Back to School Starts From the Ground Up: Why Harrison School Shoes Are Standing the Test of Time

Back to school isn’t just about fresh uniforms and packed lunchboxes. It’s about setting kids up to feel confident, supported and ready to take on whatever the school year throws at them. And while backpacks, stationery and drink bottles get plenty of airtime, there’s one essential that quietly carries kids through every school day.

Their shoes.

From first-day nerves to playground triumphs, scraped knees to confident strides, school shoes do a lot of heavy lifting. They need to support growing feet, survive relentless wear and tear, and still look good enough to pass the school gate inspection.

That’s where Harrison comes in.

For generations of Australian families, Harrison has been the brand beneath busy feet. And now, just in time for the back to school season, they’re stepping into a new era with a refreshed identity that honours their heritage while speaking to today’s families.

A heritage brand reimagined for modern families

Harrison’s story began back in 1948 in a small band practice room in Mile End, Adelaide. The idea was simple but powerful: create school shoes that combine durability, comfort and quality craftsmanship.

More than 75 years later, Harrison is still proudly Australian-owned and designed, now based in Melbourne, and still focused on the same core principles. What’s changed is how the brand shows up for a new generation of parents and kids.

This refreshed look and feel isn’t about reinventing what already works. It’s about celebrating the role Harrison has played in childhood milestones, while presenting their products in a way that resonates with modern families who expect more from school essentials.

As David Thomas, CEO of Brand Collective, explains, the rebrand reflects a commitment that has never wavered. Harrison has specialised in developing supportive, great-quality school shoes for Australian families since 1948, and this evolution allows them to tell that story in a way that connects with today’s parents and children.

Why the right school shoe really matters

Ask any podiatrist or experienced parent and they’ll tell you the same thing. Kids spend a huge portion of their day on their feet. Walking between classes, running at lunch, standing during assemblies and navigating playground obstacles that somehow always involve concrete.

Poorly fitted or poorly made shoes can impact posture, comfort and confidence. That’s why Harrison designs every pair around the natural shape and movement of growing feet.

Key features across the collection include supportive heel counters, cushioned insoles, breathable linings and flexible soles that allow feet to move naturally while staying protected. Soft padding and snug fits help keep shoes comfortable all day long, while durable polished finishes mean they still look presentable by term three.

This isn’t fast fashion footwear. It’s considered design built for real school life.

Styles that cover every age and stage

One of Harrison’s strengths is the breadth of their range. Rather than forcing families into a one-style-fits-all approach, their collection is designed to support kids through every school stage.

Lace-up styles like the Daytona remain a classic for older students who want a polished, traditional look. The Daytona is crafted with a premium leather upper and fully leather-lined interior to keep feet fresh throughout long school days, making it one of Australia’s most loved lace-up school shoes.

For younger kids, the Indiana II T-Bar offers a timeless design with adjustable buckle closures that provide a secure, comfortable fit. It’s a practical option for growing feet that still need support and flexibility.

The Brianna Mary Jane is another standout, earning top marks for its classic style combined with clever comfort features. A removable memory foam insole with EVA-moulded support helps cushion busy feet, while thoughtful design details add a touch of personality kids love.

Harrison also offers sports styles and self-fastening options, ideal for children who haven’t quite mastered tying laces or need quick on-and-off solutions for busy mornings. These details matter, especially for families juggling multiple kids and tight school schedules.

Built to last, priced for families

School shoes are an investment, but they shouldn’t feel like an unreasonable one. Harrison’s refreshed collection is priced from $79.95 to $159.95, reflecting a balance between quality materials, thoughtful design and value for families.

Each pair is made using premium leather and technical materials chosen for durability. Sturdy soles, reinforced construction and long-wearing finishes mean shoes are designed to last through the school year, not just the first term.

For parents tired of replacing shoes mid-year, this longevity makes a real difference.

The importance of the right fit

Even the best-designed shoe won’t do its job if it doesn’t fit properly. That’s why Harrison encourages families to get kids fitted by experts.

Parents can visit Shoes & Sox, one of Harrison’s trusted stockists, where trained Expert Shoe Crew members help ensure each child gets the right size and fit for their feet.

This personalised fitting experience helps prevent common issues like shoes being too tight, too loose or lacking proper support, all of which can affect comfort and foot development.

It’s a reminder that back to school preparation isn’t just about buying new things, but about choosing the right ones.

A brand that gives back

Harrison’s new chapter isn’t just about product and design. It’s also about community impact.

The brand is proudly partnering with Redkite to support Australian families facing childhood cancer. From 2 December 2025 to 8 February 2026, Harrison will donate $1 from every pair of Daytona school shoes sold at harrison-shoes.com.au and at Shoes & Sox stores and online.

Beyond financial support, Harrison has also designed and donated Redkite’s Red Bag and teddy. These are provided to families in hospital at the time of a child’s diagnosis, offering comfort and care during an incredibly difficult moment.

Redkite CEO Keighery notes that the right support at the right time makes all the difference for families facing childhood cancer. Harrison’s involvement helps Redkite walk alongside parents from those very first hours in hospital, offering reassurance when it’s needed most.

It’s a meaningful partnership that reflects the values behind the brand.

Back to school confidence starts at ground level

Back to school brings excitement, nerves and a fresh start all at once. For kids, feeling comfortable in their shoes can quietly influence how they move through the day, both physically and emotionally.

Harrison’s refreshed collection reminds us that some things are worth getting right from the beginning. Supportive fit. Durable materials. Thoughtful design. And a brand that understands what Australian families actually need.

Same quality. New generation. Always Harrison.

Harrison school shoes will be available online at harrison-shoes.com.au, at Shoes & Sox and selected trusted shoe retailers from 19 November 2025.