The style I have always loved for Colette is traditional and classic, so when it comes to back-to-school shoes, I naturally look for those same details. L’Amour Shoes has been part of her wardrobe since she was a baby. Their classic girls’ school shoes have remained some of my favorites as she has grown. They also remind me of my very own shoes growing up since my mom always kept this type of style for me.
Back-to-school season is always so fun to shop for. The new backpack comes out, school supplies are labeled, and of course I start thinking about that first-day outfit. This year is a little different for us since we will begin private school and there is a uniform (beyond excited to reduce the amount of clothes I need to buy). I love putting it all together but I also know that I need to be practical and that the pieces I purchase for Colette need to work for real school days and for the school year.
Shoes are one of the things I put a little more thought into. They need to be comfortable enough for a full day at school. They also need to hold up to recess, playground time and everything else the day brings. And because I love a versatile wardrobe, I want shoes that Colette can wear well beyond the classroom. That is one of the reasons we continue to choose L’Amour Shoes.
What I Look for in Back-to-School Shoes
When I’m shopping for back-to-school shoes I always think about comfort first. Colette will be wearing them for hours, and no matter how cute they need to feel good on her feet. I also look for quality. School shoes get a lot of wear in a short amount of time. They need to survive long school days, running around outside, and all of those little scuffs that seem to appear out of nowhere.
Then there is versatility. I love a shoe that works with her school wardrobe but doesn’t feel like it is only meant for school. If she can wear the same pair with a special outfit for dinner that’s golden. For me the best school shoes are comfortable, well made, and easy to wear with the clothes already hanging in her closet.
Why L’Amour Shoes Have Been a Favorite for Years
My love for L’Amour Shoes began when Colette was very young. She has been wearing their shoes since she was a baby, which makes choosing them for another school year feel very natural. L’Amour Shoes is a family-owned children’s shoe brand that has been making classic children’s shoes since 1987. Nearly 40 years later, the brand is still known for the kind of classic styles I have always loved.
There is a timelessness to their shoes that I think is very special and they have been consistent with this throughout their years. Mary Janes for example, sweet little flats and a traditional silhouette that never goes out of style. They also complement the way I have always dressed Colette. I appreciate the craftsmanship too. Many of their styles are handcrafted and made with genuine leather. You can see the quality in the little details and more importantly how the shoes wear over time.
Our Back-to-School Shoes for This Year
This year we chose a few different L’Amour shoe styles for Colette. Make sure to use my code COCO15 to get 15% off your purchase! Each one has that classic look I love but they give us different options depending on what she is wearing.
Joy Classic Leather T-Strap Mary Jane: We chose these in navy, and they will be Colette’s main school shoes on days when she isn’t wearing sneakers. Personally, I’ve always preferred a classic Mary Jane with a school uniform. They are perfect for school uniform shoes and while feeling a little more polished and instantly elevate the whole look. The navy is also so versatile and works beautifully with the traditional colors in her school wardrobe.
Kenzie Double Velcro Sneaker: Every school wardrobe needs a classic white sneaker, and I love the simplicity of this pair. The Velcro makes them easy for Colette to put on herself, which is always a plus on busy school mornings. They’re clean and classic, but still practical for the days that call for sneakers.
Eleanor T-Bar Flat Shoes: I absolutely love this style for special occasions. It’s so classic and looks darling with tights or short socks. We chose black for fall, which is actually new for us. I’ve always stayed away from adding too much black to Colette’s wardrobe, but this year I’m slowly incorporating more of it. I love how classic it feels with her fall dresses, and I know this pair will go with so much.
Josephine Scallop Lace-Up Boots: I have loved these boots for years, so I’m especially excited that Colette will finally get to wear them this fall. They are so chic with the sweetest scalloped details and ribbon laces. I love that they’ll keep her a little warmer once the temperatures drop without sacrificing that classic look I love. I can already picture them with her fall dresses, tights, and a cozy coat. These might just be my favorite pair of the season.
Why I Love Leather School Shoes
Genuine leather has always been one of my favorite choices for Colette’s shoes when I need to think of all seasons. It looks beautiful, but there are practical reasons I gravitate toward it too. Leather softens with wear and becomes more comfortable over time. It also holds up well which is especially important for shoes that are going to see a lot of school days and works so well for school uniform shoes. A classic pair of Mary Janes can be worn with a school outfit one day and a pretty dress the next. That versatility makes them especially useful during the school year.
Classic Shoes That Go Beyond the Classroom
This might be one of the biggest reasons I love classic children’s shoes. They aren’t tied to one outfit or occasion. I can pair Colette’s L’Amour Shoes with a dress and knee socks for school. When the weather gets cooler, I can add tights and a cardigan. The same shoes can come out again for church, a family dinner or a holiday outfit. I’ve always preferred having fewer pieces that I really love and can style in different ways. There is also something so sweet about a traditional pair of Mary Janes with a first-day-of-school outfit. Add a backpack and freshly pressed dress, and suddenly I’m wondering how we got here so quickly.
What Makes a Comfortable School Shoe?
Comfort is such an important part of choosing school shoes, especially for younger children. I look for shoes that fit well from the beginning but also have some flexibility. Genuine leather is wonderful for this because it softens with wear. I also pay attention to how securely the shoe stays on her foot and whether she can comfortably walk and move in it. Children are constantly moving from the classroom to recess to activities throughout the day. The prettiest shoes in the world won’t get much wear if your child doesn’t want to keep them on.
Are Quality School Shoes Worth the Investment?
This is something I think about with almost everything I buy for Colette because children grow so quickly. For me, shoes are one of the places where quality is worth spending a little more. I look at how often she will actually wear them. A well-made pair of durable school shoes might be worn several times a week for months. If those same shoes can also be worn to church, family gatherings and special occasions, they become even more useful. That is where I see the value in L’Amour. I’m investing in quality craftsmanship, genuine leather, and a classic style that works with so much of her wardrobe.
How Do I Choose the Best Back-to-School Shoes?
If you’re shopping for school shoes this year, I would start with how your child will actually wear them. Think about their school wardrobe. Do they wear a uniform? Dresses? Pants? Will they need something they can put on themselves? And most importantly, will the shoes be comfortable enough to wear all day? From there, I would look for quality materials and good construction. I also think it is worth choosing a style that can be worn outside of school. A classic shoe from L’Amour checks so many of those boxes for us. Don’t forget to use my code COCO15 to get 15% off your purchase.
Why We Always Come Back to L’Amour
Back-to-school shopping changes a little every year. The supply lists change, the clothes get bigger, and somehow another first day arrives much faster than I expect. But there are certain things I find myself returning to. L’Amour Shoes is one of them. Colette has worn their shoes through so many stages of childhood. Now seeing her head into another school year wearing those same classic styles feels especially sweet.
I know there will come a day when she has very definite opinions about every single thing she wears. For now, I’m happy to keep choosing the traditional pieces I have loved dressing her in since she was little. And a beautiful pair of classic shoes will always be part of that.
If you’re still on full Back-To-School mode make sure to check out my blog post, Teacher Survival Kit Essentials That Work All Year, to give teachers a little something to get them excited for the new year when school starts. And make sure to check out my other motherhood related content on my blog, here.
