We’re heading into the last leg of the school year, which can only mean one thing: chaos. Sports days, end-of-year trips, after-school clubs, and a solid attempt to squeeze every drop of energy out of these longer, warmer days. It’s also the perfect time to put a new pair of school shoes through their paces and we’re doing exactly that with the Engineer shoes from Start-Rite.
Start-Rite kindly sent us a pair to test as part of their 2025 Back to School campaign, and this unboxing post is all about first impressions. Spoiler: Arlo’s already putting them through a lot.
Why We Chose the Engineer
We went for the Engineer style because it’s the perfect blend of practicality and confidence-building independence. Arlo’s still not quite there with laces, but he needs shoes he can handle himself especially with PE and swimming twice a week, plus various after-school sports clubs. The rip-tape fastening is ideal for him to get shoes on and off quickly without asking for help.
He’s also just hitting that age where style matters. He wants to blend in, not stand out. The Engineer looks grown-up and smart without being flashy. It ticks all the boxes for him and frankly, I’m just relieved there were no battles at unboxing.
I checked out the website online using colour, his size (length and width) and also for the styling (Rip-Tape) as filters and fourteen different shoes came up. I let Arlo have the final say and he was divided between the engineer and the Rhino Warrior but we both felt that engineer looked the smartest.
First Impressions: Fit and Feel
The fit was absolutely spot on. We used our Start-Rite measuring gauge at home, which I swear by. It’s brilliant because it doesn’t just check length but also width something that really matters for us. Arlo has inherited what we lovingly refer to as “the hobbit feet” gene, and he’s incredibly fussy about anything that feels tight or restrictive. I’ve had this for years and every year my sister comes over with all of her kids to use it to check her kids sizes too. You can pick one of these up online via the Start Rite website or in Argos stores for £12. Best investment ever because during school holidays we have waited hours to be seen in stores. The website has a really comprehensive guide to sizing too.
Arlo wanted to open them on straight away and declared them comfy. Zero complaints. If you know Arlo, you know that says a lot. I had every intention of setting up a lovely photoshoot but the box was delivered to my front doorstep and so when we arrived home from school one day that’s where he discovered them and he sat down and tore in to the box whilst I was juggling with keys, his backpack, lunch box and Pe kit and my own handbag too.
Putting Them to the Test (Accidentally, Immediately)
On day one of wearing them, the very next morning Arlo insisted on scooting to the playground. Five minutes in, literally between the car and the short distance to the gate he had a fall….. so we ended up visiting the school office for a plaster thanks to an ankle vs. scooter incident before the day had even started but miraculously, the shoes were completely unscathed.
That’s impressive, plus considering his school is part of the OPAL project, which actively encourages outdoor free play (think climbing tyres, leaping over pallets, dragging feet across tarmac, grass, sand, and some pretty unforgiving terrain). Throw in a few rounds of tag, a post-school playground session, and his habit of using his feet as brakes when he’s on his bike or scooter, and you can see from the state of his knees and elbows why his shoes take a daily battering!
The Engineer passed with flying colours.
What Makes the Engineer So Tough?
Let’s get into the details, because this isn’t just any school shoe. The Engineer is built for durability, with thoughtful design features that really do make a difference:
Rip-tape fastening for quick and easy adjustment. Padded ankles to support growing feet and add extra comfort. Leather linings that absorb moisture and help keep feet dry and fresh. Lightweight, flexible sole that allows for natural foot movement (and serious playground agility). Strengthened toe, heel, and sides for added protection during wild outdoor adventures.
It even comes in black leather, brown leather, and black vegan leather options if you’re looking for alternatives.
Why We’re Sticking with Start-Rite
We actually started our school shoe journey with Start-Rite and had a brilliant experience. He has the engineers in year one. But last year, trying to save money, I went for a supermarket brand instead. It turned out to be false economy the sole came away completely before Christmas, and I ended up having to replace them anyway. I went back to Start-Rite with my tail between my legs. Lesson Learnt.
With Start-Rite, the difference in quality is immediately obvious and it lasts. These are shoes that are outgrown, not outworn.
Looking Ahead
We’ll be reviewing the shoes properly later in the summer, once they’ve been through their paces and I’ve given them a polish with the polish, but right now? We’re already off to a strong start.
Whether it’s clambering over tyres or racing across a playground, I’m confident Arlo’s feet are supported, protected, and ready for whatever the day throws at him. And that peace of mind is absolutely worth it.
This post is part of a paid collaboration with Start-Rite Shoes. All words, opinions, and chaotic playground stories are entirely our own.