Indoor shoes for nursery and school – how to choose the right pair

Five of the most common mistakes

When buying indoor shoes, most parents focus on the practical side. They want them to last, they want the child to manage them alone, and they want them to meet the school's or nursery's rules. Daily wear, though, exposes every mistake.

1. Too much room, so they "last longer"

Oversized indoor shoes swim on the foot, the child trips in them or unconsciously grips them with their toes. It's better to measure the foot and choose the size that fits now. Remember that indoor shoes are worn every day, not just occasionally.

2. Buying by age alone

Two children the same age won't necessarily have the same foot length. Instead of assuming "she's five, so we'll get a 28", it's safer to measure the foot and check the size chart for that specific model.

3. Soft house slippers in the classroom

Soft slippers are pleasant for short spells at home, but in the classroom, the corridor or the after-school club a child needs a model that stays on the foot properly during ordinary movement. Look for indoor shoes that handle sitting, walking, standing, quick trips across the room and the occasional run or jump.

4. A dark sole that leaves marks in the gym

For school-age children it's worth thinking about PE too. With gym shoes, check whether the sole leaves scuff marks on the floor. On that count, sports shoes with a pale sole are the better option.

5. One pair for the whole year, with no size checks

A child's foot can change noticeably over a school year. Indoor shoes shouldn't be treated as a one-off purchase before term starts. Check the size as you go, and for all-day wear consider a second pair to rotate.

Which models work as indoor shoes

If you're looking for styles made specifically for daily indoor wear, have a look at the barefoot indoor shoes for kids category. The best ones aren't the most universal – they're the ones that fit your particular child, encourage independence and cope with a full day.

Good to know: it's worth considering your child's temperament as well. Some want the simplest possible way in; others need a design they actually like. For nursery-age children, independence usually decides it; for school-age children, it's the mix of comfort, looks and being able to wear the shoes for activities after lessons too.

On the foot in seconds

When children need to get their shoes on quickly and without laces, Luppo is a practical choice. Parents of children who want to manage everything themselves appreciate the slip-on construction most. This sporty style suits the youngest children and school pupils alike, as it comes in three size categories. Thanks to the breathable knitted upper it handles a full day, from the first bell to the after-school club.

Smart slip-ons – for the classroom and the school play

If you'd like something less sporty, choose the neutral Aura. It works just as well for a nursery performance or a special occasion. It's an excellent choice for the youngest children, who are only starting to learn independence. If a child won't or can't manage velcro straps or laces, a simple slip-on makes the morning changeover and moving around during the day much easier.

Trainers for children who want to be on trend

If your children like the classic trainer look, Canvi will win them over. A breathable canvas upper, cheerful colours and appealing prints make it an ideal choice for school-age children, who care more about what they like. Two velcro straps make getting them on easy. Nursery children manage without help, and school pupils appreciate the reduced effort at changeover.

Indoor shoes for little style lovers

If your girls want neither classic trainers nor the slipper look, they may well take to the Tinkee barefoot ballet flats for children. The cut is more delicate and pairs nicely with a dress, a skirt, leggings or a smarter school outfit.

Comfortable, breathable sandals

If your child prefers an airier feel indoors, parents often choose sandals as indoor shoes, the Zest model for instance. They're a common choice at nursery, because they're easy to wear with socks and the child doesn't feel closed in all day.

Choosing indoor shoes by age

Indoor shoes for nursery (under-3s)

For the youngest children, easy on-and-off and low weight matter most. A child often manages without a parent nearby, so a model they can ideally put on unaided helps. At this age, the important thing is that the shoes aren't unnecessarily complicated.

Indoor shoes for preschool

At preschool a child spends much of the day in indoor shoes. Sitting, playing, going to the toilet, moving around the room, heading to lunch. So look for a model that handles a full day and doesn't get in the way during ordinary movement. If you're also sorting out outdoor shoes, the barefoot shoes for nursery category will help.

Indoor shoes for school

Primary school adds the gym hall, the after-school club, longer periods of sitting and more attention to appearance. Children often know exactly what they like by then. So combine the practical side with a design they'll be happy to wear. You'll find inspiration among barefoot school shoes as well.

Did you know that changing shoes at school and at home is mainly a Central and Northern European habit? The emphasis on swapping shoes to keep interiors clean is strongest in countries with plenty of rain, snow or mud through the year. Japan is a well-known example: children change into separate indoor shoes called uwabaki when they enter school and leave their outdoor shoes at the door.

When to buy indoor shoes and when to replace them

The best time to buy is the second half of August. The size range is still wide, and parents have time at home to check whether the model really fits. Last-minute shopping often ends in a compromise on size, colour or fastening.

The second key moment comes around January. Children grow through the year, so shoes that fitted well in September can be tight after Christmas. Don't wait for your child to complain – it's sensible to re-measure the foot as a precaution. If you need it, our guide on how to choose the right size in children's shoes will help.

If your child spends a lot of time in indoor shoes, a second pair after Christmas can be a practical solution. Sometimes it isn't only about size, but about the fact that the first pair already has several months of daily wear behind it. You'll find seasonal picks and school styles in the back to school collection.

What to pack alongside the indoor shoes

A few small extras make the day easier. Comfortable socks are the basis – ideally ones that stay put on the foot and help keep it feeling good all day. You'll find the range in the children's socks category.

A shoe bag is practical too. It's especially useful for school pupils carrying their shoes in every day, and it also keeps the pair tidy in the desk. Write your child's name inside the shoe or on the label. Younger children may also be helped by a simple left-and-right marking – a sticker, a symbol or a picture split into two halves. That way they work out which shoe goes on which foot much faster.

When the nursery asks for something different

Every nursery and school can have its own rules. Some ask for a more closed toe, others prefer sandals and breathable styles. Some settings even specify the colour of the sole, and not only for the gym. Find out whether the school or nursery requires a particular type of shoe, and then look for the barefoot alternative.

At forest and nature nurseries, children's natural movement is a normal part of the day, so parents there come across the barefoot approach more often. Even so, the setting's own routine, the season and whether the shoes are for indoors or outdoors all still decide the choice.

Give your children comfort

The right indoor shoes for nursery or school don't have to be a compromise between comfort, practicality and design. Just choose the model to suit your child's age, independence, daily routine and foot length. Give your child comfort for the whole school year and pick indoor shoes they'll be happy to wear every day.