Its that time of year again, the search for new shoes ahead of the end of summer holidays and the return to school.
Over the years we have finessed our search for school shoes. We used to trek to the nearest shoe shop on the last week of the summer holidays with the whole family. Now we only have one child left to buy school shoes for and we find that going into Liverpool is much easier than putting up with the small selection of shoes that our local store has.
So, if you are looking to do the school shoe shop soon as part of your Back to School checklist, then we hope you find our guide to Liverpool shoe shops that stock school shoes helpful.
What are acceptable school shoes?
This ranges across different schools. I know of schools that do not allow black trainer type shoes and Kickers but hear of others that do not allow a slip on type of shoe. Probably wise to check your school uniform policy (probably on the school website) before going shopping.
This post is looking at high street shops and branded shoes – Most supermarkets also stock black school shoes too now which are very reasonable.
Surely everyone goes to Clarks?
For many years, we went to Clarks for our school shoes when the girls were young. I felt confident that the school shoes had been fitted properly and the shop assistant had checked width and any slippage when the girls were walking. Particularly important when it was the fashion to hide a small toy in the bottom of the school shoes and the girls were likely to say they were comfy just so they could get those particular shoes.
As the girls got older and went to high school, Clarks were not considered trendy enough so we moved on. I will be honest, if my girls were still infants, I would still be going for a brand like Clarks or Start Rite where I know the shop assistants are trained in measuring a child’s feet properly.
How long are school shoes meant to last?
Good quality shoes for school are designed to last for a school year. They will show some wear and tear throughout the year, depending on how heavy footed or active the child is but should still be smart enough to wear for school.
In terms of sizing, primary school children are expected to last six months before growing out of them, high school children tend to last one school year.
When measured for school shoes, the foot is supposed to be allowed up to 1 shoe size larger before they get too uncomfortable to wear.
City Centre Liverpool Shoe Shops
Schuh
One Shopping Centre, 17/18/19 Paradise St, Liverpool L1 3EU
https://www.schuh.co.uk/stores/liverpool-one/
Open 7 days: Monday-Friday 9am-8pm, Saturday 9am-7pm, Sunday 11am-5pm.
Separate store next door for Children’s shoes.
One Hour Buy and Collect option available.
Stocks Lelli Kelly and Dr Martens.
Provide social stories for children and adults with autism so they know what to expect from the shopping experience in advance.
Blue Light Discount Available.
Pavers
3/5 Lord St, Liverpool L2 9SA
Open 7 days per week 9.30am – 5.30pm (4.30pm Sunday)
Pavers shoes is right in the heart of Liverpool city centre. Not marketed directly as school shoes but a good range of black shoes suitable for school for both sexes.
Slightly more expensive than some other shoe stores but does have regular sales including an end of summer sale.
Sells both own brand shoes and other brands, including Sketchers and Rieker.
From size 2 women’s and size 5-16 men’s shoes so older children only. No shoe fitting facility.
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Clarks, Liverpool
25 Church Street, Liverpool L1 1DA
Open 7 days – Monday – Friday 9am-8pm, Saturday 9am-7pm, Sunday 10.30am-5pm
Sells Clarks own brand shoes. Professional fitting service including width for the perfect pair. Also stock PE pumps and Bags for Back to School.
John Lewis, Liverpool
70 S John St, Liverpool L1 8BJ
Open 7 days: Monday-Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 9.30am-7pm, Sunday 11am-5pm
Shoe fitting available for the perfect fit. Huge range available (some only available online) Stockists of Clarks, Start-Rite, Kickers, Hush Puppies and Geox.
Also stock PE pumps, School uniform and school bags.
Dr Martens, Liverpool
Address: 1, 101 Paradise St, Liverpool L1 3EU (right next to Schuh)
https://www.drmartens.com/uk/en_gb/
Open 7 days: Monday-Friday 9.30am-8pm, Saturday 9.30am-7pm, Sunday 11am-5pm
Vegan range available. Will take time to break in the shoe so expect blisters. Hard Wearing so built to last. Smart boots available if school uniform policy allows.
Office, Liverpool
45 St John St, Liverpool L1 8BU
Open 7 days: Monday-Friday 9.30am-8pm, Saturday 9am-7pm, Sunday 11am-5pm
Stocks own brand school shoes plus Kickers, Zaxy, Dr Martens and Melissas. Wide range available plus 10% off first full price order online.
Student Discount and Blue Light Discount Available.
Sizes suitable for young children up to teens.
Shoe Shops Liverpool City Region
Clarks, Speke
Unit 10A, New Mersey Retail Park Speke, Speke, Liverpool L24 8QB
Open 7 days: Monday-Friday 9.30am-8pm, Saturday 9.30am-6pm, Sunday 10.30am-5pm
Clarks own brand shoes only. Also stocks PE pumps and bags for back to school. This is where we found brilliant in an evening for getting school shoes when the girls were in primary school. So much calmer than during the day and a good range of kid’s shoes.
Shoebedo, Wirral
132 Allport Rd, Bromborough, Wirral CH62 6BB
Open 6 days: Monday 12.30-4.30pm, Tuesday-Friday
Children’s fashion and School Shoe Specialist.
Wide range of Lelli Kelly school shoes plus Start Rite and Bull Boys.
Currently taking bookings for Back to School Shoe Fittings.
Helen is a family and lifestyle blogger, writing about her experiences of bringing up 3 girls. For more information about the Costello Family and the services they can offer visit the Work With Us page
ODs St Helens
44 Barrow St, Saint Helens WA10 1RY
https://www.odsdesignerclothing.com/
Open 7 days 9.00am – 5.30pm (Sunday 10am-4pm)
A little further out of Liverpool. Local reviews comment on the great service and the discounts available.
Currently offering 10% discount off your first online order.
A small selection of designer brands including Moschino and Kickers.
End of season summer sale.
Wynsors, Knotty Ash
243-249 East Prescot Rd., Liverpool L14 5NA
https://www.wynsors.com/stores/liverpool/
Open 7 days: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm
Stocks Kickers, Rockstorm, Miss Riot.
Affordable pairs of shoes in a range of sizes.
Also stock PE pumps, wellies and bags.
Liberty Rose Boutique, Huyton
28 Sherborne Ave, Huyton, Liverpool L36 9UR
https://www.libertyroseboutique.co.uk/
Open 6 days: Monday-Saturday 9.30am-5pm
Stockist of Lelli Kelly, Froddo, Mini Melissa and Kickers school shoes.
Small sizes so suitable for primary school children only.
Dolly Day Dreams and Little Dudes, Maghull
Unit 6, 100 Sefton Ln, Maghull, Liverpool L31 8BT
https://dollydaydreamslittledudes.com/
Open 6 days: Monday-Friday 9.30am-5.30pm, Saturday 9am-5pm
Designer boutique including Lelli Kelly school shoes. Some styles need to be preordered (See website)
Sizes typically up to size 4 so mainly suited to younger children.
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This is super handy! It’s easy to forget there are other options out there for school shoes besides Clarks! I have a feeling we will be heading to Docs this time! Have to admit that finding new school shoes is my least favourite part of Back to School!