Four savvy tips and deals to save cash on your kids’ new school shoes

THE cost of new school shoes can kick a huge hole in the family budget.

But if you tread carefully, you can spend less.

So check out these deals on fantastic kids’ footwear.

GET IN STEP: Pick up shoes for the new term at Deichmann.com and get a second pair half-price. They cost from £14.99 and brands include Clarks, Kickers and Start-Rite.

Shop at 120 stores or online. Delivery is from £2.99 but free on orders over £39.99.

Also, look for back-to-school deals at the online outlets of major brands.

At clarksoutlet.co.uk, the Apollo Step boys’ shoes are down from £42 to £30, which qualifies for free delivery.

TOUGHEN UP: For shoes that last longer, choose those with leather uppers, sturdy soles and toe buffers.

Designs for girls tend to be flimsier, so think instead about opting for unisex designs or shoes in the boys’ section.

GET THE MEASURE: The Royal College of Podiatry suggests kids should have their feet measured by a trained shoe specialist. But there are ways of doing this at home too.

Find full instructions at clarks.co.uk, which explain how to measure with a piece of paper and ruler.

Startriteshoes.com has a “Click ‘n’ Fit” service which uses photos of your child’s feet to find the right size. You can also order a plastic measuring gauge for £8 to use year after year.

CHECK THE FIT: You need to be sure the shoe fits before you send your little one off to the classroom.

Put it on your child’s foot, making sure their heel is right at the back.
Press gently where their longest toe is, to ensure there’s a centimetre of growing room and that the shoe isn’t rubbing on any toes.

Then feel around the ankle to make sure it fits snugly without rubbing, and around the heel to be sure it doesn’t slip off.

• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Deal of the day

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Cheap treat

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