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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
notangelinajolie · 05/10/2021 15:22

They aren't shoes. They are Nike branded trainers.
I'm sorry but I think rules should apply to everyone and if the school says shoes should be worn then trainers will just not do.

I suggest your first port of call is to a chiropodist? My DD had special inserts made for her school shoes which helped. If there is a problem that needs fixing, it needs to be done when he is young.

School uniform is not something worth getting worked up about. Work with the school - not against them. You won't win.

You could if course move schools to one that does allow trainers. A bit drastic but if you feel really strongly about it?

Winterfellismyhome · 05/10/2021 15:22

Those are Jordans which are trainers

WeepySheepy · 05/10/2021 15:23

Also stops other kids beating them up or nicking their nearly £100 trainers

Porcupineintherough · 05/10/2021 15:24

@EerieSilence

Can someone explain this obsession with proper uniform to me? Is this one of the features of the cast... eh ... class system? Does it make the school system better quality? Influences the rankings of British schools in PISA tests and makes them better than school systems with no uniforms?
The pressure for branded stuff, esp trainers, can be really problematic for kids from less well off families. Its also a nightmare when shoes worth £££ or other designer gear go missing.
EarringsandLipstick · 05/10/2021 15:25

That's ridiculous. The rules in schools in the UK (based on what I read here) are nuts. There are of course uniform rules here (Ireland) but nothing as extreme as some of what I read here, and the consequences aren't as harsh either.

multivac · 05/10/2021 15:27

They are trainers - very expensive, branded trainers. At least part of the reason schools have strict policies around shoes is to stop the kind of bullying that can be associated with families not being able to afford £100 for the 'right' footwear. I appreciate you state that your motivation is entirely comfort - but perhaps you can see the school's point, too?

1forAll74 · 05/10/2021 15:28

Detention for wearing the wrong footwear, whatever next. I have even heard of children being put in isolation for some wrong doing or such. The schools should concentrate on something more important for the students. I believe that lunch box food is also checked as well.. All sounds like a prison experience to me.

pinkstripeycat · 05/10/2021 15:32

They are Jordan Jumpmans. Smart and sensible but sadly schools don’t like trainer types shoes. If your child is a medical letter stating he has issues with his feet, that might help

LemonMuffins · 05/10/2021 15:32

They're definitely trainers. You might have got away with completely plain black trainers but I can see why they don't want kids wearing £££ Nike when everyone else is in shoes.

UntilYourNextHairBrainedScheme · 05/10/2021 15:32

The insanity of the English school uniform culture! As a former teacher at English secondary schools and parent of three teens and pre teens who've only ever been to non uniform schools I am confirmed in my opinion that school uniforms are one of the stupidest things English schools waste teacher and pupil time on.

Of course those shoes should be fine. Of course they aren't...

Cocomarine · 05/10/2021 15:34

@1forAll74

Detention for wearing the wrong footwear, whatever next. I have even heard of children being put in isolation for some wrong doing or such. The schools should concentrate on something more important for the students. I believe that lunch box food is also checked as well.. All sounds like a prison experience to me.
Well I suppose it’s a prison-like experience in that in can be easily avoided by following the rules!

I don’t see the point in this thread. I personally disagree with the uniform obsession, but what’s the point in asking? Are you going to tell the school to accept then because 50% of MN AIBU think they’re OK?

Ask the school.

And also ask them how to proceed with medical evidence if needed.

Newoneagain20 · 05/10/2021 15:36

They are trainers - our school wouldn’t allow them as per the school uniform policy.
Whether that’s right or not - another local school does allow plain black trainers (like those) but looking at the kids as kids do push the boundaries and a mix of colour/designs (one pair was more like trainer boots at £140!)) rules as ever are to be broken & pushed!

itsraininghere · 05/10/2021 15:36

Would be totally fine at both my DC secondary schools.

Does the wording of the policy actually say 'no trainers' or the wording from your OP? If the latter then you should push back in support of your DS.
In any case can you get a letter from the doctor?
The whole thing is ridiculous and schools should have much better things to worry about than the form of your black shoes

GreenFingersWouldBeHandy · 05/10/2021 15:38

My DS has issues with his feet because of their shape

If it's a legitimate medical reason, get a letter from your GP. Otherwise, he's going to have to suck it up and wear 'normal' shoes like everyone else.

MrsMiddleMother · 05/10/2021 15:38

They're branded trainers not school shoes. Why must some parents always fight on uniform Hmm

driftcompatible · 05/10/2021 15:39

School is clearly right. These are trainers. I've worked at a lot of schools and they wouldn't be acceptable anywhere I've worked.

MrsSkylerWhite · 05/10/2021 15:39

Trainers, sorry.

NotMyselfWithoutCoffee · 05/10/2021 15:40

Why are they punishing the child though?
In this instance surely the school should be writing to the parents, the child can't control what shoes the parents are buying for them.

Thatsjustwhatithink · 05/10/2021 15:41

They are clearly Nike trainers. Expensive Nike trainers. I wouldn't have worn them at school.

Why should you son wear these rather than just follow the policy? Just get some comfy insoles or go to the physio/chiropodist about his feet.

TheKeatingFive · 05/10/2021 15:42

I am confirmed in my opinion that school uniforms are one of the stupidest things English schools waste teacher and pupil time on.

Totally agree.

Looking at it from the outside, it's an absolutely crazy waste of everyone's energy.

SpeakingFranglais · 05/10/2021 15:42

My DS used to wear that type of thing at school, he’s 27 now. Probably wouldn’t have got away with it in year 7 but he was year 11 and I think by that stage the teachers were a bit less strict with the older ones.

whatistheworld · 05/10/2021 15:43

my son has these and with size 11 feet (adults) the alternatives that will last are costly. Clarks were £120.00. My son goes to school to be educated not to ponder over his foot wear!
I stood my ground and no issues since

lancaster · 05/10/2021 15:44

Would be fine at our school. Both my kids wear black vans.

SingingGoldfinch · 05/10/2021 15:45

They wouldn't be acceptable at my dc's school. The uniform policy includes a page of photos with unacceptable shoes/trainers and these would definitely feature.

Becca8675309 · 05/10/2021 15:45

They are, very obviously, trainers. YABU.

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