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Original poster

Do these shoes look ok for secondary school DS

48 replies

secular39 · 27/08/2022 18:22

Hello all,

So my eldest DS has something called Tibial Torsion, so he finds wearing leather types shoes very uncomfortable to walk in. So we went shoe shopping today and he chose these by DR martens. I purchased the shoes as after all the shops we visited, he found a pair that he liked. But I'm not so sure as it looks so plimsoles... what do you all think?
Should I return them?

Do these shoes look ok for secondary school DS
OP posts:
OakleyStreetisnotinChelsea · 27/08/2022 19:10

If they suit your child's medical needs then send him in them with a letter or email the school. Most are reasonable. Our school is very strict and often idiotic about uniform but even they let my dc wear non regulation shoes to accommodate his prescribed insoles.

yasminisa · 27/08/2022 19:11

My eldest ds has issues with his feet, and he wears Clark's made from softer leather. But if your child finds these are the only ones he can wear comfortably, then the school should make allowances.

Sarahcoggles · 27/08/2022 19:11

secular39 · 27/08/2022 19:00

It just says on the school policy 'smart black shoes or smart black loafers with no obvious designs"...

How do the kids who wear trainers get away with it?

PuttingDownRoots · 27/08/2022 19:11

They would be against my DDs school policy (no trainer type shoes) BUT it also specifically says that Drs notes for other shoes are permitted.

(Unfortunately for me I don't think "I cant find any shoe she will tolerate that fits is a medical reason)

TooMuchToDoTooLittleInclination · 27/08/2022 19:11

secular39 · 27/08/2022 18:54

Ok, I will check the school policy. It seems like a very relaxed school as there's a few kids who wear trainers. But do you think the shoes look a bit smartish?

They look 'ok' brand new, but not £85 worth of smartish. But if you think they'll last then maybe. I can't see how they'll last any better than other canvas shoes myself, but 💁🏻‍♀️

they'll look a lot less smart after they've been worn a week & been rained on.

but you know your sons particular requirements.

I hope he enjoys his new school!!

Original poster
secular39 · 27/08/2022 19:11

HPandTheNeverEndingBedtime · 27/08/2022 19:07

The downside of canvas is that it isnt as protective during more practical subjects. Theyll be using hot water frequently in science which would not soak through leather (or leather imitation) shoes and slotted masses that can fall and land on their toes if not being careful. In DT theyll be being other similar risky things that could result in injury if wearing canva shoes.

Didn't think of this. But I have owned so many pairs of Dr martens, canvas's, leather boots, sandals... when I say DR martens are indestructible- they seriously are! DS had two pairs in primary which looked brand new by the end of the new year. We had Kickers but they often became damaged so we had to keep getting new ones. Hello

OP posts:
TooMuchToDoTooLittleInclination · 27/08/2022 19:17

PuttingDownRoots · 27/08/2022 19:11

They would be against my DDs school policy (no trainer type shoes) BUT it also specifically says that Drs notes for other shoes are permitted.

(Unfortunately for me I don't think "I cant find any shoe she will tolerate that fits is a medical reason)

It rather depends, surely, whether she has any additional needs or not?

TooMuchToDoTooLittleInclination · 27/08/2022 19:19

@secular39

if there's a H&S issue in some classes (like chemistry) maybe you can get a cheap pair of shoes just for that class?

Original poster
secular39 · 27/08/2022 19:23

I loved these shoes. I was trying to persuade DS to get these but he said it made his feet look funny. Plus, I couldn't justify the price as his feet may grow again!!

Do these shoes look ok for secondary school DS
OP posts:
itsgettingweird · 27/08/2022 19:23

Is it a medical condition your ds has? Diagnosed and registered on his medical notes? Does it have something to say about footwear and pain etc?

Because if so it doesn't matter what school will "allow". It it's a king term health condition they must by law make reasonable adjustments under the equality act.

Vallmo47 · 27/08/2022 19:25

Contact your child’s school directly. It’s the only way to know. They wouldn’t be allowed here.

Tallulasdancingshoes · 27/08/2022 20:07

It will depend on how strict the school are. My school would class these in the trainer/casual category and they wouldn’t be allowed.

Freedomfighters · 27/08/2022 20:09

They look a bit plimsole. Nice shoes. But my ds wouldn't get away with it.

MrsKeats · 27/08/2022 21:05

Not ok in my school either.

BeyondPurpleTulips · 27/08/2022 21:15

Completely depends on the school. My local high school is incredibly strict on uniform, for everything but shoes! Nike airmax are approved, so long as they are entirely black (no dr martens allowed, but I think this is down to yellow stitching on the classics rather than style)

BackT · 28/08/2022 10:06

You are not being very clear. You say he has a medical condition that means he can't wear hard leather shoes. Then you say he used to wear kickers (they are hard leather) and that the reason he didn't want the leather DMs is because they look funny.

Sorry but I don't think canvas is going to be ok.

Original poster
secular39 · 28/08/2022 10:08

BackT · 28/08/2022 10:06

You are not being very clear. You say he has a medical condition that means he can't wear hard leather shoes. Then you say he used to wear kickers (they are hard leather) and that the reason he didn't want the leather DMs is because they look funny.

Sorry but I don't think canvas is going to be ok.

He wore kickers when he was very young. But his Tibial torsion is becoming more pronounced as he ages. Therefore, shoes are now starting to become an issue

OP posts:
formulatingAresponse · 28/08/2022 19:30

Load the Nike app

Type in canvas

This will come up which you can customise to all black

Go to a shop and try them on in any colour to see if they suit his feet

Contact the school to explain he needs decently constructed etc canvas shoes and are they allowed if comfortable

Do these shoes look ok for secondary school DS
formulatingAresponse · 28/08/2022 19:33

Secondary school DC are savage between Yr 7-9 so choose wisely and check with the school first before you pay any £

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 28/08/2022 19:41

secular39 · 27/08/2022 19:23

I loved these shoes. I was trying to persuade DS to get these but he said it made his feet look funny. Plus, I couldn't justify the price as his feet may grow again!!

I've promised DD a pair of DMs when her feet stop growing.

chillipenguin · 28/08/2022 19:43

secular39 · 27/08/2022 19:00

It just says on the school policy 'smart black shoes or smart black loafers with no obvious designs"...

Hmm they could just about be ok but I would be concerned about safety during science lessons.

abovedecknotbelow · 28/08/2022 19:46

Not at our school. Dts wear DMs on the advice of their physio - we had to get special permission because of the yellow stitching.

VerifiedBot2351 · 29/08/2022 09:47

@abovedecknotbelow you can get them with black stitching so they are school-friendly.

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