Best School Shoes – Leather Shoes vs Sports Shoes

Buying school shoes is a regular chore for every school parent, and the start of the school year or school term is the right time to go check your child’s school shoes to see if they are now too small or worn out and need to be replaced. 

Shopping for school shoes can be challenging, which is why I’ve set out the pros and cons of sports shoes vs traditional leather school shoes, plus listed some of the shoes available from the best-selling brands of kids school shoes

school shoes

Black Sports Shoes vs Leather School Shoes

If you’re looking for school shoes that will better support your child’s feet throughout an entire school day, it can be difficult to know whether running shoes or leather lace-up shoes would be the most suitable and comfortable.

Before you start considering the sports shoes vs leather shoes question, check if your child’s school has a dress code that prohibits sports apparel, or maybe it allows for certain items. 

Leather School Shoes – Pros and Cons

  • Leather uppers help keep your feet cool and dry and protect your feet from the weather better than a sports-style shoe
  • A major plus of leather is its durability, which makes it the perfect material for kids who play hard at school
  • Most leather shoes come in a wider range of half sizes or width sizes. This means that you are more likely to find a more tailored fit for your child’s foot.
  • The best leather school shoes offer in-built support. A traditional model with strong heel counters provides stability for your child’s ankles. This helps your child stay comfortable for 8 hours a day, or more.
  • One disadvantage of traditional school shoes is that they are made of leather, which can be stiff and uncomfortable at first. It typically takes a little while to soften and for the child to break in the shoes. If your child has sensitive feet, this may not be an option for them.
  • Traditional school shoes are traditionally more expensive than black sports shoes. This is due to the materials used in school shoes, such as leather.
Little girl wearing school shoes close up

Sports School Shoes – Pros and Cons

  • Black sneakers are perfect for kids because they have a flexible sole. This can make them more comfortable at school, which has the added benefit of making it easier for kids to run and play.
  • Modern sneakers are made with lighter materials such as synthetic uppers and lightweight lining material. The soles of these shoes are usually made from a flexible material that doesn’t restrict movement, making them more comfortable to wear. 
  • Some sports shoes come with a breathable mesh upper. This material keeps the foot cool during the warmer months and helps it stay cool during a range of activities, such as running around or playing soccer.
  • One of the biggest problems with sports school shoes is the lack of size options. There are generally few width fittings and no half sizes, so it may be more difficult to find the perfect fit.
  • The synthetic lining in sports shoes does not breathe as well as leather. This can contribute to hotter, sweatier feet. 
  • Synthetic uppers do not provide as much protection against the rain as leather school shoes do.
  • Synthetic uppers are not the most durable in terms of day-to-day use, so sports shoes can often be less long-lasting than leather school shoes.
Black school tennis shoes

In conclusion, running shoes are more lightweight, flexible and breathable. However, that does not mean running shoes are better for daily school use as traditional leather school shoes have proven to be more durable, have a better range of sizes and come with built-in support around the ankle and heel. In the end, it comes down to personal choice and what your school requires or allows. 

Best Leather School Shoes and Sports Shoes

I understand that it can get overwhelming having to choose between these two options and many styles and brands – which is why I have put together this list of the best leather school shoes and sport shoes to help you pick the right shoe for your child.

1. Adidas Originals

Whether it’s for sports or everyday wear, you can count on Adidas to create quality and fashionable sneakers for all ages. 

Check out the Superstar Foundation II Grade School sneakers, with padded collars to support the heel. These shoes are durable, comfortable, ready for anything, and perfect for daily school use.

Buy Adidas

Superstar Foundation II Grade School sneakers
Superstar Foundation II Grade School sneakers

2. ASICS

The ASICS Contend 8 Black Pre-School is a running shoe that should be a staple for kids who are always active and ready for any fun-time action at school or the playground. The shoe is easy to put on and comes with extra comfort thanks to the padded collars.

ASICS kids running shoes are recommended by the Australian Physiotherapy Association and Sports Medicine Australia. 

Buy ASICS

3. Bobux

For almost 30 years, Bobux has remained a trusted brand for kids shoes due to its continued commitment to children’s health, design and sustainability. 

For little ones starting school, the Kid+ Quest Mary Jane Shoe is easy to put on, comfortable, and durable.

Buy Bobux

4. Clarks

If you are looking for a shop with great options for both kinds of shoes, Clarks would be a great brand to check out first. Their Daytona shoes are great for those who need a perfect fit as they come in different widths and sizes to provide the best support throughout the day.

Buy Clarks

5. Nike

Nike is one of the top sports shoe brands in the world. They are currently leading in innovation and design, meaning kids will get the proper support their feet need as they run and play during the school day. 

I recommend checking out the Nike Varsity Leather Gs Black which are made of a leather upper for durability and comfortable fit and features lightweight cushioning and shock absorption.

Buy Nike

6. Skechers

Skechers is a shoe brand that’s all about throwing a splash of fun onto their shoes through the use of bright colours and unique designs. 

Their flashy Skechers Flex-Glow Youth comes with light-up outsoles, self-fastening straps, and padded collars for that extra, all-day comfort.

Buy Skechers

Skechers Flex Glow Bolt Youth
Skechers Flex Glow Bolt Youth

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This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase using the links there is no extra cost to you and I earn a small commission that helps me to provide free, valuable and useful information for you! Thanks, Joyce

About Joyce Watts

Joyce Watts is a former intellectual property, IT and media lawyer turned serial entrepreneur.

As well as being the founder of TOT: HOT OR NOT she helps businesses with their SEO, email marketing & social media as BrightSmart.com.au; she owns an online bike store CycleStyle.com.au and develops and produces creative experiences for families via WheelieGoodFun.com. She used to publish another popular lifestyle and food blog called MEL: HOT OR NOT The decisive guide to Melbourne.

She lives in inner-city Melbourne with her husband, two children and seven bikes.

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