Rising children's shoe prices are putting additional pressure on family budgets as parents prepare for the new school year.
According to the report, shoe prices increased 3.2 percent during the first half of the year, marking their fastest rise in 34 years as households continue to cope with higher costs for housing, fuel and other essentials.
The report said some families are struggling to afford popular children's footwear brands, with one Chicago-area family facing a $145 bill for specific shoes. Others are prioritising necessities such as rent and groceries, leaving new footwear lower on their list of expenses.
As prices increase, more families are turning to secondhand retailers and thrift stores to find affordable alternatives.
Community organisations are responding with donation drives to help families struggling with back-to-school expenses.
One Chicago-area nonprofit is collecting children's closed-toe sneakers in various sizes through the end of August, aiming to provide families affected by domestic violence with essential footwear and a greater sense of normalcy.
Related Tweet:
Families feel the pinch of higher children’s shoe prices as kids head back to school https://t.co/JqzTjzQBCr
— O.C. Register (@ocregister) August 13, 2026
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TIPP Staff
