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School shoes!

6 replies

Ruthysgift · 18/02/2022 09:57

Wondering if anyone can help me! I’m having trouble finding some school shoes for my 9 year old son. He has dyspraxia and trouble with independently putting his shoes on. Also because of sensory issues he takes them on and off all day whilst sitting, so need shoes he can do that with. He struggles to get them on and off and is in a rush to keep up with other kids if going outside or whatever, so he’ll just shove his feet in stepping on the backs until they are worn down. So they are flapping off him. He tripped and fell breaking his arm very badly at school as a result of this.
I initially bought him some very expensive Nike shoes that they said they’d made with special needs in mind for children, and they have worked better as the backs are made solid so he literally can’t rest his feet on them! although they did have laces which I had to lace in a way he didn’t have to do up (he can’t do laces) just made them so he had to slip his foot into them, but not ideal as the laces did work their way out sometimes. Anyway he’s out grown these and they are battered anyway! I can’t get another pair as they seem to have discontinued!
Just wondered if any parents had similar issues and could recommend? I’ve ordered a few online and had to send about three pairs back now as not suitable! He won’t go shoe shopping as it’s become an issue with him and he’s hard to manage in the shop, we are waiting a diagnosis for autism as he definitely has traits and shoes are an issue!!
It doesn’t matter about uniform rules I’ve told the school I’m not interested in that after he broke his arm there because of this!! So any brand and type that any one could suggest would be greatly appreciated!!

OP posts:
boobybum · 19/02/2022 09:30

What shoe size is he? We’ve had success with the Nike Pico which has Velcro straps rather than laces but I think they now only have them up to a size 2.5.
Have you considered using elastic laces?

landofgiants · 24/02/2022 23:27

Could try curly 'no tie' elastic laces or Greeper laces if you need more support. Mine boy is currently in a pair of Clarks ankle boots with a side zip as he needs ankle support (I've just checked on the website and they are not currently in stock). Greeper laces are really good, although you do need a bit of hand strength to operate them.

I know exactly what you mean re: the shoe shopping trips. Our local Clarks is often much quieter on a Sunday, and DS (11) can just about cope with a short trip there now.

AnotherBrightSunrise · 25/02/2022 12:14

Look up geocache arzach youth (I bought them from Schuh). Very hard wearing and waterproof and with a zip down the side so you don’t need to lace and unlace them. Best shoes we’ve had so far.

AnotherBrightSunrise · 25/02/2022 12:15

I mean Geox!

Ohsugarhoneyicetea · 25/02/2022 12:30

Start Rite rhino work well for mine, very solid and hard wearing and discrete velcro straps.

Andersongrace · 22/07/2022 07:45

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