Ah, the back-to-school rush – the list of things to buy seems endless, doesn’t it? Among the many items to tick off, one of the most important (and often the trickiest) is figuring out how many pairs of school shoes your little one actually needs each year.

At ToeZone, we know how fast kids grow and how hard they play, so we’re here to help you figure out just how many pairs of school shoes you should be buying to keep your child’s feet happy and healthy.

First things first, it all depends on a few factors:

How active is your child? 

Are they particularly hard on their shoes?

And, of course, how quickly do their feet grow?

As a general rule, most children will go through at least two-to-three pairs of school shoes each year, with one being the everyday pair and another as a back-up. But the truth is, some kids might need more, especially if they're very active or tough on their footwear.

When kids are running around the playground, climbing trees and participating in sports, their shoes take quite a beating. That’s where quality matters. At ToeZone, our shoes are designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily adventures. Our durable, slip-resistant soles and comfortable, supportive design ensure that your child’s shoes stay in top condition for as long as possible.

Still, no shoe is truly indestructible, and if your child’s shoes start to show signs of damage or discomfort, it might be time for a new pair.

On the other hand, don’t forget about growth! Children’s feet grow quickly – sometimes even faster than you can keep up with.

This means that even if their shoes are still looking good, they might not fit properly anymore. It’s important to check the fit regularly to avoid any discomfort or long-term foot issues. In fact, we recommend checking their shoes at least every three months to make sure there’s still enough room for their growing feet - use our simple ToeZone Printable Shoe Size Guide to ensure the perfect fit.

Consider the type of shoes you buy...

A good-quality pair of ToeZone school shoes, with flexible soles and a supportive structure, should last for months. But as kids are prone to outgrowing shoes quickly, having a backup pair of shoes for those inevitable growth spurts can save you the stress of running out to buy a new pair mid-term.

Some families find that buying a fresh pair halfway through the school year is a smart move, ensuring they always have something comfortable and well-fitting.

Ultimately, the number of pairs you buy each year will depend on your child’s activity level, how quickly their feet grow and how well their shoes hold up. But no matter how many pairs you end up buying, investing in a quality pair of school shoes like ToeZone ensures that your child will be comfortable, supported and ready for every adventure whether it’s learning in the classroom or playing outside.

So, how many pairs should you buy?

Two pairs for most, but don’t hesitate to go for a third if needed!

At ToeZone, we’ve got the durability and comfort covered, so you can rest easy knowing your child’s feet are in good hands. Shop our latest school shoe styles