The first week of September marks the back-to-school madness that students and parents face. With new school bags and pencil cases bought, uniforms pressed and ready to go, school shoes that’ll last are arguably one of the most frustrating things to buy.

Clarks has long been a trusted choice for families seeking back-to-school footwear that combines comfort, a reliable fit and durability. Now the popular shoe retailer has unveiled a ‘super durable’ school shoe range, and they’re offering parents the chance to purchase three pairs and receive the third at 50 per cent off.

The 50% off third pairs deal is perfect for mid-year growth spurts, keeping a backup pair on hand, or kitting out multiple kids at once.

Among the range’s standout designs is the Tapa Skip Youth Shoe — available in black leather and priced between £38 and £40. Sizes run from 3 to 7, including some half sizes, and come in both standard (F) and wide (G) width fittings, reports Birmingham Live.

The Tapa Skip Shoe ‘updates the classic Mary Jane profile’ and also boasts a Microban odour control lining. For girls, there is additionally the Derry Bar Youth Shoe, priced at £40.

It incorporates ‘playful star’ details aimed at younger children, while its chunky profile is described as ‘both eye-catching and comfortable’. The black leather shoe is available in standard (F) width only, with sizes ranging from 3 to 7.

For boys, the Lorcam Lane Youth Shoe, priced between £48 and £50, features a classic lace fastening. It’s also finished with a chunky, durable sole and made with ‘tough leathers to tackle busy school and college days’.

The Lorcam Lane Youth Shoe is available in three widths: standard (F), wide (G), and extra-wide (H). It comes in smaller sizes (10 to 13.5 and 1 to 2.5), as well as larger sizes for growing feet (3 to 10, including half sizes).

Another excellent choice for boys is Clarks’ Somerset Flex Kid in black leather, retailing at between £36 and £38 depending on size. Both standard (F) and wide (G) widths are available, with smaller and larger sizes also in stock.

These shoes ‘blend a Clarks sole with a modern, sports-inspired leather construction’. It has a padded collar and tongue, with elastic lace and riptape strips for ‘easy, independent on/off’.

While many children dread a visit to their local shopping centre, Clarks now offers free standard delivery when parents purchase one of their measure-at-home foot gauges. The practical device enables families to measure and order online without ever having to leave the house.

The brand is also incorporating some impressive features to ensure their latest school shoe collection is truly ‘playground-proof’. Many of the tagged ‘super durable’ styles boast scuff-resistant technologies designed to withstand the rigours of playground activities.

Meanwhile, the cushioning and breathable linings have been crafted with growing feet in mind, catering for children who spend over 35 hours a week in the classroom.

While most shoppers will associate Clarks primarily with footwear, the retailer also stocks an extensive range of back-to-school essentials, saving parents the hassle of visiting multiple shops. These include school bags, umbrellas, lunchboxes and much more.

Elsewhere on the high street, Next is selling Black Patent School Leather Chunky Mary Jane Shoes priced between £31 and £40, depending on size, for girls. For boys, there are the Black Matt School Leather Chunky Lace-Up Brogues priced between £36 and £43.

Marks and Spencer, meanwhile, stocks the Kids’ Triple Riptape Leather School Shoes priced between £24 and £26. Girls can also choose the Kids’ Leather Mary Jane Cat School Shoes, available for between £32 and £36 depending on size.

Clarks holds an impressive 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot, where parents consistently praise the staff for making back-to-school shoe shopping a breeze. Plus, a range of school shoes on the Clarks website has high star ratings.

For example, one shopper who bought the brand’s Lorcam Jane Kid shoes said: “Lovely shoes for school, super cute. Chunky and sturdy and patent. Easy to keep clean. One of the nicest school shoes ever seen. Granddaughter loves them too.”

Someone else noted: “Beautiful heavy-duty leather shoes, my granddaughter loves them.”

Another fan of the brand said on Trustpilot, referencing the customer service received: “Mo at Middlebrook Bolton store was brilliant with my son Leo. Purchased Leo’s school shoes, and he couldn’t do enough. Thank you.”

Someone else commented: “Ben and Emily at Clark’s Poole store were fantastic with my twins. We came in for their first school shoes and PE trainers and the customer service was brilliant.”

A third shopper shared: “We had foot measuring and bought new school shoes – all so easy. My daughter is also really pleased with her new shoes and can’t wait to wear them!”.

Nevertheless, one shopper reported that her daughter’s footwear fell apart after six months – although these were not the recently launched range referenced above.