Best place for kids shoes, plus - shoes or trainers??

[magicmallow]

I bought a pair of black airwalk trainers for DS (7) from sports direct. After just 3 months the soles have holes all the way through - crazy!

I don't have a big budget as am a LP but any recommendations for somewhere decent but not too pricey (as cheap as I can reasonably get away with) would be great.

Also as DS is allowed to wear trainers to school - is it better to buy these, or are the traditional black shoes better for his feet? I'm completely lost as to what is better for them.

Thanks

if you are anywhere near Southampton, French's in Bedford Place are fantastic. They fit the shoes really well, they do repairs if needed, often while you wait and for very little. And the shop is a palace of gleaming wood, and would fit well in Diagonally.