Shoe inspiration for 6th form. Acceptable shoes that are more towards trainers than formal shoes?

[jammiepodger]

My DS has only worn trainers for the last few years but this isn’t allowed at 6th form. He’s suggesting Kickers, which he wore until about yr9 when his school uniform changed. I think there’s probably an alternative that are a bit more “grown up” than Kickers but aren’t those super smart stiff adult office shoes. He won’t wear DMs.
I’d like some examples that I can show him and then also email to the school to see if they are ok before we buy.
im going to try and attach a photo of some Clarks I saw advertised the other day that I think may be going in the right direction (though DS may say absolutely not!)
Thanks in advance for your help.

Something like this but probably in black?

He’s going into Sixth Form. If he wants Kickers, leave him to it.

Those look like trainers.

Does the school not have pictures of acceptable/non-acceptable shoes on its website?

Nike Air Force 1.

Are they in uniform? Or own clothes?

DS's rather fashionable gf pursuaded him into something like these:

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su898020/y28241

But they won't work if you are trying to find a substitute for black leather shoes.

You need to look at your school’s uniform policy. They really vary, so hearing what other sixth forms across the UK and beyond allow really isn’t going to help you…

The ones in the photo definitely look like trainers. I think the suggestion of Nike Air Force 1s above is intended as a joke! They are also definitely trainers.
Why won’t he wear smart shoes? When he goes to work he may well have to wear smart shoes and there are occasions in life that require them aswell. Agree looking at the schools policy is a good idea and then just following it. If he won’t abide by the dress code the school won’t be happy and if everyone else just gets on with it he’ll look a bit daft. It’s about learning what is appropriate and what that says about you.

Would black leather trainers fit the policy? Something like black.leather converse?

I know they say trainers but these are acceptable at my son’s sixth form and they have lasted really well.

Check the uniform policy (or rather the dress code)
Headteacher at DS school has a thing about shoes. Have to be proper shoes with laces or slip on even in 6th form. They have to wear suits as well

i’d ask about the policy. all the shoes with rubber soles and laces on this thread look like trainers to me. you dont want to buy a dear pair of shoes he doesn’t really like and wont wear outside school only to be told he can’t wear them in school either!

It really depends on the individual school. My ds has to wear a suit on sixth form, trainers are definitely not allowed and would look silly anyway. He doesn’t like “stiff” shoes and he has a wide foot, lots of shoes don’t fit his feet properly and are uncomfortable. He has a pair of hush puppies which look smart but are soft and flexible, and thankfully wide enough!

Not a joke at all. I class a trainer as something I’d do sport in, but I definitely wouldn’t with these. They’re leather and more structured than other trainers, and are generally very popular with school kids (as they’re relatively smart, or at least smarter than a trainer but not as much as an actual shoe!).

Policy says “smart black leather shoes” No photos on the website.
The ones I posted a picture of are obviously the wrong colour but definitely aren’t trainers. But no,maybe aren’t smart enough.
Air Force Ones are definitely trainers!
Im going to email the school. For all I know even Kickers might not be allowed, there are definitely other schools around here where they aren’t.

At no point did I say he won’t abide by the dress code so not sure where that came from?
I want him to be smart but comfy. There are less and less occasions these days where formal leather lace up shoes are needed. Trainers or trainer type shoes are standard footwear in all walks of life. A bit like suits falling out of favour, so I find it strange some 6th forms insist on them being their “uniform”
If he needs to wear formal leather shoes then he will wear formal leather shoes.

This would mean “proper” shoes to me. I’d have a look on Next online and order a few pairs to try. It’s possible to get black leather shoes that are still soft and comfortable but definitely shoes not trainers

Jesus christ, just let him wear Kickers and get on with your life.

Crikey, that was a strong response!
Since I’m going to be the one spending nearly a hundred quid on his shoes, I don’t want him to either end up with shoes the school say no to (may not allow Kickers) or for him to come home after the first week and say “everyone else is wearing x shoes so I now hate mine” as was what happened in yr7 when he insisted on a specific style that I just knew he was going to regret!

Don’t worry OP, there’s always some cheeky bugger.

My son has black leather converse for occasions (like when he plays in an orchestra) where his normal converse are not smart enough. https://www.converse.com/uk/en/shop/p/chuck-taylor-all-star-mono-leather-unisex-low-top-shoe/135253C.html?dwvar_135253C_color=black%20mono&styleNo=135253C&cgid=Leather%20Sneakers