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Original poster

Would you allow your 14 year old these (platform Doc Martens) for school?

61 replies

MsFogi · 15/05/2022 12:08

So, DD3 who is 14 is desperate for these shoes Doc Marten platforms - she would wear them both in and out of school (and it seems they would fall in the school uniform policy). Part of me thinks 'okay, she's at the age where she wants to be a bit edgy/have her own style and, whilst the platform is a bit high, they are probably a lot better for her feet than some of the shoes I wore to school in the 80s'. The other part of me thinks 'This surely can't be good for her posture/feet'. Also, I'm worried that I will undermine myself given that originally I had said she could have the similar style that has a smaller platform - but it seems they just won't cut it (and she will continue to wear her DM boots to school all summer rather than have the 'real' platforms), so getting them would mean me backing down.
WWYD wise MNers?

OP posts:
axolotlfloof · 15/05/2022 13:09

I think they are fine.
My kids school doesn't seem to fussy about uniform and mine wear black trainers.
Those would definitely be OK. I quite like them.

Echobelly · 15/05/2022 13:05

If the school would allow it, fine.

I started secondary with (non-DMs) with similar soles to that at the end of the 80s!

JennyAct3 · 15/05/2022 13:01

My DD’s feet haven’t grown since age 13, for what it’s worth.

Newlychosencatservant · 15/05/2022 12:59

My DD is nearly 15 and her feet seem to have stopped growing at a 6.5 or 7 (same as mine which is handy!)

dottiedodah · 15/05/2022 12:55

I think they look fine to me .I dont know how much feet grow after 14 though .Look sensible and built to last!

dexterslockedintheshedagain · 15/05/2022 12:51

Yes.
I wear similar for work, they've lasted 22 yrs and still going strong, so fair to say they've been value for money, I think

PandaOrLion · 15/05/2022 12:51

Yes. Over 50% of students in y10 and 11 at my school have them and we’re V strict on uniform and a lot of staff wear DMs- they’re really comfortable. There’s some without the yellow stitching if needed.

TitoMojito · 15/05/2022 12:48

They look like good, sturdy shoes that would be suitable for school. If the stitching is an issue, she can paint it or Sharpie it as PP said.

RJnomore1 · 15/05/2022 12:48

Girls feet tend to be done by 14 - well mine and both my daughters were.

I won’t get into the uniform debate but it remains ridiculous.

BabycakesMatlala · 15/05/2022 12:47

Sorry, meant to say, she can walk miles and miles in them no problems.

BabycakesMatlala · 15/05/2022 12:46

Mine has these, but she goes to a non-uniform school (and we got them second hand off eBay). I wasn't hugely enthused about such mega inflexible soles, but then thought back to the various footware I'd survived when young, and these seemed relatively sensible!

oviraptor21 · 15/05/2022 12:45

It's not about the yellow stitching per se, it's about drawing an easy line as to what is suitable and what isn't.
Apart from that the shoes in themselves seem fine. However I do cringe at the need to spend £150 to keep these children happy, especially when their feet are still growing. Peer pressure still rules even when the uniform rules are tightly defined.

TheYearOfSmallThings · 15/05/2022 12:45

Wow yes, I just noticed the price!

They used to be £60 in my day...

NeverDropYourMooncup · 15/05/2022 12:41

Newlychosencatservant · 15/05/2022 12:35

They are expensive, but last for years!

Not at 14 when your feet are very likely to still be growing, though.

TheYearOfSmallThings · 15/05/2022 12:39

If the school will accept them I'd buy them like a shot. Sturdy, won't pinch her feet, and the thick soles will keep her feet warm and dry - my mum would have been ecstatic if I volunteered to wear these at school.

RJnomore1 · 15/05/2022 12:36

Yep no issue for me

how ridiculous about yellow stitching not being allowed in some schools! Oh

Newlychosencatservant · 15/05/2022 12:35

They are expensive, but last for years!

supadupapupascupa · 15/05/2022 12:34

Sensible choice I would say.

RagzRebooted · 15/05/2022 12:34

How comfortable are they? School day involves a lot of walking around.

bedsidetab · 15/05/2022 12:33

no way would I spend that on school shoes.

Newlychosencatservant · 15/05/2022 12:32

Yes, my DD had a pair like this in her first and second year at high school. They lasted well. She now wears a pair of my Dr Marten jadon platform boots. They are still going strong after several years and are good in all weather.

We are in Scotland and don't have the very strict uniform rules, it seems silly when a pair of perfectly good, hard wearing shoes are not allowed because of a wee bit of yellow stitching!

Smartiepants79 · 15/05/2022 12:30

I wouldn’t spend £150 on shoes for school.
I definitely wouldn’t spend £150 on shoes for school without checking 100% she’s going to be allowed to wear them.
I think they’re just fine in theory, they’re not inappropriate for her age as such and I’d let her have them to wear at home etc.

FritataPatate · 15/05/2022 12:27

Check with school before you buy.

AbsolutelyNebulous · 15/05/2022 12:25

I was expecting some monstrosity tbh but those look fine to me. Oh and it’s not “undermining” yourself! It’s showing that you’re capable of taking her opinions on board and reconsidering a decision rather than irrationally digging your heels in over something that isn’t a big deal.

JennyAct3 · 15/05/2022 12:25

Fine by me but I would have a back up pair of shoes in case these take months to break in. Also as they are pricey possibly a contribution towards the cost.They are good shoes though. My DD 15 has a pair of Dr Martens still going strong after 3 years.