Back to school shoes: Built to survive any playground.

Mums, don’t let your child suffer in cheap shoes – these back to school shoes will last all year and keep them smiling

When the school bell rings and children head back to class, few purchases matter more than the shoes on their feet. For mums shopping for boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 15, the decision goes far beyond price tags and pretty colours. It’s about choosing a shoe that can survive every hop, skip and puddle splash of a child’s active life, without falling apart halfway through the term.

Many parents fall into the trap of buying budget shoes, thinking they’ve saved money. But the reality is that cheap often costs more in the long run. A US$30 shoe replaced three times across the school year ends up costing US$90. A premium €100 (about US$110) pair that endures the entire year? That’s real value for money.

Minecraft Toddler Mini Backpack School Bag

Minecraft Toddler Mini Backpack School Bag Includes one main zipper compartment with adjustable straps and small carry handle….

What makes a back-to-school shoe worth buying?

When selecting school shoes, the top features to look for include:

Durability

Children aged 4 to 15 are constantly on the move. Between running on pavement, climbing jungle gyms, and racing to beat the bell, their footwear needs to handle serious wear and tear. Quality stitching, solid construction, and abrasion-resistant outsoles are must-haves.

Comfort

A poorly fitting or stiff shoe will lead to aches, distractions in class, and even long-term foot problems. Look for supportive insoles, breathable uppers, and responsive midsoles that cushion every step. Happy feet make for happier, more focussed students.

Weather protection

In unpredictable climates, shoes need to be able to withstand rainy days and soggy mornings. Waterproof materials, sealed seams, and quick-drying fabrics prevent feet from staying wet all day — avoiding colds, blisters and discomfort.

Dress code compatibility

Many schools have strict uniform rules that require either all-white or all-black shoes. Selecting a shoe that fits this standard ensures your child won’t be turned away or penalised for breaking school policy.

Long-term value

Forget the cheapest option. Think of cost per wear. Investing in a €120 shoe that lasts the entire school year and maybe longer beats buying replacements every few months. That’s value that matters.

The perfect back-to-school shoes by age: From playground to teen years

Below is a curated selection of top-tier back-to-school shoes available from On Running’s kids’ range, designed specifically to meet the needs of children aged 4 to 15. Each pair offers cutting-edge technology, premium materials, and age-appropriate support.

Ages 4 to 8: Early learners and playground explorers

Cloudleap Kids

For all-day comfort with featherlight support, the Cloudleap is ideal for younger children still growing into their bodies. With CloudTec Phase® cushioning and superior breathability, it keeps their feet dry and cool, even after PE and recess. Great for active days, it’s a go-to for both classroom and playground.

THE ROGER Kids

Inspired by tennis legend Roger Federer, this multi-purpose shoe blends athletic performance with classroom-ready style. Its smart low-cut design fits in with uniform codes, while offering strong support for playtime and sport. Suitable for kids who do it all.

Cloudswift Kids

Made for little feet that love to run, this model features adapted CloudTec® cushioning and a snug, run-inspired build. It’s a solid choice for energetic children who go from maths class to monkey bars without slowing down.

Cloudhero Waterproof Kids

When the skies open up, these waterproof outdoor shoes shine. Designed for adventure-loving children aged 4 to 8, they’re tough, breathable, and ready for any weather. A must-have if your child walks to school or plays in the rain.

Cloudhero Mid Waterproof Kids

Built for trails, hills, and muddy shortcuts, these hiking-ready shoes feature Missiongrip™ for unbeatable traction. Their mid-height design adds ankle support perfect for children with a taste for climbing, roughhousing, or walking through rough terrain to school.

Cloud Play

Another excellent option for younger students, the Cloud Play offers all-day wear comfort with On’s signature cushioning system. It’s lightweight and stylish enough to pass uniform rules, while being tough enough to handle anything your child throws at it.

