The best spots for shoe name labels are inside the heel or at the heel end of the insole, where there's little rubbing, and the name is easy to read the moment you pick up the shoe. Shoe stickers work on sandals and most jandals too, as long as the footbed is smooth, clean and dry. Precious Labels' round 25mm shoe labels are also waterproof and laundry-safe, so they're made to last.
Kids' shoes come off more often than you'd think, whether it's mat time at kindy, PE or swimming lessons. A name label that stays put helps your child find their own pair and lets teachers sort out any mix-ups without guessing.
Best Placement Spots Inside a Shoe
Where that label goes makes a big difference to how long it lasts.
- Inside the heel: This is the most common spot, and for good reason. The back of the shoe barely touches the foot, so the label isn't rubbed with every step, and it's the first thing you see when you check the shoe. It works with all closed-toe shoes that have a smooth heel lining.
- On the insole (heel end): This is a better choice when the heel lining is padded, textured or stitched. Keep the label right at the heel end of the insole, which gets far less wear than the middle or toe area.
- On the tongue: A label here is easy to spot when the shoe is open, but laces and foot movement wear it down faster. It's only worth trying on a smooth leather or synthetic tongue.
- Under a removable insole: This keeps the label hidden and well protected. It only works when the insole lifts out, and the surface underneath is smooth.
| Placement | Durability | Visibility | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside heel | High | High | School shoes, sneakers and boots with smooth linings |
| Insole (heel end) | High | High | Shoes with padded or stitched heel linings, gumboots |
| Tongue | Low to medium | High | Smooth leather or synthetic shoes |
| Under removable insole | Very high | Low | Runners and sports shoes with lift-out insoles |
How to Stop Shoe Labels Rubbing Off
A label that peels in the first week usually goes on a surface that isn't quite ready. A couple of minutes of prep gives it the best start.
- Wipe the spot first: Use a dry cloth to clear away dust and any moisture, since a dusty or damp surface is the reason most labels come loose.
- Press it down firmly: Hold the label in place for 10 seconds, smoothing the edges flat, so there are no gaps.
- Wait before wearing: Leave the shoes for 24 hours before your child wears them, so the adhesive has time to bond.
- Avoid the high-friction zones: Keep labels away from the ball of the foot and the toes, where constant pressure will lift any label.
It's also worth getting the position right the first time. Once a label is down, it can come off, but it won't stick again.
Do Shoe Stickers Work on Sandals and Jandals?
In most cases, yes. Whether a sticker holds depends on the footbed, not the shoe style.
- Sandals with a smooth footbed: Crocs, EVA slides and school sandals with a flat, smooth insole all take a sticker well, so place it at the heel. Classic Birkenstocks are trickier because the suede-lined footbed is textured, though the EVA versions work fine.
- Rubber jandals with a smooth footbed: Put the label on the arch area, away from where the toes grip and where the jandal bends most.
- Textured or foam footbeds: It's best to skip the sticker here, as the adhesive can't bond to deep grooves or open-cell foam.
- Fabric-lined sandals: Adhesive has nothing to grip on a fabric surface, so use iron-on clothing labels on the fabric strap instead, as long as the strap can handle a hot iron.
| Shoe type | Sticker suitable? | Alternative if not |
|---|---|---|
| Closed school shoes | ✅ Yes | Not needed |
| Leather sandals | ✅ Yes (smooth footbed) | Not needed |
| Crocs/clogs | ✅ Yes | Not needed |
| Rubber jandals | ✅ Yes (smooth footbed) | Not needed |
| Foam-footbed jandals | ❌ No | Laundry marker, or iron-on label on a fabric strap |
| Fabric-strap sandals | ❌ No | Iron-on label on the strap |
Which Precious Labels Product Includes Shoe Labels?
The right option depends on how much else in the bag needs a name.
- Shoe Label Bundle (21 labels): This is a standalone pack of round 25mm shoe labels in 60 designs. They also work as name stickers on lunch boxes and drink bottles. For more of those, Precious Labels' waterproof lunch box labels come in a wider range of sizes.
- School Uniform Label Bundle (50 labels): This bundle includes 6 round shoe labels (3 pairs), plus iron-on and StickOnTags clothing labels for uniforms, jackets and socks.
- Back-to-School Bundle (95 labels): This includes the same 6 round shoe labels, along with clothing labels and stickers for lunch boxes, bottles and stationery. The back-to-school label bundle suits families who'd rather label everything in one order.
Pick the pack that fits, and every shoe in the house can have a name in it before the next school week starts.
Shoe Label FAQs
Where should I put a name label inside a child's shoe so it doesn't rub off, and do shoe stickers work on sandals and jandals?
Put it inside the heel or on the insole at the heel end, where it gets the least rubbing. Shoe stickers work on sandals and jandals with a smooth footbed but not on textured foam, and the school uniform label bundle includes 6 round shoe labels.
Do shoe labels work in gumboots?
Yes, as long as the insole is smooth. Place the label at the heel end and give it 24 hours before the first muddy outing.
How many shoe labels do I need?
You need two per pair. The school bundles cover 3 pairs, while the 21 pack covers 10 pairs with one to spare.
Can I move a shoe label to a new pair of shoes?
No. The labels can be peeled off, but they won't stick a second time, so a new pair needs a fresh label.