Kickers x The London Podiatrist: The School Shoe Check
Back to School comes around fast.
One minute it’s summer plans. The next, it’s name labels, lunchboxes, uniform lists and the school shoe shop.
School shoes might be one thing on the list, but they’re a big one. They need to look smart, feel comfortable and keep up with classrooms, corridors, playgrounds and the walk home.
That’s where The School Shoe Check comes in.
For Back to School 2026, Kickers is continuing its partnership with Steven Thomas, aka The London Podiatrist, to help parents feel more confident choosing and checking children’s school shoes.
Because it’s not just about finding a pair that looks the part. It’s about knowing what to look for and when to take another look.
Meet The London Podiatrist
Steven Thomas is a respected foot health expert and founder of The London Podiatrist. Through our partnership, he brings expert insight to the Kickers school range, helping parents understand what matters: fit, comfort and support.
This year, we’re going one step further with The School Shoe Check: a practical, expert-reviewed guide designed to make the school shoe shop feel less like guesswork.
No overcomplicated language. No panic buying. Just useful checks.
What Is The School Shoe Check?
The School Shoe Check is all about the essentials: fit, toe room, heel fit, comfort and support.
It helps parents know what to look for before the first bell, and what to keep an eye on as the term goes on. Because children’s feet do not stop growing once school starts. Very inconsiderate, but there we are.
Think of it as a quick sense-check: simple things that can make a big difference to how school shoes feel, move and last.
Check The Fit
First things first: school shoes need to fit properly.
That means enough room at the toes, a secure fit around the heel and no uncomfortable rubbing. They shouldn’t feel too tight, but they shouldn’t slip around either.
If they’re sliding at the heel, pressing at the toes or leaving marks, it could be time to take another look.
Give Toes Room To Move
Toe room is one of the big ones.
Children need enough space at the front so their toes aren’t cramped or pressing against the end. If they say their shoes feel tight, or you spot pressure marks, the fit might not be quite right.
Look At The Heel Fit
Heel fit matters too.
A school shoe should feel secure around the back of the foot. If the heel slips up and down, it can rub and feel less supportive. If it’s too tight, it can get uncomfortable fast.
Secure is the aim, especially on days when shoes are doing more than standing still.
Think Comfort And Support
Comfort is not a nice-to-have. Not when they’re spending the whole day in their school shoes.
Cushioning, flexibility and support all matter. A good school shoe should feel comfortable from the start, but structured enough to keep up with term time.
That balance is what Kickers school shoes are built around: smart enough for school, comfortable enough for all day and durable enough for playgrounds, corridors and whatever happened at lunch.
Keep Checking Through The Year
The first fit check is important, but it shouldn’t be the last.
Feet grow. Shoes get worn. Playgrounds happen.
A quick check each term can help spot when shoes are no longer doing what they should. Look out for rubbing, slipping, toe pressure, uneven wear or any change in how they walk.
School Shoes Parents Can Trust
For generations, Kickers have been part of the school year. First days, new terms, playground laps, classroom moments, the lot.
With The School Shoe Check, we’re helping parents feel more confident about choosing the right pair, with guidance from The London Podiatrist and the Kickers quality families know and trust.
Fit checked. Comfort covered. Kicks ready.
