This post is written in collaboration with Start-Rite. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Every year, the final school term seems to fly by and before I know it, I’m already thinking ahead to September.
School uniform shopping can feel like a never-ending list, but there is one thing I never leave until the last minute: school shoes.
Children spend so much of their day wearing them, so they need to be comfortable, supportive and durable enough to cope with everything school life throws at them. As Arlo gets ready to start Year 5, finding the right pair was top of our list.
Why We Keep Choosing Start-Rite
This isn’t our first experience with Start-Rite.
In fact, Arlo has worn Start-Rite school shoes for the last three or four years, so we’ve come to trust the quality year after year.
One thing I’ve always noticed is that he doesn’t actually wear them out – he grows out of them.
His previous pairs still had plenty of life left in them after months of school, playground adventures and after-school activities, which says a lot about how well they’ve lasted.
As parents, we spend a lot of money on school uniform every year, so knowing that his shoes are built to last gives me real confidence.
Choosing This Year’s Shoes
Shopping for school shoes has become much easier now that Arlo is older because he definitely knows what he likes.
One thing he still finds tricky is tying shoelaces quickly, so we filtered the Start-Rite website to look at shoes with rip-tape fastenings.
For the last couple of years he’s worn the Engineers style, but this year he immediately spotted the Rhino Warrior shoes.
He actually commented that they looked a little more grown up.
He also liked the chunky design around the sides because he thought they’d cope well with climbing, running around and everything he gets up to during the school day.
I always like giving him the final choice because he’ll be wearing them every day, and I think it’s important that he feels confident and comfortable in them.
The Unboxing
Watching Arlo open a new pair of shoes is always entertaining.
He doesn’t just put them straight on.
First he studies the soles.
Then he looks at the stitching.
Then he checks all the little details before finally trying them on.
The rip-tape fastening was an instant success because he could fasten them himself. As he’s getting older, independence is becoming more and more important to him, so having shoes that he can put on without asking for help is a huge positive.
Straight away he said how comfortable they felt.
Why Properly Fitted Shoes Matter
One thing I’ve learnt over the years is just how important properly fitted school shoes are.
When we first bought Start-Rite shoes, Arlo had his feet professionally measured. Since then, we’ve also used the Start-Rite measuring tool at home before ordering online.
Children’s feet are still growing and developing throughout childhood, so making sure they have the correct fit really matters. If you can’t get to a trained fitter, Start-Rite’s SizeWise measuring tool is a brilliant way to check sizing from home.
Looking Ahead
Arlo’s school has an amazing OPAL playground and Forest School sessions, so these shoes are about to be thoroughly tested.
Between playing tig at breaktime, climbing equipment, scooters after school and plenty of outdoor adventures, they’ll certainly have plenty to cope with.
We’ll be putting them through their paces over the coming weeks before sharing a full review later this summer.
For now, first impressions couldn’t be better, and Arlo is more than ready to head into Year 5.
I also really love the polish inlcuded in the box so we can keep these shoes looking spick and span through the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Start-Rite Rhino Warrior school shoes suitable for active children?
They are designed with active school days in mind. The sturdy construction, supportive fit and scuff-resistant toe make them a practical choice for running, climbing and outdoor play.
Do Start-Rite Rhino Warrior shoes have laces?
The pair Arlo chose has an easy rip-tape fastening, which gives him the independence to put on and secure his shoes without needing to tie laces.
How should I measure my child for Start-Rite school shoes?
A trained shoe fitter is ideal, but Start-Rite also offers its SizeWise digital measuring tool where you can use your phones video to capture the length and width of both your child’s feet, providing you with an accurate size.
Why is the correct school shoe fit important?
Children wear school shoes for many hours a day while their feet are still developing. The right length, width and support help keep them comfortable throughout lessons, playtimes and journeys to and from school.
Last Updated on Thursday, August 13, 2026 by Lavania Oluban