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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if these are acceptable to wear as school shoes?

395 replies

CovidIsADick · 05/10/2021 14:59

My son has just been put into detention for the second day in a row for wearing the wrong shoes. He has been threatened with a fixed term exclusion too. Their uniform policy says if their shoes have laces they must be black and that they can’t be canvas. These look smart, they have black laces and they are leather. My DS has issues with his feet because of their shape and normal school shoes hurt him. We’ve tried so many different brands.

YANBU- these are acceptable as school shoes.

YABU- the school is right.

To ask if these are acceptable to wear as school shoes?
To ask if these are acceptable to wear as school shoes?
OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
Raindancer411 · 05/10/2021 20:32

Are those And1s? Sadly ours don't like trainers and they wouldn't allow these either

TheKeatingFive · 05/10/2021 20:36

I don’t understand why parents cannot just support the uniform policy they agreed to when they applied for a school.

If the uniform policy felt more in keeping with the actual expectations of the adult world we're supposed to be preparing kids for, I expect people would be more supportive of it.

And it's really not like parents are so replete with choices for secondary that they can afford to get fussy over uniform policies.

doobidoobidoo · 05/10/2021 21:03

@TheKeatingFive

I don’t understand why parents cannot just support the uniform policy they agreed to when they applied for a school.

If the uniform policy felt more in keeping with the actual expectations of the adult world we're supposed to be preparing kids for, I expect people would be more supportive of it.

And it's really not like parents are so replete with choices for secondary that they can afford to get fussy over uniform policies.

It's pretty standard for secondary schools to not allow trainers. Yes it's a bit rubbish considering trainers are more accepted in the world of work than they used to be, but that's where we are. In a situation like the OP's there needs to be a dialogue with the school about the problems the child has with his feet and what solutions can be found. Not just a "well I thought they were shoes" when they are clearly Nike trainers.
GreenLakes · 05/10/2021 21:03

@TheKeatingFive

It’s about having a culture of high standards and high expectations. That can’t happen if you have DC and teachers walking about in trainers and tracksuits.

I wouldn’t send my DC near a school that allowed trainers and I suspect many parents are similar.

TheKeatingFive · 05/10/2021 21:08

It’s about having a culture of high standards and high expectations. That can’t happen if you have DC and teachers walking about in trainers and tracksuits.

What utter, utter nonsense.

Are you familiar with the tech sector?

TheKeatingFive · 05/10/2021 21:08

It's pretty standard for secondary schools to not allow trainers.

But that doesn't mean it's logical or justified.

AngelicaElizaAndPeggy · 05/10/2021 21:10

They would pass in the school I work at, but they look massively chavvy. Sorry if that's not the answer you are looking for. I used to heavily covet these classics when I was a teenager so my teenage self would no-doubt love those Nike shockers.

To ask if these are acceptable to wear as school shoes?
moofolk · 05/10/2021 21:11

I think fine but as PP said, some schools have bonkers rules about shoes.

Trainers fine at my kids' school but have to be all black including sole and light so these would be fine.

My kid got told he couldn't wear his shoes because there was a bit of grey on the side of the sole.

Some of the teacher have lovely, cheerfully coloured shoes though

TheKeatingFive · 05/10/2021 21:12

I had those Kickers in black when I was in sixth form. Very comfy. 😆

PurpleFlower1983 · 05/10/2021 21:13

They’re trainers so YABU but personally I think schools needs to lighten up.

Looubylou · 05/10/2021 21:14

Detention for the wrong shoes is disgraceful - do they not realise that mist kids don't have the luxury of choosing own shoes?

PurpleFlower1983 · 05/10/2021 21:14

Oh I had those Kickers in black Grin

Hesma · 05/10/2021 21:17

Not acceptable at any school I’ve worked at. They are trainers and have massive logo to boot!

doobidoobidoo · 05/10/2021 21:18

@TheKeatingFive

It's pretty standard for secondary schools to not allow trainers.

But that doesn't mean it's logical or justified.

I didn't say it was. But if it's clear on the school rules then it's expected the kids will wear shoes not trainers.
TheKeatingFive · 05/10/2021 21:19

But if it's clear on the school rules then it's expected the kids will wear shoes not trainers.

In fairness the OP's son is dealing with some exceptional circumstances here.

BlackeyedSusan · 05/10/2021 21:21

write to them and state he wears these due to his medical condition. (after having an operation on his feet when small. ) and these are the closedt thing you can get to school shoes without him being in pain all day.

StormyCornishSeas · 05/10/2021 21:22

At the school I work at, the style would be allowed I.e black leather trainer but would be banned due to the Nike logo on the side

EatSprayGlove · 05/10/2021 21:25

I'm dreading secondary for this reason. They are trainers so I don't think they fit school policy. I have sympathy though as DS has peculiar shaped feet and so far the only school shoes that haven't caused bleeding within the first weeks of use have been black trainers. We can get away with them in primary and I wish they were acceptable in secondary as even supposed wide fit shoes have rubbed him

Mazblue86 · 05/10/2021 21:25

Nike Airs cost a fortune. They're clearly a fashion item and not suitable for school. I don't believe any parent would not realise that. If the uniform list says 'shoes' it doesn't mean trainers. Like it or not schools instil conformity in order to ensure order and routine. Don't like it? Homeschool or find a democratic free school.

Porcupineintherough · 05/10/2021 21:28

@Mazblue86 did you read the OPs last post? I doubt her son arranged to be born with an extra toe just so he could wear trainers to school.

TheKeatingFive · 05/10/2021 21:33

Like it or not schools instil conformity in order to ensure order and routine.

Makes you wonder how the majority of European schools function without these 'shoe' codes, doesn't it?

doobidoobidoo · 05/10/2021 21:34

@TheKeatingFive

But if it's clear on the school rules then it's expected the kids will wear shoes not trainers.

In fairness the OP's son is dealing with some exceptional circumstances here.

Which is why I said there needs to be a dialogue between the parents and school. DS had his blazer taken in his first week. Not his fault, but I wasn't going to run out and buy him a new one till I was sure the original one wasn't being returned. But to do that I spoke to the school to ensure DS wouldn't get a punishment and also put it in writing I have no idea if the OP has done this or not as she hasn't said.
honkytonkheroe · 05/10/2021 21:38

My son wears pretty much these shoes/trainers to primary. I would not expect them to be acceptable at secondary.

Rosehip10 · 05/10/2021 21:45

They are trainers OP Biscuit

honkytonkheroe · 05/10/2021 21:45

Sorry, just read up it more recent post regarding his medical problem. If that was my son I absolutely would expect him to be allowed wear those shoes. I personally think they are a cross between shoes and trainers and that usually I'd expect a blanket no but in your circumstances I would expect a cross between trainers and shoes to be accepted and a good compromise to a medical problem.