Parents on the school run: are Primark’s £18 Rita Ora loafers the all-day shoes you need now?

School runs, lifts, office corridors – your feet do it all. The right pair saves time, looks smart and keeps pace.

Primark’s Rita Ora Cleated Snaffle Loafers have turned heads by promising style, comfort and speed at a price many can actually stomach. At £18, they aim to replace tired trainers on hectic mornings, then hold their own at the desk and through the after‑school rush.

Why these loafers are grabbing attention

Launched in October 2023, the Rita Ora loafers land squarely in that sweet spot of smart-casual. They come in a black finish with a subtle sheen, a gold snaffle bar across the vamp and a chunky, cleated outsole. The silhouette stays classic, while the lug sole adds grip and a modern edge. They slip on in seconds. The toe is rounded, the heel is low, and the lining blends textile and synthetics to keep weight down.

£18 for a slip-on, cleated, gold‑trim loafer that goes from playground to laptop without a costume change is rare on the high street.

The look: classic with a twist

The snaffle detail nods to equestrian styling, which helps the shoe play nicely with tailoring and knitwear. The gloss finish looks more expensive than the ticket would suggest. A line of contrast stitching around the sole interrupts the black and adds definition. That single touch gives the pair a sharper outline under straight-leg denim and midi hems.

The feel: built for long days

The cleated outsole offers bite on wet pavements and playground rubber. The slip-on entry removes the faff of laces at the front door, in the car park or at the office security gate. The flat profile spreads pressure more evenly across the foot during stop‑start errands. If you prefer extra arch support, a slim insole can be added without crowding the toe box.

The chunky tread is not just a fashion line; it’s functional grip for school gates, station platforms and supermarket aisles.

How they fit busy family life

These are made for the blur between drop‑off, desk time and club pick‑ups. The finish wipes clean after puddle splashes. The hardware dresses up fast when a meeting appears in the calendar without warning. On weekends, they pair with wide‑leg jeans or a casual co‑ord and still look tidy in photos with the kids.

• School run: pull‑on speed, no laces to re‑tie in the porch.
• Workday: gold snaffle elevates knitwear, blazers and simple dresses.
• Errands: cleated sole keeps traction on slick floors and damp paving.
• Evening clubs: all‑day comfort without changing shoes in the car.

What you get for £18

Comparable high‑street loafers with snaffle bars and lug soles often sit north of £40, sometimes much more.

Care, sizing and wear advice

Try both feet late in the day when swelling peaks. Walk on a firm surface. The heel should not lift, and the vamp should not bite across the instep. If between sizes, a slim comfort insole can fine‑tune the fit.

• Break‑in: wear with cushioned socks for the first few outings to prevent rubbing.
• Weather: a universal protective spray helps bead light rain on synthetic uppers.
• Cleaning: wipe with a damp cloth and dry at room temperature; avoid radiators.
• Shape: use shoe trees or stuff with paper to limit creasing after wet days.
• Rotation: alternate pairs to let linings dry fully and reduce odour build‑up.

Who should consider them

• Parents juggling school runs, commutes and clubs who need one pair for the whole day.
• Commuters who prefer a smart profile without switching into office shoes at the desk.
• Retail and hospitality staff needing grip and a presentable finish on a budget.
• Students wanting something smarter than trainers for seminars and placements.

Potential drawbacks to weigh up

The finish is not leather, so breathability is lower than premium hides. If your feet run warm, rotate pairs and use moisture‑wicking socks. Arch support is modest; add an insole if you stand for long shifts. Lug soles add visual bulk, which some will like and others will not. Very strict corporate dress codes may still insist on a slimmer sole and subtler hardware. Scuffs can show on shiny surfaces, so a clear polish or balm helps keep the gloss even.

Alternatives and how they compare

Penny loafers look cleaner but lose the hardware accent. Platform loafers raise the heel and add drama but can feel clumpy on long walks. Driving loafers feel softer underfoot yet have less tread for wet pavements. If you’re comparing pairs in store, bend the forefoot for flexibility, check the metalwork is fixed firmly, look for neat stitching at pressure points and stand on a hard floor to gauge cushioning through the outsole.

Outfit ideas for seven busy days

• Monday: straight‑leg jeans, trench, Breton tee, tote bag.
• Tuesday: tailored trousers, fine‑knit jumper, crossbody, minimal studs.
• Wednesday: midi slip skirt, crew‑neck sweatshirt, sleek backpack.
• Thursday: cigarette pants, white shirt, boxy blazer.
• Friday: dark denim, ribbed vest, cardigan, layered necklace.
• Saturday: jersey co‑ord, baseball cap, lightweight parka for pitches.
• Sunday: knit dress, longline coat, scarf for family lunch.

A few practical extras

Cleated versus lug soles: both terms describe deep‑groove outsoles. They shed water and grit better than smooth soles and help on paint‑coated floors. If you need more cushioning for long shifts, a 3–4 mm foam insole balances comfort without crowding the toe box. For wet weather, a quick spray before first wear pays dividends across the season. If you plan to drive a lot, test pedal feel; the low heel and flexible forefoot make gentle throttle work easier than on rigid platforms.

For budget planning, a simple cost‑per‑wear check helps. Wear them three days a week for one term and you’re under £1 per wear. Stretch that across a school year with rotation and basic care, and the numbers get even kinder. That arithmetic is why a no‑nonsense loafer often replaces two or three lesser pairs gathering dust by the door.