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Original poster

To think Teenage boy school shoes aren’t fit for purpose?

60 replies

Obeseandashamed · 27/08/2025 23:01

I have a 13 year old with size 9/10 feet. A few of the boys in his class also have similar sized feet so he’s not a complete anomaly. We’ve been looking for school shoes and there seems to be nothing age appropriate out there in his size. Clarks only had one style available in his size and they were too narrow on the toe so not ideal. The other styles were far too grown up for a 13 year old. Everything in schuh, office & next wouldn’t suit a teenage boy who loves to play sport at break/lunch times either as they didn’t seem durable and/or were too grown up. His school won’t allow anything that looks anything remotely like trainers so I will have to resign myself to buying him dress shoes that I know will have to be replaced on a monthly basis 😅 I probably am being unreasonable and probably also exaggerating with envisaging monthly shoe purchases but I needed a rant as it’s a bone of contention in our household at the moment. If anybody had any recommendations for trendy but long lasting shoes suitable for school, please share them!

OP posts:
Kneeslikethese · 27/08/2025 23:28

Docs are OK for school. Ds has had Ben Sherman shoes in the past. Surprisingly robust. Debenhams online stock them.

NeverDropYourMooncup · 27/08/2025 23:28

What type of shoe is 'too grown up' for a teenager with size 10 feet?

dottyaboutstripes · 27/08/2025 23:25

My ds has had Clarks from Amazon for a few years - I think they are called Bradley Vibe? Maybe not the coolest but he tolerates them 😆

Lovelylydia · 27/08/2025 23:24

I always bought Camper or DMs for DS school. Hated the Clarke styles

tulippa · 27/08/2025 23:23

I'm so glad DS is moving into sixth form next month so we no longer have this problem! I think we managed with a few pairs from Next for the last couple of years.

ShowOfHands · 27/08/2025 23:19

DS has size 9/10 feet and wears Dr Martens or army issue boots.

WinterCarlisle · 27/08/2025 23:15

Literally couldn’t agree more! I have 3 boys and I feel your pain. I cannot understand for the life of me why they can’t wear plain black trainers. Better for their feet and better for playing sport at lunch time which should be bloody encouraged! Once they get out of kid sizes, Clarkes are useless. I’ve found kickers are reasonable but pricey.

My youngest WRECKED his shoes 3 weeks before the end of term: I bought him some surprisingly good ones from Primark as no way was I spending £££ 5 minutes before they broke up. £15 and really solid. Look like they’d stand up to a good bit of playground football. BUT they are a bit trainer-ish….I care not though and am willing to fight this one!! I’m not a die hard rule breaker but I can’t stand a rule without a decent rationale.

tellmesomethingtrue · 27/08/2025 23:07

Hushpuppies

ElfDragon · 27/08/2025 23:06

Geox have a few styles that go that large in their kids school shoes. I am hoping their quality is still good (haven’t bought geox for a few years) as have just bought some for ds.

puffylovett · 27/08/2025 23:05

Have a look at Startrite shoes if you haven’t already. We’ve always had them, they do a range of styles and widths / sizes.