The best vintage-style school shoes

Summer is officially over and it’s time to start sharpening those pencils, ready to begin the new academic year. One of the hardest parts about going back to school is, unarguably, picking out a new pair of shoes. Whether you’re choosing them for yourself, your child or a younger sibling, it’s always a mission to find the perfect pair. However, there’s one thing guaranteed: vintage styles like Dr Martens and Kickers are always in fashion! Here’s a historical breakdown of our favourite back-to-school vintage shoe styles.

Will Dr Martens ever go out of fashion?

Since their first arrival in 1960, Dr Martens’s classic 1460s have been a staple. You can opt for either the eight-eye boot or the 1461 three-eye shoe. Their unique air-cushioned sole and distinctive yellow welt stitch make Dr Martens a sturdy, reliable and fashionable shoe. Although originally intended as dependable work footwear, Dr Martens 1460s soon became a symbol of anti-establishment rebellion, and by the end of the 1970s the boot had become a fierce symbol of self-expression in British youth culture.

Since then, the brand has become globally recognised and celebrated for its authenticity in a world of homogeny. The 1460s remain one of the most popular shoe choices, but numerous alternative styles have also been produced, including Jadons, Sinclairs and Chelsea boots.

The classic three-eye Dr Marten has been championed as one of the most popular school shoes for decades. Coming in black leather, soft leather and patent, and available without the characteristic yellow stitching so students can abide by school uniform rules, it’s a perfect choice. The shoe’s durability guarantees value for money, so you shouldn’t have to buy another pair of school shoes for a good while (unless your feet grow!).

Will Kickers always be bestsellers?

Kickers were first developed in the 1970s in France and were intended to be compatible with the “blue-jean” generation, thus the first jean boot was born.

Coming in Kick hi-boot and Kick low-shoe, the unique design of the classic Kickers was admired by celebrities such as the Stone Roses, Arctic Monkeys and Noel Gallagher. With their natural rubber soles, contrasting stitching and eyelets, the distinctive boot quickly became a bestseller.

Sales skyrocketed after their release and, within four years, the boot was selling in 70 countries, launching in the UK in 1975. By 2010, after launching numerous collaborations, Kickers released several new styles, including the ever-popular Tovni, a shoe inspired by trainers.

Kickers are a classic that never seems to go out of fashion. They’re reliable and won’t let you down, even after years of classes and football matches in the playground. These shoes are another great option for school, coming in black leather and patent.

Jayda Bilal