Start‑Rite introduces ‘friends like these’ for SS26, a collection celebrating friendship and inclusivity, akin to its footwear collection providing support, comfort and confidence for all little feet.

As a leading expert in children’s fitted footwear, Start-Rite creates podiatrist approved, intelligent footwear informed by science and nature. The SS26 collection adapts with age-appropriate biomechanics to support the child through their physical development stages.

Commenting on the new season, Jen Tyley, Marketing & E‑commerce Director at Start‑Rite, said:

“Start-Rite shoes are designed to help the brain and the foot work together, and our super lightweight soles protect the body with every step taken on today’s hard surfaces. In our shoes children can explore confidently, and parents can trust our science-backed footwear is meeting their needs.”

PRE‑WALKERS: Gentle Support for Early Explorers

Start‑Rite’s pre‑walker styles are designed for curious early movers learning to balance, cruise and feel the world beneath their feet. Soft materials, lightweight construction and flexible soles encourage natural movement while protecting delicate toes.

Squish: A new T‑bar pre‑walker crafted from super‑soft leather and nubuck, Squish features embroidered and screen‑printed details and an ultra‑flexible sole to support healthy foot development. Now available in new Cream leather strawberry, Dusky green leather daisy and Denim blue nubuck/leather duck, with multi‑width fittings for a secure, comfortable first shoe.

Cub: A playful option for bold adventurers, Cub features a tiger design with cut‑out ears and embroidered paw print detail. An easy rip‑tape fastening supports independent dressing. Available in new Cub khaki nubuck tiger

Bear Hug: This charming, characterful ‘bear’ shoe features Start‑Rite’s superior fit and all‑day‑comfort, including padded ankles, cushioned insoles, and lightweight soles that provide maximum sensory feedback, while the wide rip‑tape fastening keeps the shoes snug. Available in Bear Hug, navy leather/nubuck bear.

FIRST STEPS: Confidence‑Building Styles for Everyday Adventures

For children walking independently, these ‘first steps’ designs offer a blend of protection, stability and flexibility, all shaped to encourage natural, confident movement.

Duel: Bolstering the First Steps category, Duel is a flexible double‑bar trainer built on Start‑Rite’s lightweight, nature-form footbed, offering sporty styling with trusted support. Available in multi‑width fittings in White/khaki leather, Dark green/orange leather, Navy/multi leather, Denim blue/multi nubuck/leather and Navy/floral nubuck/leather.

Eva: Perfect for wedding season, Eva brings floral charm with all‑day comfort. With soft leather uppers, sweet, scalloped edges and ultra‑flexible soles, it supports strength and balance as first walkers gain confidence. New colourways include Dusky green leather and Cream leather.

Eternal: A timeless T‑bar crafted from soft leather or nubuck, Eternal offers dependable comfort with a flexible sole and secure rip‑tape fastening. Updated for SS26 with the Taupe nubuck Splash, which has proved to be a popular colourway in other styles, and Cream leather.

CANVAS STYLES: Light, Easy, Summer‑Ready

For comfy, everyday adventure, these canvas styles use soft textiles, cushioned insoles and machine‑washable designs to keep little feet fresh and ready for play.

Tide: A new double‑bar canvas style featuring Start‑Rite’s updated base pattern, Tide is designed for beach days, playdates and everything in between. Available in a selection of prints including Khaki camo, Black/white stripe, Navy blue dino, Silver, Navy/khaki, Navy blue strawberry, and Dusky pink flowers and Cream posy.

Lemonade: Designed with a non-slip, durable lightweight soles to support natural movement, these canvas shoes have been contemporised with new playful colourways, including Denim blue gingham canvas with embroidered strawberry detail, Navy unicorn canvas, and Dusky pink flower canvas.

WRIGGLES BY START‑RITE: Made for nursery days, messy play and busy outdoor adventures, Wriggles are lightweight, machine‑washable and crafted from soft cotton canvas and neoprene. The moulded footbed and half sizes  ensures all‑day comfort and a precision fit. The Wriggles collection includes Mary‑Jane, double‑bar and classic T‑bar silhouettes across a wide selection of playful prints. Priced at just £25.00 these are nursery school essentials. *Note, not in box  

Intelligence with every step

With the SS26 collection, Start-Rite continues to pour its legacy of excellence into every shoe – designing footwear that parents trust and children love. These are intelligent shoes and loyal companions that protect developing bodies, for today’s adventures and the confident steps of tomorrow.

Visit Start-Rite at https://www.startriteshoes.com to explore the full collection.