Quality built in

Testing that goes above and beyond

When it comes to quality and testing kids shoes, going above and beyond is absolutely crucial. Children's feet are still developing, and their shoes need to provide the necessary support, comfort and protection for their growing feet. Therefore, ensuring the quality of our shoes, and exceeding the standard testing, is essential in maintaining our unparalleled quality.

We put our shoes through a lot – so that kids can put them through whatever they like!

Seeking stronger

From double the recommended stitch strength to super strong nylon bonded threads. Our shoes are made of tough stuff.

Focus on flex

If a prototype shoe doesn’t look as good as new after the equivalent of 500,000 steps then it doesn’t make it into our range.

Going for grip

We think children should be able to move with confidence wherever they go – so we test how grippy our shoes are on different surfaces.

Worry-free waterproofing

We ensure that our waterproof shoes will stand up to the soggiest of days – flexing them 30,000 times while immersed in a water tank.

Designed for kids, tested by kids

Every new shoe is trialled in real life for over three months by our stellar crew of kids.

Fixated on fastenings

Rip-tapes that are opened and closed 5,000 times and D-rings that don’t just meet industry standards, they double them!

Quality in and out

Every Start-Rite shoe is the result of several years of observing, perfecting and refining resulting in shoes that are built to last, built to support, and built to provide the utmost comfort for your child's precious feet.

Carefully selected materials

Probed, prodded and pored over to ensure the highest standards.

To guarantee the longevity of our shoes, we carefully select the finest materials from trusted suppliers. From soft supple leathers, super strong nylon threads to buckles that are twice as strong as industry guidelines, every component is chosen with your child's needs in mind. Our commitment to quality means that our shoes not only withstand the test of time but also keep your child's feet supported and protected throughout their adventures.

Engineered for excellence

Constructed to perform and to endure – wherever little feet take them.

Our shoes are crafted with attention to detail, incorporating features like cushioned insoles, flexible soles, and breathable linings, so that your child can move freely and comfortably with each stride.

We have multiple construction types across our styles to deliver the ultimate performance for each and every shoe, with highly skilled machinists who ensure our crucial stitching paths are followed so stitching doesn’t fail during wear.

Designs honed for over 200 years

We’ve specialised in designing children’s shoes for so long that we know what counts.

We understand that as parents, you want only the best for your children, and so do we. That's why we have been crafting shoes with love and expert craftsmanship for over 230 years. Our passion for quality has earned us a reputation as a trusted brand, relied upon by generations of families.

Over the years we’ve learned the perfect locations to place protection to minimise scuffs, how to strategically position seams to ensure they don’t rub and which fastenings work best.

Constant learning and refinement

The world we live in is constantly evolving – so our shoes do too.

But our dedication to quality doesn't stop there. We rigorously test every shoe for durability and comfort, ensuring that they meet and exceed the highest standards. Before making it to the shelf, every shoe is measured, observed and evaluated over three months in wear trials by children in their normal daily routine.