Can I wear trainers to work?

[DiscoDelilah]

In a secondary school?

I'm due to start work as a LSA in a state, mainstream, secondary school.

I have some minor issues with my feet and I'll be on my feet a lot at work. So I want to wear my Allbirds trainers... I know work is more casual these days, but no sure that extends to the classroom. But equally, I cannot get around in uncomfortable shoes.

If anyone can suggest anything other than trainers which might look a bit nicer as well, that would be great!

There will be a policy somewhere that will tell you what you can wear. My secondary is no trainers (unless you're teaching pe!)

I know the midday supervisors wear trainers, but obviously they aren't in the classrooms. I'm in the office and people don't really wear trainers, that I've seen anyway

Not if the kids can't. And in most high schools they're very upset even by pseudo-trainers!

Don’t see why not but surely depends on the school and the dress code - have you met other teachers there and got a feel for the range of dress code?

Skechers might be another comfy alternative, they do some ballet/pumps styles.

I've seen the students in dark coloured trainers...but probably they're still wearing them just because nobody has told them not to rather than it being "allowed"

I'm going to have a look for some "pseudo trainers" I think. Trainers which manage to look like shoes! Weirdly, I'm quite fashion conscious, despite my desperation to wear trainers 😂

I think a dark leather trainer can look quite smart. I wear Fitflop trainers, but my work place is definitely more on the casual side.

I do (but I've a runner so need to be able to move quickly if they escape 🤣)

What about the allbirds tree breezers?

www.allbirds.co.uk/products/womens-tree-breezers-heathered-black?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInsLNjP-b-AIVyYjVCh2Y6QhFEAQYASABEgKa3fD_BwE&size=uk-2

I wear walking trainers at work. Some managers don't like it but I'm on my feet all day and have a medical need after needing a neck operation.

My health is far more important to me than my works footwear regulation and it would be a hill I'm prepared to die on 😂

Seen a comment on sketchers which I loved but destroyed my feet. My physio said we shouldn't be wearing any shoes that you can bend/twist with your hands as they don't offer enough support especially for long periods of time. It's when you know your getting old when you choose your shoes for comfort and not fashion 😂😂😂😂😂

Im a teacher, and I wear black boys "school shoes" - the velcro ones that are essentially trainers. They're very unobtrusive under trousers- no ones ever mentioned it.

I've actually got a pair! They're great, but no good for all day I don't think. I've got dodgy old feet.

@sswift I know 😫😂. It's a sad day. Sensible shoes only 😞

I have seen some Vivo Barefoot ones which might be OK... not beautiful, but inoffensive and should be good for my feet

www.vivobarefoot.com/uk/gobi-iii-womens-ss22?colour=Bracken

I wouldn’t choose Skechers for fashion! A great physiotherapist I saw last year wore Skechers! Funny the variety of opinion :)

I have a pair like these www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08ZT2HMRX/ref=twister_B086RVZSX9 seriously comfortable and look like shoes but feel like trainers

I think you can get some sturdier ones.

Two separate physios told me that, the first one I ignored 😆 and my consultant who did my neck op when he saw me in flip flops which I think was harsh as I could hardly walk at the time let alone let alone bend over to out shoes on 🤣

You can get some really good supports that you add to your shoes. I need ones with arch support or I end up all our of kilter. You can also get ones specially made for your feet but not cheap x

Check school policy assuming there is one for teachers and non-teaching staff.

Ecco lace up shoes are very comfortable and supportive but not particularly stylish though!

Thanks all. I think trainers are going to be a no.

I've ordered some to try on from somewhere called Vionics, which claim to work appropriate, orthopedic shoes! So fingers crossed. I've just had to put away all my pretty shoes. It just isn't practical for my feet anymore 😢. A sad day, but I do have some great trainers for weekends and some boots and sandals which manage to look alright and are also good for my feet. Add in the new work shoes and I have a practical, minimalist shoe capsule by accident 😂

Depending upon the nature of your foot issue could you get a doctor's note and request a reasonable adjustment?

If not try ECCO or Hotter for comfy supportive shoes that aren't trainers.

Thanks, will try those.

I may be able to get a note, but I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb (or sore toe arf arf) if everyone else is in smart shoes.