Active boys and girls need tough and durable school shoes to last them the whole year round. They need to be made from hard wearing but flexible materials, so that they remain comfortable but don’t start to break down under heavy use. We’re going to have a look at the best shoe materials and styles for active kids.
What shoe materials are the most hard wearing?
Leather school shoes are the most hard wearing. Leather is a material which is naturally tough, and resistant to damage. They’re also highly adaptable, meaning they mould to the wearer’s foot over time, increasing comfort and helping them to last longer due to this flexibility. Leather shoes can be suitable for a variety of school shoe styles too, with our selection ranging from very formal school shoes to more casual ones.
Rubber is also a tough and durable material, which has great grip too. This makes them specifically suitable for active children, who are running around on the playground regularly. Rubber soles are good shock absorbers, and don’t collapse under pressure, so they can also be used to work with a number of different styles of shoes.
Rubber is also water resistant, preventing shoes from becoming waterlogged and damaged as a result.
School shoe styles that are the hardiest
Possibly the sturdiest style of school shoes are school boots. Being boots means they’re made from durable leather, and contain firm soles for support and comfort. School boots are designed to withstand daily wear and tear, even for the most active children.
They’re also designed to be suitable for all weather conditions, and provide high levels of support for growing feet. Many of our school boot options also contain toe and heel bumpers, perfect for physically demanding situations.
School trainers are another hardy option because they are designed as a cross between traditional school shoes and more modern trainers. This means black school trainers are flexible and durable enough to withstand the daily lives of active boys and girls. Check out our range of older girls school shoes.
Most of our school trainer collection is made from leather or patent leather, which combines flexibility and breathability with strength.
Finally, we’d recommend Skechers School Shoes, as they’re well known for being a durable and reliable brand, particularly when it comes to school shoes. They’re hard wearing and practical as a result of their high quality materials and production process.
There’s a reason Skechers shoes have been a favourite for such a long time, and that’s because they’re strong, fashionable, and suitable for a variety of situations. You can rest assured that shoes from our Skechers collection are hardy and durable.
Top school shoes for active kids

The first school shoe we’d recommend for active kids are the Hush Puppies Boys Jezza Jnr Boot Black Leather Adjustable Fastening Boots. Suitable for older boys, these velcro fastening boots feature a toughened toe area, making them extra durable.
Also, a black rubber sole unit gives them a strong grip in all conditions, and helps them to absorb enough shock during running and physical activity.

For girls, a similar sturdy school boot are the Lelli Kelly Ruby Black Patent Water Resistant Ankle Boots. These shoes feature a black leather upper with a faux fur lining, and chunky leather soles which are just perfect for girls who like to get active!
They’re also super cute, with classic Lelli Kelly hearts in black, making them suitable under most school uniform policies. The uppers are water resistant, meaning they can repel light moisture too.

Kickers Junior Boys Stomper Mid Black Leather Double Strap Shoes are made for the playground. Whilst smart enough for classroom setting, they’re built with durability and flexibility in mind, perfect for active kids.
To add to their hardiness, the double hook and loop fastenings are finished with reinforced strap edges, which makes them easy to put on and take off quickly without fraying. Don’t forget, lightweight rubber soles once again increase shock absorption and will last a long time.