By Charlene Bent, Stylenewsuk.com
Back to school is the event at the start of every year that requires footwear attention like no other. Comfortable, hard-wearing, and approved by kids is the key to getting them off on the right foot. The dreaded uniform checklist is upon us and with a little guidance from our experts at Rushden Lakes we’ve got your footwear collection covered.
We scoured the stores to test a whole host of styles to suit boys and girls, mums, dads, nans and grandads and everyone getting ready for the new school year. We looked for trend focused, durability, sizing, price and, most importantly, comfort.
If your child is just starting out on their journey, or moving to a bigger school, the next stage in the academic journey is challenging enough without pinching toes or rubbing blisters. The Style News team have rounded-up a selection of reliable trusty pairs and top tips from our shoe gurus to get your students excited for the new term.
Clarks
Our first stop was Clark’s. Upon entry we could smell the scent of fresh leather and witnessed a bustling parade of students striding in what could be their next pair for the new year. Store manager Katie shared why you need to head to Clarks to shop. “We have our measuring service to cater to all sizes with four different width fittings in children’s shoes and two different width fittings for ladies and men’s shoes too. We have a new range that includes toys and lights with four different characters across the styles. We also have comfortable back to college options too.”
Jones Bootmaker
As a parent you want supportive back to school shoe styles that toe the line between meeting uniform regulations and the type of styles that your child will want to wear. A heritage brand like Jones Bootmaker have been making trusted footwear since 1857 so a little nod from a brand that’s craftsmanship speaks a thousand words with every step had to be our next stop.
Upon arrival, the current promotions were front and centre for customers to indulge in a multi-buy for mens on select styles including two pairs for £150. Plus, an extra 10% off sale prices so you can shop until you drop for the rest of the family getting ready for the new term of work and school.
Skechers
With the echoing beats of summer fun and pops of colour bouncing off the stylish fixtures, we stepped into a room set to indulge in style and comfort to cruise the halls. If you love rainbows and unicorns, then Skechers have footwear to impress. Perfect for special occasions and school disco’s your bound to be the talk amongst your peers with this whimsical collection.
Joules
Pre-schoolers are also in on the action with a list of footwear for every type of weather and Joules are known for catering to the whole family with they’re unique use of colour and print across the range. So, it was inevitable that the collection of much needed wellies we spotted (ideal for splashing in muddy puddles) showcased an array of beautiful colour and great design.
In store sales advisor Emma shared, “Some nurseries and schools have wellies as part of your kit list however, they’re also really good for walking to school when its really rainy and then your kids can change into their school shoes once they arrive. We have lots of prints and colours and if you see anything online in another colour or size that you would like, we can order it in. And if you order before 12 you can get next day delivery!”
Frasers
This powerhouse department store is home to all the labels you’ll ever need and with this stop on our crawl packed with shoe treats, we couldn’t wait to see the options to choose from and learn more about how we can care for our new buys to get maximum wear. Dan in Sports Direct, explained “The care kit is a rain protector and an instant cleaner. The rain affect works on all materials, not just leather and it’s a spray on. It’s water resistant so it doesn’t leave any stains or marks and it’s a foam cleaner. It used to be £12 but now its on offer for £6. We also have insoles for comfort and space. Plus, flat insoles with the gel base for added support, especially when you’re on your feet all day.” Dan selected a few pairs for us to note and pointed us in the direction of laces to keep your kicks fresh.
JD Sports
If ever there is a place to get you pumped up to stay fit and active it’s JD. Get set to be inspired upon entry and feel geared up to surpass your sporty goals this term. Athleisure fashion is their area of expertise, so we knew we were in the right hands to bag some trendy sportwear and try on the hottest shoes to keep us going for miles.
“The focus for back to school is black shoes so as you come in, they’re at eye level across men’s, women’s and Juniors,” explained store manager Lee.
River Island
Perry in River Island walked us through the styles to note. Nodding to a mod-con trend that keeps on giving this season. Easy to pair with your all black looks, leather biker jackets or simply to add a little edge to a smarter look. “We have smarter loafers and lace ups that are Dr Marten inspired for the younger demographic. We have an extra 20% off sale items now too. The selection is great for back to school and college.”
M&S Image Credit: Girls School shoes £30
The shoe stores are bursting with options to get you through another fab year and most importantly all you’ll need to do it in style. Ask in stores for more details on promotions, measuring and all you’ll need to choose the perfect pair (or 2!) to see you through.
