers are also made from a series of recycled materials, so your little rascal can look fresh while feeling good about the environment.
Buy now £30.00, Adidas
Loxham Brogue Youth Black Patent
A slightly more feminine version of the Loxham Pace design, we’re big fans of the shiny patent leather finish.
Buy now £52.00, Clarks
Kickers Youth Women Kick Hi Vegan Patent Leather Black
Even decades on, you simply can’t go wrong with a pair of comfortable hi-top kickers in the brand’s classic lace-up style.
Buy now £70.00, Kickers
Converse black all star hi leather Youth Trainers
The smart leather finish on these classic chucks makes them perfectly suitable for school, not least for their unbeatable durability.
Buy now £50.00, Schuh
Dr Martens black 8065 Girls Junior Shoes
A stylish pair of kicks for all ages, these double-buckle Mary Janes are complete with the brand’s signature chunky gum sole.
Buy now £69.00, Schuh
Skip Black riptape canvas school plimsolls
Incredibly easy to pop on and off, these canvas plimsolls will keep your child comfortable all day long.
Buy now £20.00, Start Rite
Clarks Kids' Hopper Go Plimsolls
These value-for-money, ultra-flexible and oh-so comfortable plimsolls from Clarks will have your child confidently stepping into the classroom each and every day.
Buy now £10.00, John Lewis
Leather T-bar Flats
As comfortable as they are adorable, these classic Mary Janes from Boden will make your little one’s very first steps into a brand-new school an absolute breeze.
Buy now £31.20, Boden
