Please can you recommend school shoes for 14yr old boys?!

[Chocamochalatte]

We got through so many pairs last year, stuck with what to get for this term, is it worth spending out?? The most I've spent is on Clarks and they've been rubbish :(

[myotherusernameisbetter]

Depends what he does in them and what styles he likes. Neither of my son's can wear slip ons as they have a high instep.

Eldest (14) is not too fussed about fashion and he is on his 2nd pair of these (others outgrown, not worn out):

www.sportsdirect.com/kangol-harrow-laced-shoes-mens-112296?colcode=11229603

Younger son (13) is a bit of a fashion victim and has Kickers shoes very similar to these: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00CU7S4SQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

and they have lasted well - I've ordered a pair of these which I found on sale in the next size.

Neither play football in them and don't walk miles to and from school but I have been impressed with both styles.

[myotherusernameisbetter]

these are the actual original kickers ones he has but don't seem to be available any more:

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008TNBK0O/ref=wms_ohs_product_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[Travelledtheworld]

Similar problem here.
DS is 14 with size 11 feet. Last year I lashed out £80 for a pair of Clark's Goretex lined shoes. They were very good, a godsend in the wet and muddy winter and lasted a whole year.

Unfortunately they have changed the style and this years version just do not fit his feet, which are long and narrow. All of Clarkes shoes seem to be too big round the heels.

So it has been back to Clark's again for a mediocre pair this that don't fit terribly well. Not as expensive though.

We live in a small town with only one shoe shop. The alternative is a trip to the big city and DS is very reluctant to go along with that.....

Any suggestions for robust, black lace ups which will fit a size 11 with a High arch ?

[Travelledtheworld]

Thanks myotherusername I will try Sports Direct......

[myotherusernameisbetter]

Both pairs posted are good for a high arch travelled and eldest is an 11 and younger a 10 - neither has broad feet.

[Heyho111]

I get my sons from next they seem to last ok and are trendy. He's a bit too old for clarkes. They are seen for littlens at their age.

[myotherusernameisbetter]

I always used to get Next until they got too big :(

[Chocamochalatte]

I like the Kickers but don't thinks DTs will... One is very fashion conscious, the other more worries about having the 'mickey' taken, he also plays football in them

They do walk a little way to school and I have a feeling the route is across the field not around

[myotherusernameisbetter]

The style of the Kickers is pretty fashionable although I think the slip on version is more so.

www.amazon.co.uk/Kickers-Ferock-Leather-Loafers-112257/dp/B00CU7SDJQ/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3_m?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1409348094&sr=1-3-fkmr0&keywords=ferock%20slip&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

Are you looking more for a trainer style? Unless you are going for leather Vans or Converse then I don't think those are particularly "in".

www.amazon.co.uk/Vans-Atwood-Leather-Trainers-Black/dp/B00LOAJUOC/ref=sr_1_1?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1409348170&sr=1-1&keywords=leather%20vans&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

www.amazon.co.uk/Converse-Allstar-Lthr-Black-Leather/dp/B008URDQDI/ref=sr_1_11?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1409348239&sr=1-11&keywords=leather%20converse&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[thelmachicken]

Ricosta shoes last us all year.

[thelmachicken]

That's if he doesn't grow of course!

[1Cheesedoff]

Asda great leather shoes and trendy too

[myotherusernameisbetter]

I dream of mine not growing - i just wish they would reach full size and be done with it now :(

Predicted height between 6'3 and 6'6 - currently 5'10 and a half and 5' 9 and a half at just turned 14 and 13 adult size M to L in clothes.

[wooldonor]

I've had a good experience with Next from the mens department and a not so good one from the schoolwear side.

What size are you looking at?

[myotherusernameisbetter]

A lot of the more reasonably priced Next shoes aren't leather anymore which is a shame.

[chocolatespiders]

Dr Martans?

[bubby64]

I took my 2 (both almost 14) to Brantanos the other day, and they both found decent leather shoes that fitted well, they deemed fashionable enough, and I deemed sensible enough for school. Fulfilling all those criteria and only having to go to one shop was a blessing!

[Chocamochalatte]

Around a size 39/5, they would love Vans but are not 'allowed', must be 'polishable' (if that's even a word!)

Tried Next, nothing they liked, nowhere near an Asda, Brantano limited choice in their size... Not tried Ricosta, off to 'the city' Monday as live on a tiny island with limited High Street shops!

[myotherusernameisbetter]

Black leather Vans are polishable. :)

www.amazon.co.uk/Vans-Atwood-Leather-Casual-Trainers/dp/B00LPO20TE/ref=sr_1_4?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1409428422&sr=1-4&keywords=leather%20vans&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[Chocamochalatte]

Ah... What are the soles like? Hard wearing??

[GnomeDePlume]

I would also suggest Doc Martens especially if they are walking to school.

[Chocrock]

Dr Martens last a whole year for my DS and he plays football in them at luchtime

[myotherusernameisbetter]

I have no idea Choca, my friend looked at those and the leather converse for her son as the school he was going to was s bit more trendy than the one my son's go to and a lot of the kids were getting trainers. The uniform specifies black shoes though so he didn't want to either stand out as a square or defy the rules. Those were a good compromise. I think he went for the converse, but I think the vans have thicker soles.

[myotherusernameisbetter]

Sorry for the stray apostrophe, it's early!