Back to school is the event at the start of every year that requires footwear attention like no other. Comfortable, hard-wearing, and approved by kids is the key to getting them off on the right foot. The dreaded uniform checklist is upon us and with a little guidance from our experts at Rushden Lakes we’ve got your footwear collection covered.
We scoured the stores to test a whole host of styles to suit boys and girls, mums, dads, nans and grandads and everyone getting ready for the new school year. We looked for trend focused, durability, sizing, price and, most importantly, comfort.
If your child is just starting out on their journey, or moving to a bigger school, the next stage in the academic journey is challenging enough without pinching toes or rubbing blisters. The Style News team have rounded-up a selection of reliable trusty pairs and top tips from our shoe gurus to get your students excited for the new term.
Clarks
Our first stop was Clark’s. Upon entry we could smell the scent of fresh leather and witnessed a bustling parade of students striding in what could be their next pair for the new year. Store manager Katie shared why you need to head to Clarks to shop. “We have our measuring service to cater to all sizes with four different width fittings in children’s shoes and two different width fittings for ladies and men’s shoes too. We have a new range that includes toys and lights with four different characters across the styles. We also have comfortable back to college options too.”
Jones Bootmaker
As a parent you want supportive back to school shoe styles that toe the line between meeting uniform regulations and the type of styles that your child will want to wear. A heritage brand like Jones Bootmaker have been making trusted footwear since 1857 so a little nod from a brand that’s craftsmanship speaks a thousand words with every step had to be our next stop.
Upon arrival, the current promotions were front and centre for customers to indulge in a multi-buy for mens on select styles including two pairs for £150. Plus, an extra 10% off sale prices so you can shop until you drop for the rest of the family getting ready for the new term of work and school.
Skechers
With the echoing beats of summer fun and pops of colour bouncing off the stylish fixtures, we stepped into a room set to indulge in style and comfort to cruise the halls. If you love rainbows and unicorns, then Skechers have footwear to impress. Perfect for special occasions and school disco’s your bound to be the talk amongst your peers with this whimsical collection.
Joules
Pre-schoolers are also in on the action with a list of footwear for every type of weather and Joules are known for catering to the whole family with they’re unique use of colour and print across the range. So, it was inevitable that the collection of much needed wellies we spotted (ideal for splashing in muddy puddles) showcased an array of beautiful colour and great design.
In store sales advisor Emma shared, “Some nurseries and schools have wellies as part of your kit list however, they’re also really good for walking to school when its really rainy and then your kids can change into their school shoes once they arrive. We have lots of prints and colours and if you see anything online in another colour or size that you would like, we can order it in. And if you order before 12 you can get next day delivery!”
Frasers
This powerhouse department store is home to all the labels you’ll ever need and with this stop on our crawl packed with shoe treats, we couldn’t wait to see the options to choose from and learn more about how we can care for our new buys to get maximum wear. Dan in Sports Direct, explained “The care kit is a rain protector and an instant cleaner. The rain affect works on all materials, not just leather and it’s a spray on. It’s water resistant so it doesn’t leave any stains or marks and it’s a foam cleaner. It used to be £12 but now its on offer for £6. We also have insoles for comfort and space. Plus, flat insoles with the gel base for added support, especially when you’re on your feet all day.” Dan selected a few pairs for us to note and pointed us in the direction of laces to keep your kicks fresh.
JD Sports
If ever there is a place to get you pumped up to stay fit and active it’s JD. Get set to be inspired upon entry and feel geared up to surpass your sporty goals this term. Athleisure fashion is their area of expertise, so we knew we were in the right hands to bag some trendy sportwear and try on the hottest shoes to keep us going for miles.
“The focus for back to school is black shoes so as you come in, they’re at eye level across men’s, women’s and Juniors,” explained store manager Lee.
River Island
Perry in River Island walked us through the styles to note. Nodding to a mod-con trend that keeps on giving this season. Easy to pair with your all black looks, leather biker jackets or simply to add a little edge to a smarter look. “We have smarter loafers and lace ups that are Dr Marten inspired for the younger demographic. We have an extra 20% off sale items now too. The selection is great for back to school and college.”
M&S Image Credit: Girls School shoes £30
The shoe stores are bursting with options to get you through another fab year and most importantly all you’ll need to do it in style. Ask in stores for more details on promotions, measuring and all you’ll need to choose the perfect pair (or 2!) to see you through.
