School shoes in 2026 are evolving faster than ever and parents are expecting more from the pairs their kids wear every day. As the leaders in children’s foot health and school shoe fitting, Shoes & Sox is seeing clear shifts in what families are choosing (and why). Comfort, durability, sustainable materials, and smart design are shaping the next generation of school shoes – and so is a growing focus on what happens after kids outgrow their shoes.

That’s why Shoes & Sox proudly supports TreadLightly, a national footwear recycling program giving pre-loved sports shoes a second life as playground flooring, gym mats and other useful materials. With Australian families expected to recycle over one million pairs, sustainability is becoming a major part of the school shoe conversation - from how shoes are made, to how they’re responsibly disposed of.

Here are the trends worth paying attention to for 2026:

Comfort Comes First - No Exceptions

Parents (and kids!) are no longer willing to compromise on comfort, and 2026 school shoe design reflects this shift. Brands are investing in softer leathers, cushioned footbeds, lighter materials, and improved ankle support, all designed to keep kids comfortable from the first bell to the last.

Harrison: Comfort Through Craftsmanship

Harrison continues to be one of the top choices for families looking for traditional quality with modern comfort. Their handcrafted leather uppers, durable construction, and structured fit make them ideal for active school days.

Parents praise Harrison for:

- Shoes that last significantly longer

- Leather that softens naturally with wear

- Reliable stability and support

- Craftsmanship that holds up through daily movement

In 2026, “comfortable and lasts” is the unanimous trend - and Harrison is proof that good craftsmanship never goes out of style.

Sustainability Is Becoming Non-Negotiable

With more families prioritising eco-conscious choices, sustainable school shoes are gaining traction. Brands are introducing responsibly sourced leathers, recycled components, durable stitching techniques, and designs that last longer.

Parents are moving toward quality over quantity, looking for shoes that stay comfortable and intact through the entire school year.

Shoes & Sox champions sustainable-forward brands and fit practices that reduce returns, waste, and poorly fitting styles. And through TreadLightly, we make it easy for families to recycle pre-loved kids shoes (sports shoes, leather school shoes or slides) - simply drop them at any standalone Shoes & Sox store, and they’ll be repurposed into playground and gym flooring across Australia. Together, we’re helping build a more circular future for kids’ footwear.

Learn more at treadlightly.asga.com.au.

Smarter, Kid-Proof Design

Modern school shoes are built with real kids in mind - meaning durability, flexibility, and protection matter more than ever.

Key design innovations for 2026 include:

- Scuff-resistant uppers (ideal for playground lovers)

- Lightweight, flexible soles for natural movement

- Shock-absorbing midsoles for active kids

- Reinforced toe boxes to withstand daily wear

- Custom-fit options for wide, narrow, and deep feet

From Harrison’s structured silhouettes to Asics's high-performance school sport shoes, the focus is on giving kids a shoe that works with their body.

The Rise of Fit Intelligence

Professional fitting is becoming one of the biggest “trends” - not because it’s new, but because parents now understand what a difference it makes.

With kids’ feet growing quickly and unevenly, accurate length + width measurements dramatically improve comfort, foot health, and shoe lifespan.

At Shoes & Sox, our Expert Shoe Crew uses industry-leading training to deliver:

- Correct sizing across multiple widths

- Identification of growth room

- Understanding of gait, structure & daily activity

- Brand-specific recommendations based on fit

Smarter school shoes start with smarter fittings.

The Return of Classics (But better)

Parents are loving the return of traditional styles, Mary Janes, T-Bars, buckles, and lace-ups but with upgraded cushioning, softer leathers, and modern support systems.

Harrison, Pablosky, and ROC are leading the movement with timeless silhouettes reengineered for 2026 comfort standards.

What This Means for Parents

School shoes are becoming more personalised, more sustainable, and more comfortable than ever. Whether your child needs lightweight sport shoes, traditional leather lace-ups, or supportive everyday styles, the focus for 2026 is clear:

✔ Shoes that last
✔ Shoes that support
✔ Shoes that are crafted with purpose
✔ Shoes fitted by experts

Shoes & Sox continues to lead the conversation — in-store and across the industry — by helping families choose shoes that truly support growing feet, while also supporting programs like TreadLightly to give old shoes new life. Visit https://treadlightly.asga.com.au/ for more details.