Start Rite Girls School Shoes Review

Reviewed by Amanda Dando

When I saw a review opportunity for school shoes, even though our four children are all grown up and definitely no longer require them, I thought perfect, the mums and dads amongst our children, would be super grateful for a pair for one of the four grandchildren. So it was with delight I put myself forward.

I was that mum who insisted on the children wearing Clarks shoes until they were at least in high school. That said my purse strings didn’t always stretch to a decent pair of shoes for all four children, yes I know we should have bought a TV, it would have been cheaper.

The brand Start Rite was actually established in 1792; that said it was only for our youngest daughter that I began to shop there. It’s only when your children are older, and suffer with feet problems (one has the most awful bunion due to bad fitting football boots) that you understand the implications of putting pounds and pence before your child’s well-being. Let’s face it if you don’t look after your feet, they won’t look after you.

We started buying the grandchildren’s school shoes some six years ago, as we could help. In particular last September I was staggered how much shoes had gone up in price. How on earth are parents supposed to make good choices, with the current cost of living crisis affecting us all.

Well, possibly think more along the lines of an investment, you may pay a little more, but the quality will mean the shoes will last so very much longer. Start Rite offer a large variety of shoes, starting at £40, which if I am honest, is fairly reasonable. I was impressed with the Encourage black leather shoes, and gladly my granddaughter liked them to! Starting from size 9 through to a 2, they have also half sizes across that range. They also come in a standard and wide fit, very important to get that right as much as the size. Other shoes in the range also come narrow or extra wise. Start Rite have an measuring tool online, which is very user friendly if you can’t make it into a store. There are lots of helpful tips and even videos on how to size your child’s shoes.

The encourage girls shoe comes in a smart brown box, with a word search in the lid, so don’t discard immediately, which kept her amused for a period of time. The shoes themselves are Air Rite, they should regulate foot temperature, reduce sweaty (smelly feet) and are weather (puddle we hope) resistant. I love the design on the shoe, it’s a practical school shoe but still girly, with a pretty bow feature on the front, a classic t bar (I love a t bar) and Velcro strap. As schools shoes go, for £48.00 we are all delighted. They fit well and feel and look of very good quality.

So I know every penny counts in these hard times, but think about investing in this brand, it very much feels and looks like it will make it well into the school year, not just to half term, which you know is what will happen with a cheap non leather shoe, let alone the long term benefits for your child’s feet. Now to persuade grandad we can invest in another three pairs for the rest of the grandchildren!

Rating: 5/5

RRP: £48.00
This product can be purchased by Start Rite here.