Where Roots And Wings Entwine: Back to school shoes with Jake Shoes

The summer holidays has been an amazing time. It has been lovely spending quality time with both of the kids, especially with the youngest set to start school part time in the nursery in a few days time. In spite of the odd argument between the two and juggling keeping them entertained without breaking the bank - yay for free/cheap days out to the park, beach and woods! - it has been a wonderful time especially with a holiday away which was fantastic.

Like most other parents across the country with school aged children I have also had the mighty task of dealing with back to school shopping. This year it has been double the work as we have had to kit out both kids ready for school. Apart from the school logo clothing that we have to buy from the school I bought the rest of their school uniforms at the beginning of August before we went on holiday. Trust me I breathed a sigh of relief when it was done as back to school shopping can be a nightmare.

I had thought I would get away with not needing to buy T our eldest new school shoes as his was still fairing well and looking good even after a tough couple of terms and were still fitting well at the beginning of August. Yay for saving a bit of money and not having the stress of finding a new pair.

But my joy at finishing the back to school shopping was premature as at the end of August we found out that T had suddenly gone up a shoe size!

Panic set in to find a new pair of school shoes in his new size that we could get in time that would be comfortable, durable, suitable for school and look just right to satisfy T’s style.

Thankfully Jake Shoes stepped in and saved the day.

Jake is an award winning, family run, independently owned business set up in 1975. They have three stores, in Manchester Arndale, Stockport Town Centre and George Street, Altrincham as well as an online store. Still going strong after 43 years in the shoe business, they are passionate about their ethos of offering customers a choice of shoes different from anywhere else. They strive to help customers find shoes that will help them stand out from the crowd.

Jake Shoes proudly stock a huge range of shoes from around the world and include renowned brands such as Vans, Doc Martens, Lelli Kelly, Kickers, Geox and many more plus lesser known brands. They cater for women, men and children.

In their stores they offer a full measuring and fitting service for children. For customers buying online they are always happy to offer advice and sizing questions over the phone or via the ask a question form on the website.

On their online store Jake Shoes offer free delivery on purchases over £50, optional next day delivery and free exchange returns if the size is not quite right. This is fantastic for parents ordering back to school shoes as they can be safe in the knowledge that they can get an exchange hassle free if needed and get the shoes super quick.

What drew me to Jake Shoes was their insight into the fact that as most school require children to wear identical uniforms the only way they can show off their individuality is through their shoes. Jake Shoes say - “So, whether your young ones are studious bookworms, budding sports stars, promising artists or even the future leaders of the country, we have got the school shoes that will let their personalities shine through.” I admire and support a company who thinks like this as I wholeheartedly agree and am passionate about letting T develop his own sense of style and reflecting his personality with clothing, shoes and accessories.

Jake Shoes boasts “an unbeatable selection of the hardest-wearing and most comfortable boys' school shoes from all the top brands.” They lived up to their claims and so much more as I was delighted to see the fantastic selection of school shoes on offer. T was spoilt for choice browsing the dedicated section of school shoes on the website to find his perfect pair of school shoes. You can search the school range by brand, size, shoe type and price.

As soon as T saw the Vans Kids Atwood Lace Shoes in Black Leather he was adamant they were the school shoes for him. As he’s not had a pair of Vans before I wasn’t sure what the sizing of the kids Vans shoes would be so rang Jake Shoes for some advice. They were very helpful and friendly over the phone and as well as helping me with my sizing query they also reassured me that they were all of the shoe was leather.

As he is pretty tough on his shoes and not only loves scooting and skating to and from school but is also constantly climbing and running, pushing shoes to their limit, the Vans seemed like the perfect choice for him for both ‘work and play’ at school and at home.

Luckily for him they had them in his new size and he was ecstatic when a parcel from Jake Shoes arrived in the post with them. Fortunately they fit him perfectly and he loves them.

He has had lots of fun “breaking them in” ready for starting school, in fact he has not worn his other trainers or shoes since they arrived a couple of days ago!

The Vans Atwood Lace Shoes in Black Leather look fantastic and have the iconic Vans look that is synonymous with the skate and street world. The black leather gives them a timeless classic look that not only looks at home at the skatepark but also smart for school.

T says that the low top, lace up shoe is very comfortable and he has not had any sore or rubbed feet whilst breaking them in regardless of hours spent in them having lots of adventures and playful antics.

They feature a padded tongue and collar which provides extra comfort. They also feature the Vans signature waffle outsoles for a firmer grip, perfect for all the climbing and skating T does.

T loves them for their comfort and style which is perfect for him. Whilst I also admire the Vans style - I’m a Vans girl myself - I especially love them because they are black leather and durable. With the lovely wet Welsh weather we are regularly treated to a leather shoe for school is a must so that they last better and keeping looking as good as new even after a hard few months. As you can see from a few of the photos T has already got them a little dirty from his adventures however thanks to the quality leather they clean up fantastically so that they will be shiny and new once again ready for his first day back at school.

Over the years T has wrecked a number of school shoes way too quickly thanks to his boisterous and busy play but as the Vans shoes are designed for the skate world I am confident they will be durable and hard-wearing.

The Vans Atwood Lace Shoes in black leather are currently priced at £39.99 on the Jake Shoes website which I think is amazing value for a pair of Vans shoes. Even though I have not been able to find them anywhere else, proof of the fact that Jake Shoes really do offer shoes that you won’t find elsewhere, if I had been able to find them somewhere else for less they have a price match promise.

I love that even though he will be the same as his class wearing matching uniforms a glimmer of his unique personality will be showcased thanks to the shoes that he chose and loves. T is over the moon with his new pair of school shoes which will help him feel happy and confident when he goes back to school.