Secondary school does not allow D.Martens

Uniform policies are a tool schools use to manage behaviour. Ever notice how the failing schools with tough new heads brought in to turn them around go completely anal on uniform policies and dress codes? Win the little battles and you address some of the issues that cause the bigger problems is the thinking. By causing such a drama over these boots (boots were banned as school uniform even back in the 90s) you are part of the problem you say you want to see fixed.

Get her some shoes, but look to change schools ASAP

Buy her some proper school shoes and stop being a pain.

The DMs are the least of your problems.

Suck it up, buy her some appropriate school shoes, then think about whether this is really the school for her or whether you should find one that better suits her and you.

I keep saying this. Schools don’t usually mind DM shoes, I’ve worked in a lot over 35 years…

Can she wear DM shoes instead? I have worn them for every semi smart job that also involved lots of movement and all through school. Both lace up and buckle are good.

Never known a school accept dms as footwear. Her response was ridiculous. She could wear regular shoes and keep them for activities outside school, does she regularly kick others and flout rules?

Lots of posters seem to have missed the complete change in DM design and marketing. They are just shoes and boots on the whole now. Fashion rather than work type. No steel toe cap (they may still do some with them, but on the whole) and many are much thinner and softer leather than they used to be.
The boots are still boots though, so don’t fit a school shoes policy.

Parents like you are part of the problem, how IS the school supposed to improve if every parent thinks their child should be the exception?
Your DD saying she can ‘kick’ in her boots? Pandering to your worries to get away with wearing her cool boots, and what if she did start kicking other pupils? Thats okay is it?

It's a rule, she needs to abide by it. Pick the right hill to die on, this isn't it.

Kickers and DMs are totally different heights of boot.

She can want whatever she wants, but it's against the uniform policy and I have absolutely no idea why this is the particular hill you're going to die on. She needs different shoes.

Enrol her for martial arts classes, good for girls anyway to learn how to defend themselves.

Wrt the DMs, it may depend on how rigorous they are with other infringements- if it’s the same across the board for other uniform rule breeches, then you will have to change them. If dd is being singled out and other people are flouting the rules, then not so much. They need to bring equal pressure to bear on all the kids who are not in correct uniform.

You've not had a boot put into you once you're on the floor, have you?

They're tough and heavy enough to break bones in a way a crappy pair of slip-ons from Shoezone aren't.

I had no idea. Used to wear dm as a teenager specifically because they made me feel safe. If I would have been attacked a kick in the groin would really hurt..

Just stop wasting the schools time and get some shoes that adhere to the uniform policy. How the hell can you have "a few" meetings over such a simple issue?! Crazy.

So she's wearing them for exactly the reason why the boots have been banned in a large number of schools since the 1970s (when my brothers were sent home to change)?

Normal shoes. That way if she does get into a fight, at least she isn't going to break legs, ribs, facial bones or skulls - whoever started it, there were a court case (or inquest, FFS), it's on record that she wears boots against school rules so she can kick somebody's head in - or that's how it would be presented, at any rate.

Our school policy isn't about which brands are okay and which are not, but whatever the shoes they're not allowed visible branding.

Boots are not allowed either.

@corporategreen you haven’t answered me asking whether DM shoes would be acceptable - this would seem to be a solution if they are.

Sounds like you didn't pick the wrong school after all.

I was never allowed boots in school, I dont think they are commonly allowed
but I would have thought DM shoes to be acceptable. especially those without the bright yellow stitching
there are plenty of shoes on the DM website that would be more than acceptable as a school shoe, eg no bright yellow stitching to bring attention to them
a lot of schools ban overly branded items. its one of the reasons there is a school uniform policy in most schools. DMs aren't your bog standard shoe.
I think she gave a silly answer when asked, but she is only in y7. this could be a learning moment of careful what you say and think about the impact your words have.
ive never had an issue with clarks shoes in terms of durability

when I was in school different things were banned all the time (skirt styles, trouser styles, unmarked jumpers/ties, hoodies, certain makeup looks)

just buy her some normal shoes

Our secondary will allow DM shoes but not boots. I was all set up for DS to have DM boots at secondary but he's managed fine with other shoes (now Yr 11).

The school doesn't allow them so she can't wear them, its pretty simple and I would also suggest that no matter how she may wnat to kick someone she refrain.
Hopefully you will be able to change school soon as it doesn't sound like a great place for your DD but in the meantime she will have to follow uniform rules.

I don’t think the shoes are the real issue here I think it’s your attitude honestly, your daughter also thinks of the school as being full of bullies and you are reiterating this to her. Fair enough if it’s a rough school, but I’m not sure your views are helpful in this situation. I don’t think I can believe a public video or a parent ‘beating up’ a disabled child either.