Understanding Foot Growth and Shoe Wear in the First School Year

Jan 14, 2026

For back-to-school this year, we’ve partnered with Grace Byrnes from Total Sports Podiatry to help parents understand just how important the first year of school is for growing feet. With children spending up to 30–35 hours a week in their school shoes and often experiencing rapid growth during this stage, Grace explains why correct fit, support and regular shoe checks are essential to prevent discomfort, injury and long-term foot issues.

Starting school is an exciting and sometimes daunting new experience! You might already have your new uniform, and with only a couple of weeks until school starts, now is the perfect time to buy their first pair of school shoes.

With school taking up 30-35 hours per week, this will be the most important shoe to get right. The first year of school often correlates with a rapid period of foot growth, as podiatrist's we often see children wearing shoes that no longer fit. This can lead to heel pain, blistering, poor posture and even long- term foot issues. Let's break down what's happening inside growing feet and how to stay ahead of it.

Children's feet are not just smaller versions of adult feet. In fact, bones in the feet are still forming, with soft cartilage gradually hardening over time. During the early school years, feet can grow up to 2 sizes per year!

Key changes during this stage include:

• Increases in foot length and width
• Developing arches and muscle strength
• Greater time spent walking, running, and standing at school

This combination makes proper shoe fit and support essential.

A common mistake is buying shoes "with room to grow" and assuming they'll last the year. Unfortunately, shoes don't adapt well to growth.

As a general guide:

• Check shoe fit every term
• Expect to replace school shoes at least once during the year
• Some children may need two replacements, especially during growth spurts

Waiting until shoes look worn out is often too late; by then, they may already be affecting comfort and movement.

Children don't always tell you when something feels wrong, so it's important to look for subtle signs, such as:

• Complaints of tired, sore, or "hot" feet after school
• Tripping or changes in walking or running
• Red marks, blisters, or pressure areas on their foot
• Shoes becoming harder to put on
• Scuffing marks or toe box wearing away

If you're unsure, a professional fitting or podiatry check can make all the difference.

When choosing or replacing school shoes, prioritise:

• Fitting the shoe to the larger foot
• A firm heel counter for stability
• Flexible forefoot but stable midfoot
• Adjustable fastening (laces or hook-and-loop straps)
• Comfort - your child should be able to wear them straight away

A good shoe should support your child's feet now, not just last as long as possible.