We get it. Kids’ shoes come at all prices and it’s fair to wonder why some cost more than others.
So we have decided to explain ourselves why Pip and Henry shoes are a bit more expensive than fast-fashion chains.
While we’re priced in line with other high-quality children's brands, we do not compromise on quality, especially not when it comes to little growing feet.
A £15 pair of shoes might save you money now, but they can cost your child comfort, support and even long-term foot health.
Let’s take a closer look at why investing a little more now can make a big difference later.
1. Healthy Foot Development Starts Early
Children’s feet are constantly growing. Between birth and age 10, their bones, muscles and ligaments are forming the foundations they’ll walk, run and jump on for life.
Fast-fashion shoes often cut corners with:
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Tight toe boxe
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Stiff, inflexible soles
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Poor-quality linings that trap heat
At Pip & Henry, every pair is designed with podiatrist guidance to support natural development at every stage.
We use:
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Wide toe boxes so toes can spread and grow
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Flexible soles that move with your child
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Soft, breathable linings for all-day comfort
This helps build posture, balance, and strength: things cheap, restrictive shoes can actually hinder.
2. Made with Premium, Sustainable Materials
Most fast-fashion shoes for kids use cheap synthetic materials that:
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Don’t last
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Can irritate the skin
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Are harmful to the planet
Pip & Henry shoes are built differently. Over 80% of each pair is made from eco-friendly
materials, including:
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Piñatex: a leather alternative made from pineapple leaves
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Corn fibre-based insoles: soft, supportive, and plant-based
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Recycled rubber soles
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Organic cotton linings
Not only do they reduce waste and pollution, they’re chosen for performance, comfort, and durability too.
3. Small-Batch, Ethical Production
Mass-produced shoes often mean:
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Less quality control
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Lower wages for workers
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More environmental waste
We do things differently: each pair of Pip & Henry shoes is made in small batches by skilled artisans in factories that guarantee fair wages and safe conditions.
Yes. That makes our shoes a bit more expensive compared to fast-fashion brands.
But it also makes them better and fairer.
4. Packaging That Teaches, Not Wastes
Most kids’ shoes come in throwaway boxes.
Ours? Double as an educational board game.
Every Pip & Henry box tells a story, literally. It’s fun, interactive, and designed to spark conversations about sustainability between parents and children.
Plus, it’s fully recyclable.
5. Recycle & Save: A Smarter Shoe Cycle
Let’s face it: kids outgrow shoes fast. That’s why we created our shoe recycling initiative. When your child outgrows their Pip & Henry shoes, send them back. We’ll recycle them responsibly and you’ll receive a £10 voucher towards your next pair.
Because doing the right thing should always come with a thank-you.
Find out how to Recycling your old shoes with us here.
So... Are Cheap Shoes Bad for Kids’ Feet?
At Pip & Henry, we build shoes that are:
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Backed by science
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Friendly to the planet
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Kind to growing feet
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Thoughtfully packaged
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Made to be recycled, not wasted
If you’re looking for shoes that do more for your child and the world, Pip & Henry is worth every penny.
