When it comes to your kid’s school shoes, it’s safe to say that looking after them is no easy task. There are so many opportunities throughout your child’s day for their shoes to get scuffed, torn, and dirty. With this in mind, we’re going to try and help you keep your kid’s shoes in the best condition with a few useful tips.
The lifecycle of your kid’s shoes depends on how active your child is, how often their footwear is maintained, and the type of shoes they’re wearing. It isn’t uncommon for shoes to only last a term or two, but believe it or not it is possible to make a normal pair of school shoes last the entire year. Although your child will ultimately determine how long a pair of shoes last, there are a few general rules of thumb that might point you in the right direction:
You don’t need to break the bank when buying your kids school shoes, but try to avoid the super cheap options. If you aim to spend between £10-£30 then the quality of the shoe is generally quite good. Try to avoid shoes priced under £5 if they are going to be worn every day as often these may not last a term, and over the course of the school year can cost you more.
Try and pick a shoe with durable material. Avoid canvas and softer materials if you can as these are more likely to tear or become damaged from exposure to dirt and water. Leather and synthetic leather are your best options as these will last longer and are more protected against the activities that your children may get up to. To make leather shoes last longer, regularly clean them thoroughly. Also, if you’re looking for school shoes that don’t scuff – Leather is your best option.
Knowing how to make shoe soles last longer starts with picking the right pair. Rubber is your best option here. Picking a shoe with a rubber sole will be more comfortable underfoot and will help the shoe last longer. Other lighter and thinner options may look nicer but won’t last anywhere near as long. You will also want to make sure they’re maintained and repaired e.g. any peeling edges glued back in place.
If you’ve ever wanted to know how to stop school shoes smelling, you’re not alone. Smelly shoes are often caused by smelly feet. Smelly feet are generally a result of sweat, and the bacteria within the sweat. Most school shoes are worn for 7 hours or longer every day, and if you spent that time active – that could be a lot of sweat; and who are more active than children.
Always wear socks: Make sure your kids are always wearing socks with their school shoes. Without socks, the feet rub the inside of the shoe far more and will sweat more. Also, the sock can absorb some of the sweat which will prevent the shoe absorbing as much and eventually smelling.
Use insoles: Using insoles in your kids’ shoes allows you to add another layer between your kids’ feet and the shoe itself. Replacing the insole every month or so will allow you to reduce the amount of sweat that reaches the inside of the shoe, which will help the shoe stay odour-free for longer.
Rotate shoes: The simplest method to prevent shoes from smelling is this…don’t wear them as much. If you buy your child two pairs of school shoes and rotate these regularly, this will help the shoes last longer before an odour forms. This may seem like an expensive option, but remember that each pair will last twice as long!
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If your child has ever returned from school wearing a pair of wet shoes that they need dry for the following day, then you’ve likely found yourself in a frantic rush to get this done in time. So, if you need to know how to dry shoes fast overnight, these tips are for you:
Newspaper: This is the gentlest method to dry leather shoes. Fill the inside of the shoe with balled up newspaper. Then wrap the rest of the newspaper around the outside of the shoe and use an elastic band to hold it in place. Place the shoe in a well-ventilated area of your house, checking regularly.
Fan heater: If you’re in a rush and need to know how to dry school shoes faster than the above option, this one’s for you. If you have a fan heater (or a fan), place your shoes in front of it with the top facing inwards. Make sure to take the laces and insoles out of the shoes to open up the inside of the shoe.
It’s very common for kid’s school shoes to experience a bit of wear and tear. Whether it’s a scuff, tear, hole, or peeling sole, it can be a pain. Knowing how to repair school shoes can save you time and money. So, instead of rushing out to buy a new pair, why not repair them yourself. Here are useful tips on how to fix broken and damaged school shoes:
Scuff Marks: If you want to know how to repair scuffed shoes, it’s very simple. If your kid’s shoes are leather/synthetic and black (as most are), all you need is a black permanent marker. Apply the marker to any scuff marks and you won’t even know they’re there.
Broken Sole: This is useful if your child’s shoe is beginning to peel off. Carefully peel the sole back and clean any debris from between the sole and the shoe. Then, grab your super glue and apply between the sole and the shoe and press together for a minute or two.
Holes: Knowing how to fix a hole in a shoe can save you a lot of money. Firstly, duct tape over the hole from the inside. Then, glue the hole shut from the outside, keeping the sides pressed together for at least a minute. Finally, remove the tape from inside the shoe, and you’re done!
If your kid’s school shoes are rubbing, it is often because they are slightly too tight. This can cause a lot of discomfort to their feet, so it is important to know how to stretch school shoes. To stretch out a shoe you can fill a resealable bag with water, place this in the shoe, and then put the shoe in your freezer overnight. Take the shoe out in the morning, let the ice melt, remove the bag, and voila – a stretched shoe. If you want to know how to soften school shoes; apply Vaseline or soap to the areas inside the shoe that rub. Following these options can stop shoes from causing blisters to your children’s feet.
With around 30 children in each class, that’s 60 shoes. So, it’s no wonder that every now and then your children might come home with an odd pair, or the wrong pair altogether! Knowing how to label school shoes can prevent this from happening. You can write your child’s name on the insole of the shoe with permanent marker or name their school shoes e.g. Jack’s shoes; just check regularly in case sweat or water have caused it to disappear. You can also create school shoe name labels or school shoe name tags, by gluing or sewing material with your child’s name on inside the shoe. Another option is to use a school shoe name sticker; however, you have to be careful as any moisture inside the shoe could easily cause the sticker to peel off.
By following our tips above you will be able to get the most value out of your children’s school shoes. Whether they’re prone to being damaged, tight, or lost – we have you covered.
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