Few things strike dread into the hearts of Adelaide parents quite like the phrase “back-to-school shoe shopping”. The queues, the chaos, the inevitable meltdown (yours or theirs) when the size you need is out of stock. But with a bit of planning and the right store, school shoe shopping doesn’t have to be a survival event.
Here’s where to find quality school shoes in Adelaide, plus our tips on timing your visit for the smoothest possible experience.
Specialist shoe stores
For proper fitting and expert advice, specialist children’s shoe stores are worth the trip. Staff at these stores are trained to measure feet accurately and recommend shoes that support growing bodies through long school days.
Ollie Ashenden Children’s Shoes
An Adelaide institution, Ollie Ashenden has been fitting little feet for around 50 years and is the city’s only independent children’s shoe shop. The staff are all trained shoe fitters with over 150 years of combined experience, they know their way around orthotics, flat feet and tricky widths, and kids love the little kid-sized front door. If you want school shoes fitted properly by people who do nothing else, this is the place.
The Athlete’s Foot
With multiple locations across Adelaide including Rundle Mall, Tea Tree Plaza and Marion, The Athlete’s Foot offers professional fitting services using their Fitzi technology for kids. They stock major school shoe brands and staff can advise on arch support, width and durability.
Williams Shoes
A South Australian institution, Williams has been fitting Adelaide feet for generations. With stores at Westfield Marion, Tea Tree Plaza and West Lakes, the staff know their stuff when it comes to finding the right fit for different foot types.
Mathers
Another reliable option with a store at Westfield Tea Tree Plaza. Mathers stocks well-known school shoe brands and offers fitting services to help you get the size right first time.
Department stores
Myer
The children’s shoe section at Myer in Rundle Mall carries a range of school shoes from brands like Clarks and Hush Puppies. It’s a handy option if you’re tackling multiple back-to-school errands in one trip.
Target and Kmart
If you’re after budget-friendly options, both Target and Kmart stock affordable school shoes. These are a practical choice for younger kids who grow out of shoes quickly, though you’ll be doing the measuring yourself.
School uniform shops
Many Adelaide schools have dedicated uniform suppliers who also stock approved school shoes. Check with your school’s uniform shop, as they’ll know exactly which styles meet the dress code requirements. Some uniform shops offer fitting services during their busy back-to-school periods.
When to shop
Timing can make or break your school shoe shopping experience. Here’s how to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Avoid the last two weeks of January
This is peak chaos. Every parent in Adelaide has the same idea, and popular sizes sell out fast. If you can possibly avoid this window, do it.
Shop in early January or late November/December
Many stores start stocking new season school shoes from late November. Shopping before Christmas or in the first week of January gives you the best selection and shortest queues.
Weekday mornings are your friend
Whenever you go, aim for a weekday morning. Shopping centres are quieter, staff have more time to help with fittings, and your kids are less likely to hit the overtired meltdown zone.
Book a fitting if you can
Some specialist stores offer appointment-based fittings during the busy back-to-school period. It’s worth calling ahead to ask, especially if you have a child with specific fitting needs.
Tips for a smoother shop
- Bring the right socks. Have your child wear the socks they’ll actually wear to school so the fit is accurate.
- Shop in the afternoon. Feet swell throughout the day, so an afternoon fitting ensures shoes won’t be too tight during school hours.
- Check your school’s requirements. Some schools are specific about colour, style or brand. Know the rules before you buy.
- Don’t buy too big. It’s tempting to size up for growing room, but shoes that are too big can cause blisters and affect how your child walks.
- Keep the receipt. Even with the best fitting, sometimes a shoe just doesn’t work out after a few days of wear. Most stores have reasonable return policies for unworn or lightly worn shoes.
With a bit of planning and the right timing, school shoe shopping in Adelaide can be a quick, painless mission rather than an endurance event. Your future self (and your kids’ feet) will thank you.
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