Help me parse "school shoes" vs. trainers

133 replies

ysette9 · 31/08/2025 15:07

As a new parent newly moved to the UK, I appreciate these forums as a source of advice. My oldest is starting Year 7 and we are parsing the uniform policy. I've never experienced a shoe policy other than "wear something you can safely run and play in", so figuring out what is considered school shoes is a bit mysterious.

I looked at the example images the school provided of acceptable footwear, and it is a collection of horrifyingly ugly and horrifyingly uncomfortable/disfiguring torture devices. I want their feet to be in foot-shaped, flexible, flat shoes to promote balance and proper development. I found these shoes that seem to fit the bill, but my spouse is concerned they look too "trainer-like". Neither of us can determine what a trainer is or is not. I know the decision is ultimately up to the judges at school, but I'd love your collective input to help educate me.

These are the shoes: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/187473076260 I blacked out the edges to make it more subtle. I'll see if I can figure a way to add an attachment to this post with the actual photos.

OP posts:

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CMOTDibbler · 31/08/2025 15:16

Oh, with your edit, those shoes would not be acceptable. Just buy a pair as shown by the school information

Original poster

ysette9 · 31/08/2025 15:16

I am no longer able to edit the original message.

School policy wording is as follows:

"Plain black polishable school shoes. Laces and stitching must be black. No trainers, Velcro, boots or fabric shoes. No Vans or boots. No trimmings i.e., buckles, labels, tags or decorations. "

Shoe images included below.

Help me parse "school shoes" vs. trainers

OP posts:

CMOTDibbler · 31/08/2025 15:14

What exactly does the uniform policy say? Usually if it just says shoes, no trainers then you just need to go to Clarks and choose a pair of black leather shoes from their kids section. If you go to the local branch the staff may know what is acceptable at that particular school

stichguru · 31/08/2025 15:14

Fitzcarraldo353 · 31/08/2025 15:10

Unhelpfully I think this varies by school. Some schools don't allow Kicker style shoes and others do. Our DS school is relatively relaxed compared to other local secondary schools. It's very hard to know!

Agree with this. Your child's school website will almost certainly have a detailed explanation of what does and doesn't count. That, or advice from a parent at the same school. would be your best bet. Secondaries vary a lot in what counts!

Lady1576 · 31/08/2025 15:13

The main rule/distinction I have seen (I am a secondary school teacher) is no large/visible brand logos and entirely black. If you meet both of these criteria even trainer-type shoes should be classed as school-appropriate. Also be careful about socks - we are stupidly picky that socks must be grey unless a girl is wearing them with a skirt when they must be white. Bizarre and ridiculous but they genuinely do pick up on it during the first few days of uniform checks 🤣

TeenToTwenties · 31/08/2025 15:13

Start with telling us what the school wording says, and whether they supply photos of acceptable or unacceptable.

Black leather lace ups with the sole having a clear break after the heel rather than flat heel to toe.

chuzzlewitthechipmunk · 31/08/2025 15:13

DC’s school is “no visible branding, can be polished all over”. But schools vary.

Fitzcarraldo353 · 31/08/2025 15:10

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