Disclosure: AD, this is a sponsored post, however all opinions are 100% my own.

It's that time of year when we are all scrambling around to find uniforms, new book bags and the all important school shoes.

My mum insisted on buying new shoes from Start-Rite when I was a child. I remember being measured and this brand being important in her mind as an indicator of quality.

Fast forward to buying my own children shoes and I have to admit in the last school year I made an error. I bought school shoes elsewhere, from what I considered a decent high street shoe brands.

Before Christmas, in the first term, I found myself with both my son and daughter's pairs of shoes having detaching soles! Lesson learned, You definitely get what you pay for. This year will be very different, we will be heading in the right direction with our kids' shoes.

We are trying Start-Rite and the experience so far is excellent, with very happy feet!

Shoe size

With Start-Rite your child's feet can be measured in person in the shop or using the professional measuring gauge from their online store. We purchased one of these to use at home. We found it so useful, knowing we can keep referring to it as they grow. If you don't want the common problems which come with dragging the whole family to a shop this can be an easy way to save you time and measure everyone in the comfort of your home.

Start-Rite school shoes come in a variety of width-fittings, whole and half sizes, allowing for growing room as well. This means whatever the size of your child’s feet, you are sure to find the right fit. No more hunting down half sizes or having to add insoles to stop shoes slipping as they are slightly too big.

Stylish shoes

There are a great selection of children's shoes, smart and casual shoes to choose from, in the usual colour palette approved in schools across the UK. The popular styles kids love such as riptape fastening are there; as they are easy to manage for little fingers. Or buckles and laces for those who like to feel a little more grown up!

If you love the classic styles such as t-bar and Mary Janes these are all available.

Quality materials

The different materials used across Start-Rite shoes give a huge amount of choice, while most importantly offering comfortable shoes.

There are soft premium black leather options, scuff resistant toe protection to help shoes look school-ready for longer. Many styles come with lightweight flexible soles. Padded ankles and tongues help with those first days of wear, offering softness and support. We love that there are breathable linings and removable insoles to keep feet fresh.

The Air Rite technology in some of the collections keeps feet cool. This is designed to allow air to flow in the areas where kids' feet get the hottest. This encourages air to flow and reduces sweating.

Sustainable shoes

Should you be interested in eco-friendly shoes, there are several vegan options which may suit your child. Choose from a selection of breathable vegan shoes in non-leather materials. These school shoes have the new Air Rite technology. They are highly durable and water resistant.

Finding vegan leather school shoes is still quite difficult so Start-Rite are ahead in this area. As a brand, they are committed to creating sustainable kid's shoes and have identified four pathways they believe are essential to have a positive impact on the planet. They are looking closely at their environmental practices and have an impressive list of actions and learnings for the future. For instance six out of eight of their tanneries are Leather Working Group Gold Rated, one is Silver Rated and 100% of their Indian tanneries are Gold Rated.

It's great to see a company spending a considerable amount of time thinking and really acting on their carbon footprint, their shoe production, how to create less waste and more.

What did we choose?

We found styles which kept both my 7 year old daughter and my 10 year old son happy. They were deemed 'cool' enough which for new kicks is clearly is a top priority! I was delighted to find styles which suit very different age groups all in one store. This saves me a lot of time and fuss which I'm sure other parents will appreciate.

My daughter opted for the black patent Leapfrog style. This is a pretty t-bar design with punched tiny heart details. I would never have been allowed patent shoes when I was a child so I'm being very adventurous with these! They have hard wearing vulcanised rubber soles, riptape fastening plus impact cushioning and anti-compression in-soles. These keep them practical and comfy as well as attractive.

My son loved the Rhino Sherman black leather lace-ups. These are really smart and less bulky than some of the younger boys styles. They suit that he's growing up (a little!) and wants something to reflect that. Though they are elegant basics, they still have tough, very supportive soles and are lightweight. For me, the fact that they are scruff resistant is also much appreciated!

We are extremely happy with the styles we've chosen. Finding the best eco-friendly kids shoes, from a brand you can trust in the shoe industry, means there is less to worry about as school starts. Having a properly measured pair of shoes so I know their growing feet are protected is a weight off my mind.

As they take some big steps into Year 3 and Year 6 (scary!) I know they will do so in style and comfort. It's also another thing I can tick off my school to-do list!

Tips when looking for eco friendly kids shoes:

Eco-friendly kids' shoes are becoming increasingly popular as parents and children alike become more aware of the environmental impact of the products they use. Here are some features to look for when shopping for eco-friendly kids' shoes...

Sustainable Materials: Choose shoes made from eco-friendly and sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and recycled materials like rubber and plastic. These materials are biodegradable or recyclable and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional shoe materials.
Non-Toxic: Look for shoes that are free from harmful chemicals, such as PVC, phthalates, and formaldehyde. These chemicals can be harmful to both the environment and your child's health.
Ethically Made: Choose shoes that are made in factories that prioritize fair labor practices, such as paying workers a living wage and ensuring safe working conditions.
Durable: Look for shoes that are well-made and durable, so they can withstand wear and tear and last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Second-hand or Thrifted: Consider buying second-hand or thrifted shoes, as this is a great way to reduce waste and save money.

Overall, when shopping for eco-friendly kids' shoes, prioritize sustainability, non-toxicity, ethical production, durability, and second-hand options.

If you are hunting down all the items you need for Back to School clothing, read our advice here:

Back-to-school clothing is an important aspect of preparing for the new school year. Here are some tips for shopping for back-to-school clothing:

Check the school dress code: Before you start shopping, make sure to check the school's dress code policy to avoid any dress code violations.
Choose versatile pieces: Look for versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits, making it easier to get dressed in the morning.
Prioritize comfort: Comfort is key when it comes to back-to-school clothing, as kids need to be able to move around and be active throughout the day. Look for clothes made from soft and breathable fabrics, such as cotton or bamboo.
Think about the weather: Consider the weather in your area when choosing back-to-school clothing. For example, if it's going to be cold, make sure to get warm jackets, sweaters, and boots.
Invest in quality pieces: It can be tempting to buy cheap, fast fashion pieces, but investing in quality clothing can save you money in the long run as they will last longer and not need to be replaced as often.
Get input from your child: Let your child have some say in what they wear to school. It can help them feel more confident and empowered.

Remember to also consider sustainable options when shopping for back-to-school clothing, such as buying second-hand or choosing eco-friendly materials.

Don't forget to order your name labels as well. We use stick on ones from My Nametags in the UK and Name Bubbles in the US.