Back-to-school season can feel exciting; fresh starts, new friends, and a new outfit to feel confident in.
Finding school shoes for pre teen or teen girls is difficult enough; but what about the 9- or 11-year-old who’s already in size 7+? She’s not quite a teen, but kids’ shoes don’t fit, and adult styles feel too grown-up.
At Lofty Little Boutique, we’re designing shoes that bridge that gap: stylish, supportive, and still playful. But if your daughter wears a UK size 6 or above, finding the right school shoes can be a real challenge.
That’s why we’ve created this go-to guide for choosing school shoes for girls with larger feet.
Why school shoes matter
School shoes aren’t just a uniform requirement. They’re worn for 6+ hours a day, 5 days a week, often for the entire academic year. That’s a lot of wear, and a lot of potential discomfort if the fit isn’t right.
For girls that need large size shoes, the wrong pair can cause:
- Blisters or pressure points
- Discomfort during physical activity
- Embarrassment or self-consciousness
That’s why getting the right fit matters; for comfort, health, and confidence.
Key features to look for in back-to-school shoes
Whether you're shopping online or in-store, here’s what to prioritise:
1. Supportive Structure
- Look for shoes with cushioned insoles, arch support, and ankle stability
- A padded collar and firm heel hold the foot in place without rubbing
2. Proper Fit (Not Just Length)
- Ensure there’s about 1cm of space between the toe and shoe end
- Check the ball girth and flat width (not just length!) to avoid squeezing and make sure the shoe don't slip.
3. Breathability
- Choose shoes made with breathable materials such as leather
- Avoid stiff materials that trap heat and moisture
4. Durable, Non-Slip Soles
- Schools often have slippery floors. Grip is essential for safety
- A good sole also helps the shoes last all year
5. Easy Fastening
- Consider adjustable straps or laces for flexibility and independence
What to avoid
- Shoes that feel ‘floppy’ or too wide at the heel
- Designs that slide around the foot
- Thin soles that wear out within a term
- Overly adult styles, these rarely appeal to younger girls but also those might not be flexible enough.
Bonus: What your child wants (and why it matters)
Girls aged 9–16 are forming their sense of style and self. If there isn't any shoes available in their size , they feel left out and confidence takes a hit.
Let her have a say:
- Does she prefer a classic derbie or a flat?
- What makes her feel confident?
- Would she like to personalise her look with socks, insoles, or laces?
Involving her in the choice builds confidence and increases the chances she’ll actually want to wear them.
The Lofty Little Difference
We’re building a range of stylish, school-friendly shoes specifically for girls with UK size 6+ feet. Our designs:
- Focus on foot shape, not just size
- Include wider fit options
- Use age-appropriate styles
Until we launch, we recommend using our Shoe Shopping checklist here and our Measuring Guide to understand your fit at home. We’re using your feedback to design better shoes, together.
And Coming Soon Measuring Tips. Stay tuned!
[Download the Measure your Feet guide here]
Final Thoughts
Back-to-school shouldn’t feel like a battle in the shoe aisle. With the right fit, supportive structure, and a touch of personal style, your daughter can walk into the school year feeling confident and comfortable, from the feet up.
Join our community here for updates and early access. (Go to the bottom of the page or wait for the pop up)
With love,
Vanessa
Founder, Lofty Little Boutique