Children's feet grow faster than many parents realise. In fact, it's common for children to outgrow their school shoes long before the end of the school year. Wearing shoes that are too small can cause discomfort, blisters, poor posture and even foot problems later on.

If you're wondering whether your child's school shoes still fit properly, here are five signs it's time for a new pair.

1. Your Child Complains About Sore Feet

One of the first signs that school shoes no longer fit is when your child starts saying:

• "My feet hurt."

• "My toes feel squashed."

• "I don't like wearing my shoes anymore."

Children don't always realise that their shoes have become too small because the change happens gradually.

Parent Tip

Ask your child how their feet feel after a long school day. Any soreness, rubbing or discomfort could indicate it's time for a replacement.

2. Their Toes Are Touching the Front of the Shoe

A properly fitting school shoe should have approximately a thumb's width of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe.

Signs that shoes are too short include:

✔ Toes pressing against the front
✔ Curled toes inside the shoe
✔ Toenails becoming sore
✔ Difficulty walking comfortably

Children often experience growth spurts during the school year, so it's a good idea to check shoe fit every few months.

3. Red Marks, Blisters or Rubbing

Tight shoes can cause:

• Red marks

• Blisters

• Skin irritation

• Sore heels

• Pressure points on the toes

Take a quick look at your child's feet after school. If you notice marks that don't disappear after a few minutes, their shoes may no longer fit properly.

Parent Tip

Good quality school socks and properly fitted shoes can help prevent rubbing and blisters.

4. The Shoes Are Hard to Put On

If your child suddenly struggles to:

• Put on their shoes

• Fasten straps

• Tie laces

• Zip up school boots

their feet may have outgrown their shoes.

School shoes should fit snugly but should never require force to put on.

If you notice your child avoiding wearing their school shoes, it may be because they're uncomfortable.

5. The Shoes Look Worn Out or Misshapen

Even if the shoes still fit lengthwise, they may no longer provide enough support.

Look for:

✔ Worn-out soles
✔ Creases around the toe area
✔ Bulging sides
✔ Flattened cushioning
✔ Uneven wear patterns

Children spend many hours each day in their school shoes, so proper support is essential for healthy foot development.

How Often Should You Check Your Child's Shoe Size?

As a general guide:

Ages 4–7

Check every 4 months.

Ages 8–12

Check every 6 months.

Teenagers

Check every 6–12 months.

We also recommend measuring your child's feet before the start of every new school year.

Getting ready for the new school year? Read our The Ultimate Back-to-School Shoe Checklist for Australian Parents (2026) for everything you need before the first day back at school.

Unsure about sizing?  Follow our How to Measure Your Child's Feet at Home for School Shoes before buying new school shoes.

School Shoe Essentials Every Parent Should Have

Keeping a few helpful items at home can make school shoe shopping easier:

✔ Foot measuring ruler
✔ Comfortable school socks
✔ Shoe cleaning kit
✔ Extra insoles
✔ Spare shoe laces
✔ School backpack with shoe compartment

These simple products can help extend the life of your child's footwear and make school mornings easier.

Tips for Choosing New School Shoes

When buying new school shoes, look for:

• Proper toe room

• Cushioned support

• Durable soles

• Quality materials

• Secure fastening

• Comfortable fit from the first wear

At WalkORama, our collection of girls school shoes and boys school shoes is designed with comfort, durability and everyday school life in mind.

Final Thoughts

Children often outgrow their school shoes without parents noticing. By checking for these five signs regularly, you can help ensure your child stays comfortable, supported and ready for every school day.

If your child's shoes are causing discomfort, showing excessive wear or becoming difficult to put on, it may be time for a new pair.

Explore our collection of comfortable and durable school shoes designed for Australian families. 

Before the new school year begins, don't forget to read our The Ultimate Back-to-School Shoe Checklist for Australian Parents (2026) to make sure your child is fully prepared.