School shoes take a beating. They’re worn five days a week, through playground scrapes, running, jumping, and long hours on hard surfaces. Even well-made pairs don’t last forever.
If you’re unsure whether to replace school shoes or squeeze out another term, these checks help. They also line up with what fit specialists see daily when worn out school shoes start causing discomfort.
1. The soles are worn smooth or uneven
Flip the shoes over and look closely at the soles. This is often the clearest signal it’s time to replace school shoes.
Healthy soles should still show tread and wear fairly evenly from heel to toe. When the pattern has disappeared or one side looks more worn than the other, the shoe is no longer supporting natural movement.
Uneven wear is a problem because it changes how your child’s foot hits the ground. Over time, that can affect ankles, knees, and posture. Especially during growth spurts.
Quick at-home check
- Compare the left and right shoe side by side
- Look for smooth patches under the heel or forefoot
- Check whether one edge is lower than the other
Once grip and balance are compromised, worn out school shoes tend to slide rather than support.
2. The heel counter has softened or collapsed
The heel counter is the structured panel at the back of the shoe. It helps hold the heel in place and keeps the foot aligned while walking.
As school shoes age, this area often breaks down before anything else. When that happens, stability drops fast.
Simple test
- Hold the shoe with one hand
- Press the back of the heel with your thumb
If it folds easily or stays dented, the structure is gone. A firm heel counter should spring back into shape.
Collapsed heels are one of the most common kids shoe replacement signs seen during fittings. They’re also easy to miss unless you know to check.
Note that the most common cause of heel counter breakage is levering the shoes on and off without untying laces. If the counter cracks the uneven edges can be very uncomfortable and unfortunately there is no way of fixing it
3. Your child says their feet feel tired or sore after school
Kids don’t always complain straight away. When they do, it’s worth listening.
Comments like:
- “My feet are tired”
- “My shoes feel hard”
- “My legs feel sore after school”
can point to worn out school shoes no longer absorbing impact properly.
As cushioning compresses, the foot does more work. That extra load adds up across a full school day, especially on concrete surfaces.
This doesn’t mean pain equals a medical issue. Often, it simply means the shoes have done their job and reached the end of their usable life.
If soreness disappears quickly after changing shoes, that’s a strong confirmation the old pair needed replacing.
4. The shoes no longer hold their shape
School shoes should keep their form even when not being worn. When the upper collapses, twists, or sags, support usually isn’t far behind.
Signs to look for include:
- Toe boxes that crease deeply or buckle inward
- Shoes that lean or tip when placed on a flat surface
- Uppers that look stretched or misshapen
Loss of shape often goes hand in hand with interior wear you can’t see. Padding compresses. Seams loosen. And then the foot starts sliding inside the shoe instead of being held securely.
This is a common point where parents delay replacing shoes because they “still fit”. Fit alone isn’t enough. Structure matters just as much.
5. Your child has outgrown the fit
Children’s feet don’t grow in neat size jumps. They get longer, wider, and deeper at different times.
A shoe can technically still be the “right size” but no longer suit the foot inside it.
Watch for:
- Toes pressing against the front or on the sides
- Red marks across the top of the foot
- Shoes that feel tight getting on or off
- Socks wearing thin at the toes
A general guide is to allow about 10–12 mm of growing room at the front of the shoe. Anything less can limit natural movement and cause rubbing, particularly as the kids don’t always tighten their laces to hold them in place.
If you’re unsure, a professional fitting can save guesswork and prevent replacing shoes too late.
What to do once you notice the signs
Once one or more of these signs show up, replacing school shoes sooner rather than later is the safest option. Stretching out worn pairs rarely ends well.
When shopping for the next pair, focus on fit and structure, not just brand or price.
Look for:
- A firm heel counter that resists thumb pressure
- A sole that bends at the toes, not through the middle
- Enough internal depth for toes to move freely
- A secure fastening that holds the foot in place
If you’re nearby, you can book a professional fitting in Hornsby and bring the old shoes along for comparison. Seeing the difference side by side often makes the signs obvious.
When replacing school shoes feels “too soon”
It’s common to feel unsure about replacing shoes that still look presentable on the outside. But worn out school shoes often fail internally first.
Replacing at the right time helps:
- Maintain comfort across long school days
- Support growing feet as they change shape
- Reduce unnecessary strain from poor support
Think of school shoes as equipment. Once they stop doing their job, they stop helping.
If worn out school shoes are leaving your child with tired or uncomfortable feet, it’s likely time for a change. Browse Forbes Footwear’s school-ready styles online or visit our Hornsby store for a professional fitting that takes growth, fit, and daily wear into account.
Frequently asked questions about school shoes
How often should you replace school shoes?
Most school shoes last between six and twelve months, depending on wear, activity level, and growth. But visual checks are more important than calendar dates.
Can worn out school shoes affect posture?
Yes. Uneven soles and collapsed heel counters can change walking patterns, which may affect posture over time.
Is it normal for one shoe to wear out faster?
Yes. Many children wear one side more than the other. Uneven wear is still a sign it’s time to replace school shoes.
Should school shoes feel snug or roomy?
They should feel secure but still allow of space at the front and sides for growth and movement. Leather school shoes will soften and stretch over time, providing even more room for a growing foot.