Best foot forward
Published
Nearly a third (32 per cent) of parents need to replace their children’s school shoes every three-to-six months because they are outgrown, claims a new survey from Wethrift, the online site which helps shoppers save money.. And nearly 8 in 10 parents agree that the cost of buying school uniforms and supplies puts a strain on their household budget.
At the start of the new term and new year, Nick Drewe at Wethrift offers useful tips to help parents save money when hunting for new school shoes:
Sweep the supermarkets
Supermarkets are a really convenient option for parents looking to grab some budget-friendly school shoes. Prices range from as little as £10 to £20, depending on where you buy. Shop around various supermarkets to find the best price for your budget.
Consider second hand, but un-used!
Shopping second-hand doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be purchasing used items. Sellers on platforms such as Vinted, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace often list items that are brand new but are no longer needed.
Measure at home
It’s generally recommended that children have their feet measured by a trained shoe specialist, but it’s possible for parents to do this at home with some guidance. Measuring your children’s feet at home takes the hassle out of the buying process and enables you to measure and shop at your own convenience and to avoid the risk of purchasing shoes outside your budget while in store.
Clarks provide clear, step-by-step instructions online on how parents can do this themselves at home. They recommend using their foot gauge, but the budget-friendly option is to use a tape measure, a piece of A4 paper, and a pen or pencil.
Another option is for Start-Rite Shoes, who provide a digital measuring tool, called SizeWise, on their website. The innovative measuring service uses digital scanning via a parents smartphone to quickly analyse their child's shoe size
Shop out of season
Purchasing shoes out of season – for example buying summer shoes in winter – means you can take advantage of off-season discounts. However, it’s important to make sure the shoes fit comfortably when your child is ready to wear them, as children’s feet are constantly growing. So going for the next size up so your child can grow into them.
Utilise outlet stores
“Outlet stores often sell popular school shoe brands such as Clarks, Marks & Spencer, Kikers, Schuh, and more at a reduced price.
“Discount outlets are not only cost-effective but also provide a wide selection of good quality shoes, giving parents peace of mind that they are purchasing a supportive and durable product for their children that is likely to last the whole school year and beyond.”
Repair, don’t replace
Extend the life of existing school shoes by doing some simple repairs at home. For instance, shoes may simply need a new insole or laces instead of being replaced altogether.