Improve Spelling and Reading Skills (10 books)

AI Stories (Improve Spelling and Reading Skills)
EA Stories (Improve Spelling and Reading Skills)
EE Stories (Improve Spelling and Reading Skills)
EI Stories (Improve Spelling and Reading Skills)
EY Stories (Improve Spelling and Reading Skills)
IE Stories (Improve Spelling and Reading Skills)
OA Stories (Improve Spelling and Reading Skills)
OO Stories (Improve Spelling and Reading Skills)
OW Stories (Improve Spelling and Reading Skills)
OU Stories (Improve Spelling and Reading Skills)

These fun books of words with rimes that contain digraphs, trigraphs and 4-letter graphemes in many stories are useful for story time, spelling improvement classes, poetry sessions, improving phonological and phonemic awareness, and reading intervention programmes.
These spelling books come in both e-book and paperback formats for your pleasure. They make up a series of fun books that are having a spelling party on the inside.
The 2022 editions are AI Stories, EA Stories, EE Stories, EI Stories, EY Stories, IE Stories, OA Stories, OO Stories, OU Stories and OW Stories. They are all having their own fun with words.

Buy Now

Ages 8 to 12: Pre-teens on the move

Cloudnova Youth

Blending lifestyle looks with technical performance, the Cloudnova Youth is a strong contender for older children who want to look cool without compromising on comfort. It’s versatile enough for the classroom, field, and even casual outings. Durable rubber grip and advanced cushioning round it out as a smart long-term investment.

Cloudleap Youth

Like its kids’ counterpart, this youth version is built for breathability and comfort. It’s a solid everyday trainer for growing feet. The CloudTec Phase® sole delivers smooth transitions, ideal for sports, walks, or PE days.

THE ROGER Clubhouse Pro Youth

Designed for multi-sport use and school activities, this option is perfect for children involved in after-school tennis, athletics, or fitness. It supports lateral movement, making it ideal for changing direction quickly. A stylish yet functional pick.

Cloudswift Youth

A powerful all-rounder with run-inspired tech, this model is built to handle quick sprints, long days, and everything in between. For students always on the move, it cushions each step while providing excellent stability and ventilation.

Cloudhero Waterproof Youth

The waterproof build makes it suitable for wet and muddy school runs. Whether your child catches the bus, walks through puddles, or plays football in the rain, these shoes will hold up without trapping moisture.

Ages 12 to 15: Teenagers and young adults

Cloudhero Mid Waterproof Youth

For teenagers who need something tougher, the mid-cut waterproof version adds serious outdoor strength. With Missiongrip™ technology, it gives added stability for walking, hiking, or commuting in uncertain weather. It doubles well as a hiking shoe for weekend family adventures.

Cloud Sky Youth

Tailored for teens, this sleek and supportive shoe offers lasting comfort and a stylish look. Designed with older students in mind, it features adapted CloudTec® for a more mature gait and longer strides. Perfect for full school days, casual outings and sports.

Limited Edition Bonus: Cloudleap Kids – Limited Edition

If your child wants something that stands out without compromising on support or quality, the limited edition Cloudleap brings flair with the same performance specs. It’s a fun way to add a personal touch without stepping outside of school policies.

On Men’s Cloudrock 2 Waterproof Hiking Boots

~~Was US$219.99~~ Now US$118.97

Nylon vamp mesh upper is breathable and waterproof

Missiongrip™ rubber outsole for enhanced traction in dry and wet conditions

Made in part with recycled materials

Why premium shoes matter more than ever

As the climate becomes more unpredictable and children’s schedules grow more demanding, cutting corners on footwear is no longer an option. From early learners to teens, children need shoes that grow with them not ones that fail them halfway through the year.

A good back-to-school shoe must do more than match a uniform. It should support the body, protect from injury, withstand daily rigours, and be comfortable from the first bell to the last. Investing in well-made shoes from reputable brands like On can give your child the confidence and comfort to succeed, whatever the school year throws their way.

And for mums looking to make the best decision this back-to-school season, it’s not about buying more shoes it’s about buying the right one. Durable, waterproof, supportive and made for growth, these shoes are a smart choice in every sense.

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