School may be out for summer, but the annual back-to-school shop is just around the corner. For many parents, however, preparing for the new term brings more than just ticking off a checklist, it also comes with concerns about the significant cost involved.
From new stationery to essential footwear, the expenses can quickly add up. In fact, it has been reported that the average back-to-school shop can cost between £1,000 and £2,300 a year per child.
In an effort to help, the new Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act comes into effect this year on 1st September 2026. The legislation will limit the number of compulsory branded uniform items schools can require, helping to reduce costs for families. While the changes are expected to ease some financial pressure, parents will still need to budget for essential items such as school shoes, stationery and PE kit.
In fact, Kickers have found that families are already preparing for the new school year. Searches for ‘back to school shop’ have surged by 50% over the past three months and ‘back to school uniform’ has risen by 60% in the same period, highlighting that parents are already starting to plan their purchases ahead of September.
To help parents navigate this expensive period, Mikki Phillips, e-commerce manager at Kickers, has shared where to begin when back-to-school shopping:
“Leaving back-to-school shopping to the last minute can often lead to panic buying and overspending. That’s why it’s important to shop smart, both where and what you buy. By starting to think about what you need to buy earlier in the summer, you can keep an eye out for back-to-school deals and plan your purchases.
“Remember, it’s not about finding the cheapest options that will fall apart after a week of playground activities, particularly when it comes to shoes. There are plenty of ways to shop for high-quality shoes that support foot health, while keeping the cost down. For example, make sure to take full advantage of school shoe recycling schemes, like Kickers Reskinned service, which allows you to get money off when you swap in old pairs.”
Mikki and the Kickers team have shared some top money-saving tips to consider when shopping for quality children’s school shoes:
1. Researching schemes and discounts
While the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act is expected to reduce spending on branded uniform items from September, families can further cut costs by taking advantage of discounts, recycling schemes and seasonal sales when purchasing other school essentials. A great tip is to sign up for newsletters from your favourite brands to receive exclusive discounts directly to your inbox.
Before you start shopping, sit down and write a list of everything you need. Do some desktop research on both the average cost of those items and your finances to set an ideal but realistic budget for them.
School shoe recycling schemes are becoming more prevalent, and they are a great way to find additional discounts on new shoes when you swap in old pairs. For example, the Kickers Reskinned service gives you £15 to spend when you send a pair of old shoes back. These discounts and services will also allow you to find high-quality school shoes for your child.
2. Look for durable materials
A common mistake is opting for the cheapest price footwear available. While you may be saving initially, it can cost more in the long run as the shoes will be more likely to wear out after just a few months, forcing you to buy multiple pairs throughout the school year.
Instead, invest in shoes made from durable, high-quality materials, like leather, as these are much more likely to see your child through the entire school year, saving you money on multiple replacements. Watch out for materials that mimic leather, as these are more susceptible to damage and will wear quickly.
3. Prioritise comfort and fit
Though your children might be drawn to the latest style trends, the most important factors for school shoes are comfort and a proper fit. Ill-fitting shoes can cause pain and even lead to foot problems later in life.
A well-fitting, supportive shoe will not only be more comfortable for daily wear but is also likely to be more durable, as they are designed to withstand adventures in the playground.
4. Get the timings right
While it can be tempting to get organised early, buying school shoes at the start of the summer holidays can be a costly mistake. Children’s feet can grow unexpectedly quickly, and a pair that fits perfectly in July might be too small by September.
To avoid wasting money on shoes that are never worn, it’s best to buy them closer to the start of the new term. This ensures you get an accurate fit that will last them as long as possible.
To find out more about Kickers Reskinned service or to shop for durable school shoes, visit the Kickers website.
