Back to school: sturdy kids’ shoes and sneakers without breaking the bank
Back to school shoes: every year at the end of summer the same question comes back, with feet that have grown and trainers worn down to the sole. At Outlet Chaussures Bruxelles, at 40 Place du Jeu de Balle in the Marolles, you will find new children’s shoes and sneakers from Naturino, Primigi and Geox at fixed outlet prices all year round. This article covers what a child needs at each stage, how to measure their feet before you come, what to plan for PE and sport, and how to balance sturdiness with a tight budget.
What a child needs at each age
A school shoe is worn five days a week: in the playground, on the pavement, in the rain and sometimes in the mud. It has to hold the foot securely, stand up to scuffing and be easy to clean. What a child needs still changes from one stage of school to the next.
| Stage | Everyday shoe | Also worth planning |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery school | Sneakers or closed shoes with hook-and-loop straps that the child can put on alone | A spare pair to leave at school if the school asks for one |
| Primary school | A sturdy closed shoe, in leather or in a material that is easy to clean | Trainers for PE, lined ankle boots for winter |
| Secondary school | Sneakers or a lace-up, often already in an adult size | Sports trainers, dress shoes for a party or a work placement |
In practice, most children start the school year with two pairs: a sturdy pair for every day and a pair of trainers kept for sport. Ankle boots join them once autumn sets in. You can browse our full range on the Kids’ shoes page, and our article on the kids’ shoe outlet in Brussels describes what we stock for each age.
Measure before you come
Over the summer, a child’s foot can go up a size without anyone noticing. Before you buy, take five minutes to measure at home: it saves time in the shop and tells you straight away which boxes to look in.
- Place a sheet of paper on the floor, against a wall.
- Have your child stand up straight, heel against the wall, wearing the socks they will wear to school.
- Mark a line in front of the longest toe and measure the distance in centimetres.
- Measure both feet: they are rarely exactly the same length, and the longer one is the one that counts.
- Measure towards the end of the day, when the foot is slightly more swollen.
Then allow roughly a thumb’s width of growing room between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. Our children’s shoe size guide explains the method in detail, and our shoe size conversion chart helps you convert between EU, UK and US sizes. Bear in mind that sizes vary from brand to brand: measuring gives you a starting point, the fitting decides.
Trainers for PE and sport
PE lessons come with their own rules. Before you buy, check what the school expects: some schools want shoes that are only worn in the gym, others ask for soles that do not mark the floor.
For sport, look for light trainers that hold the foot well, with a sole that grips and flexes easily at the front. For younger children, hook-and-loop straps remain the most practical choice: the child can change alone in the changing room without waiting for someone to retie their laces. Geox also makes children’s sneakers with the breathable sole the brand is known for.
All the sneakers on our shelves, for children and adults alike, are gathered on our Sneakers and trainers page.
Durability versus price
A rock-bottom pair whose sole comes away before the autumn half-term is no saving. Nor is a full-price pair your child has outgrown by spring. What you are after is a well-made shoe at a price that accepts it will be too small within a few months.
That is exactly what an outlet makes possible. We buy in bulk in Italy, directly from large retail chains, and sell those new shoes, in their original box, in our Brussels store at discount prices. Our prices range from roughly €20 to €150 a pair depending on brand and model, and they are fixed all year with no temporary promotions, so there is no need to wait for a particular time of year to kit out your children. You can read how it all works on the How our outlet works page.
In the shop, a few checks help you spot a school shoe that will last the year:
- A firmly attached sole, with no glue oozing out and no gap between sole and upper.
- A reinforced toe, because that is where children scuff their shoes most.
- A firm heel counter at the back that does not collapse when you press on it.
- A suitable material: leather breathes and lasts, synthetic wipes clean with a sponge.
- A fastening suited to the child’s age: hook-and-loop straps for the little ones, laces once the child can tie them.
A shoe, however good, is not a treatment. If your child complains of sore feet or walks in an unusual way, consult a doctor or a podiatrist.
Come and try them on at your own pace
We only sell in our store, and that is a deliberate choice: a child’s shoe is chosen on the foot, not from a photo. Our shelves are packed with sizes and styles, so you can compare several pairs side by side in a few minutes.
We are open every day from 10 am to 3.30 pm, Sundays included. Earlier in the day is usually quieter for an unhurried fitting; we set out the best times in our article on our opening hours. Do not leave it until the day before term starts either: you will have more time to compare.
During the fitting, have your child put on both shoes with their school socks, check the room at the front and how well the heel stays in place, then let them walk a few steps along the aisle.
We are right on the square of the Place du Jeu de Balle flea market, a fifteen-minute walk from Brussels-Midi (South) station. STIB metro, tram and bus services stop nearby (Jeu de Balle and Chapelle stops), and all the practical details are on the Store and directions page.
Frequently asked questions: back to school shoes
When is the best time to buy back to school shoes?
Ideally shortly before the start of term, because a child’s foot can still grow over the summer. Always measure again just before buying, even if you know last year’s size.
How many pairs of shoes does a child need for school?
Two pairs are usually enough at the start of the year: a sturdy everyday pair and a pair of trainers for PE. Lined ankle boots can be added for winter.
How much growing room should children’s shoes have?
Allow roughly a thumb’s width between the longest toe and the front of the shoe, with the child standing up. Check the size regularly during the year, because feet can grow quickly.
How much do children’s shoes cost at your store?
Our prices range from roughly €20 to €150 a pair, depending on brand and model. They are fixed outlet prices, valid all year round.
Can I come without my child?
You can, but we recommend bringing your child, because only a fitting shows whether the shoe holds the foot properly. If that is not possible, bring an outline of their feet drawn on a sheet of paper and their foot length in centimetres.
