Top School Shoe Brands for Style and Comfort Excellence

When it comes to choosing the best school shoes, durability and comfort are two of the top priorities for parents and students alike. Many well-known brands have consistently delivered high-quality options that cater to both these needs, combining style with practicality. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most reliable and fashionable school shoe brands available today. So, if you're on the lookout for the perfect pair of school shoes, read on to discover some excellent options.

Illustration of school shoes

Best brands of school shoes in 2025

Clarks

Clarks is a renowned British footwear manufacturer and retailer, particularly celebrated for its high-quality school shoes, which have been a staple for over 170 years. The brand is the number one provider of school shoes in the UK, with over 70% of its turnover coming from the UK and ROI, largely driven by the school market. In 2018, the back to school market in the UK was worth £1.16 billion, with parents spending an average of £134 on school uniforms and shoes, highlighting Clarks' significant role in this sector. Clarks sells more than 50 million pairs of shoes annually and has over 1,000 branded stores and franchises worldwide. The brand's school shoes are known for their durability and compliance with most school uniform policies.

Kickers

Kickers is a prominent brand in the school shoes market, known for its high-quality and comfortable footwear. The brand is part of the global school shoes market, which is expected to grow at a significant CAGR from 2024 to 2031. Kickers, along with other key players like Clarks and Firetrap, is focusing on expanding its product portfolio and business globally. The brand's products, such as the Kickers school shoes, are popular among both boys and girls, contributing to the market's growth. In the segmented market analysis, Kickers is recognized for its strong market share and customer preference.

Start-Rite

Start-Rite, a renowned brand in the kids' footwear market, is highly regarded for its high-quality school shoes. As part of the global kids' footwear market, which was valued at USD 54.49 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2025 to 2030, Start-Rite contributes significantly with its durable and comfortable offerings. The brand is particularly popular for its casual footwear segment, which dominated the market with a revenue share of 46.4% in 2024. Start-Rite's products are favored by parents due to their ease of use, convenience, and durability. The brand's presence in the market is enhanced by its availability through online shopping portals and hypermarkets. For more information, visit Start-Rite's official website.

Geox

Geox is renowned as one of the top producers of school shoes, known for its high-quality, breathable, and comfortable footwear. In 2023, footwear sales accounted for over 90% of Geox's total revenue, highlighting the brand's dominance in this market. Geox shoes are praised for their innovative soles that keep feet cool and dry, making them ideal for school use, especially in warm climates. The brand's strong competitive position is backed by its unique technology and Italian DNA, ensuring a wide and established footprint in the footwear market. Geox's commitment to sustainability, such as being awarded by CONAI for its e-commerce packaging, further enhances its reputation.

Dr. Martens

Dr. Martens is a renowned brand that has successfully expanded its product line to include school shoes, catering to newborns and children starting school, which accounted for 4% of their FY22 sales. The brand's iconic air-cushioned sole and durable design make their shoes ideal for school wear, offering both comfort and durability. With a strong global presence, Dr. Martens sold 14.1 million pairs of footwear in FY22 across EMEA, the Americas, and Asia. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation has enabled it to maintain a significant market share, particularly in the leather footwear segment, which is expected to grow at a 7% CAGR from 2021 to 2025. Dr. Martens' products are popular for their timeless appeal and versatility, making them a favorite among parents and children alike. For more information, explore Dr. Martens' official website.

Skechers

Skechers is a leading brand in the footwear industry, particularly notable for its comfort and quality, making it an excellent choice for school shoes. With a significant market share, Skechers captures 10% of the athletic footwear market in the US, and its revenue is projected to reach $10 billion by 2025, indicating strong consumer trust and satisfaction. The brand's focus on comfort and innovation, such as its GOrun line introduced in 2011, has helped it gain prominence. Additionally, Skechers' customer base skews toward women and older demographics, with nearly 1-in-2 Americans (49%) favorable to the brand. Its commitment to environmental sustainability, including the use of recycled materials and recyclable packaging, further enhances its appeal. For more information, visit their official website.

New Balance

New Balance is a prominent player in the footwear industry, particularly notable for its high-quality school shoes. The brand holds a 10% market share in the US and 4% globally, with a significant presence in the athletic shoe market, including a 12.7% share of running shoes in the US as of 2021. In 2022, New Balance achieved a record-high $4.23 billion in shoe revenue, with footwear accounting for 80% of the company's total revenue. The brand has seen substantial growth, with a 214.1% increase in footwear revenue from 2008 to 2022. New Balance also reports an equal 50% to 50% share between its men and women user segments as of 2022. For more insights, explore the New Balance Shoe Statistics.

Hush Puppies

Hush Puppies is a renowned brand in the footwear industry, particularly noted for its high-quality school shoes. The brand is part of the broader children's shoes market, which is expected to grow significantly, with the global children's shoes market projected to increase by USD 12.5 billion at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2023 to 2030. Hush Puppies generates revenue in the range of $50M to $75M annually, indicating its strong market presence. The brand's commitment to comfort, durability, and style aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly and technologically enhanced shoes. With its diverse product line, Hush Puppies continues to be a favorite among parents seeking the best footwear for their children.

Ecco

ECCO, established in Denmark in 1963, is a renowned global brand known for its high-quality and innovative footwear, including school shoes. Guided by its heritage, innovation, and dedication to excellence, ECCO is a trusted choice for school footwear. The brand is part of a growing footwear market expected to increase by USD 133.09 billion from 2022 to 2027, with a CAGR of 5.69%. ECCO's commitment to detail and quality ensures comfortable and durable shoes, making them a favorite among parents and students. With a strong global presence, ECCO continues to innovate and expand its market share. For more information, visit their about us page.

Vans

Vans is a leading brand in the footwear industry, particularly renowned for its school shoes, with a significant market share. In 2021, Vans held a 6.1% share of the entire U.S. footwear market, and it has maintained a strong presence in the global sneaker industry with a 7% market share as of 2022. The brand is especially popular among male consumers, with 67% of its sales generated from men's footwear. Vans produced over 105 million pairs of shoes in the 2023 fiscal year, with 37% of these being casual footwear. The brand's revenue in the 2023 fiscal year was $3.7 billion, although it experienced a 12% decline from the previous year. For more information about Vans and its company profile, visit their official website.