How to keep school shoes looking great all year

It has only been a few weeks since the children went back to school, but their shoes have probably already had quite a workout.

Playgrounds, wet pavements, classroom floors, football at lunchtime, leaves, mud and the inevitable scuff against a wall all start to leave their mark surprisingly quickly.

Which makes now a good time to give those school shoes a little attention.

And yes, this article was partly inspired by someone genuinely saying to us recently:

“I’d never thought of polishing my kids’ school shoes.”

We’ll admit, that one stopped us in our tracks.

A good pair of school shoes is designed to work hard, but a little regular care can make a big difference to how they look, feel and last through the year.

1. Start with a quick clean

You do not need to deep-clean school shoes every week.

A quick wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth is usually enough to remove dust, dried mud and everyday dirt before it has a chance to build up.

If there is mud on the shoes, let it dry first and gently brush it away rather than rubbing wet mud into the leather.

Pay attention to seams, stitching and the edges of the sole, where dirt tends to collect.

Five minutes at the weekend can make Monday morning shoes look considerably less like they have already survived an entire school year.

2. Yes, polish them

We promise it is still a thing.

Polishing leather school shoes is not just about making them shiny. A suitable shoe polish or leather cream can help nourish the leather and keep it looking good as it flexes, bends and gets scuffed through everyday wear.

Start with clean, dry shoes and use a small amount of polish in a colour suitable for the leather.

Work it in gently with a soft cloth or brush, leave it for a few minutes, then buff the leather to bring back the finish.

You do not need to do this every night. Once every couple of weeks, or whenever the shoes start looking a little tired, can make a noticeable difference.

And if your child has black school shoes, it is surprisingly satisfying to see how quickly a few playground scuffs disappear.

3. Treat patent differently

Patent leather is less porous than standard leather, so it does not benefit from traditional polishing in the same way. Keeping the surface clean and free from grit is the best way to help preserve that glossy finish.

Rather than using traditional shoe polish, wipe patent shoes gently with a soft damp cloth and dry them with another clean cloth.

For fingerprints and surface marks, a specialist patent cleaner can help restore the shine without damaging the finish.

Avoid harsh cleaning products, abrasive sponges or scrubbing, as these can dull or scratch the surface.

4. Let wet shoes dry naturally

This one matters.

If school shoes come home wet, tempting as it may be to put them next to a radiator, try not to.

Strong direct heat can dry leather too quickly, which may cause it to stiffen, crack or lose its shape.

Instead, remove any loose dirt, open the fastenings and let the shoes dry naturally at room temperature.

You can loosely fill them with plain paper to help absorb moisture and maintain their shape. Replace the paper if it becomes very damp.

It may take longer, but the shoes will thank you for it.

5. Give them some air

Children's feet work hard during the school day, and shoes benefit from a chance to air properly overnight.

Open straps and fastenings when the shoes come off, and if the insoles are removable, taking them out occasionally can help everything dry and freshen more thoroughly.

Try not to leave damp shoes buried under coats, bags and PE kits until the next morning.

We know. Easier said than done.

6. Deal with scuffs before they become bigger problems

School shoes are supposed to get scuffed. It means they are being worn.

But little marks are easier to deal with than big ones.

A quick clean and polish can disguise many surface scuffs on leather. It is also worth checking the soles, straps, buckles, hook-and-loop fastenings and stitching every so often.

If something looks loose or damaged, dealing with it early may help prevent a small issue becoming the reason a perfectly good pair has to be replaced.

7. Look after the shape

Try to encourage children to undo their shoes properly rather than forcing their feet in and out while everything is still fastened.

We appreciate this may be optimistic.

But repeatedly crushing the heel or pulling hard against straps can eventually affect the shape and construction of the shoe.

Opening the fastening properly also makes shoes easier to put on and helps the foot sit in the shoe as intended.

8. Check the fit while you’re at it

Cleaning school shoes is also a useful opportunity to make sure they still fit.

Children's feet can grow surprisingly quickly, so look for toes getting close to the end, pressure marks, rubbing or your child suddenly complaining that previously comfortable shoes feel tight.

Remember to check both feet, as one can be slightly larger than the other.

If you are unsure, our Size Wise tool can help you measure their feet at home and check which Young Soles size they need.

Can school shoes really last the whole year?

A good-quality pair should be designed with the school year in mind, not just the first term.

Of course, every child is different. Some walk carefully around puddles; others appear to regard their school shoes as suitable equipment for mountaineering.

How long a pair lasts will depend on fit, growth, how they are worn and how much punishment they receive.

But good materials, solid construction and regular care all help.

At Young Soles, our school shoes are designed for real children's feet and real school days, using carefully chosen materials, comfortable linings and soles made for everyday wear.

Looking after them along the way simply helps them do their job for longer.

The five-minute weekend shoe check

You do not need an elaborate shoe-care routine.

Once a week:

• Brush or wipe away dirt.
• Check for scuffs and marks.
• Let the shoes air.
• Check straps, buckles and soles.
• Polish leather when it needs it.
• Make sure the fit still feels comfortable.

That is usually enough to keep on top of things.

And if you have never polished your child's school shoes before?

Consider this your reminder.

They might even look almost new again by Monday morning.