Where to buy if not Nike

[AliceMcK]

So after swearing on MN to walk with my purse along with Sharon Davies and others I decided after over 30 years not to buy Nike anymore. My very young DDs were in support after I said it would apply to ongoing purchases and they’d just had a big sports purchase. Anyway my now 11yo is pushing back. She’s struggled to find trainers she loves and lasts as long as Nike, she’d only ever worn Nike as they were my go to trainers. She also loves their clothing “style”. Because at the time I said I’d buy second hand she is clinging to that and begging me to buy second hand trainers. I’m all for second hand shopping, in fact i love it, but not for footwear especially footwear she will be wearing all the time and trainers others have broken in.

I’m not very in the know with brands, I’ve worn Nike and Redbox trainers my entire life.

Whats out there that I can start buying? We don’t have a lot of money but I’d pay a few extra pounds for something decent than need to replace something cheap. DD would normally be very active but has had health issues these last 6 months so hardly worn any sports wear, she’s hoping to change that soon.

What sports/activities are you looking to do in the shoes? Do they also need to double as mooching around shoes?

Is the Nike clothing also something you're looking to substitute or are you happy to thrift that?

Happy to offer advice. To be honest, Nike is pretty passé these days. Adidas, for all it's (much milder IMO) TRA sins is much more on point right now. Other brands are also having a bit of a renaissance it seems.

Clothes wise is it for actually working out in or just wearing?

I like USA Pro for the gym, the leggings are comfortable and a good thickness. It’s not the coolest brand but they last and perform well. Gymshark is good, but the leggings are not squat proof. Sweaty Betty and Lululemon are lovely and can regularly be found on eBay for a fraction of what you’d pay new.

i find second hand gym gear is often in great shape as it often gets bought with good intentions then not used.

It’s mainly for my DDs, I’ve never cared about brands even when younger, the only reason I wore Nike is because my DB bought me a pair when I was 15 and I loved how comfortable they were compared to my market bought trainers. I’m not sporty so don’t know much about sports brands, I’m very much a dress & heals person who only started to dress casually when I because a SAHM and I’m happy with what ever I pick up off a sales rack, I don’t look at the brand.

I bought Nike when my DDs started school because I used them and they lasted. My oldest DD has started high school and all the girls wear Nike Pro leggings & shorts as well as trainers. Up until now brands hadn’t been an issue, the trainers I bought were for comfort not name, but my DDs have been so accustomed to them they aren’t liking not wearing them anymore.

I did a shop recently to replace old jumpers I got a mix of Lonsdale, Elle & USA Pro but my oldest DD really wants a Nike hoodie and is saying the trainers she has aren’t as comfortable as her old Nike ones so has been going through vinted for second hand Nike ones.

My dd has had a very hard time since starting high school she is treat differently to everyone else for special reasons and is desperate to fit in, something she’s never cared about before. She loves the things I’ve bought her but I feel she just wants Nike because her friends all wear it. I’m hoping if I find something as comfortable and good looking she will be ok. I will break and but Nike for her if I have to but I want to try other options first.

Right. The peer group thing makes it much tougher. Even if your daughter rocks up in an outfit that has trendier components (say, sharp Adidas trainers or whatever), the difference alone will make her feel self conscious.

Its been a while since I read your OP. Let me refresh myself on the brief and I'll come up with some ideas you could run past her, but like you, push come to shove I'd pinch my nose under the circumstances.

I absolutely get why. But I also think - you making the point makes almost zero difference to Nike, but a HUGE difference to your daughter.

id swallow this one and do it for her tbh.

Right. It's just the shoes. Even teenagers can't be that cultish as to expect a head to toe mono brand outfit, down to the shoes? People have different shaped feet after all.

Personally I'd show her the Puma website, the Adidas website, and OnRunning websites. Should be stuff available there at a range of prices and all respected brands in terms of street appeal.

If you want something more niche, Allbirds are in with the hipster crowd. Saucony if you're into running.

Adidas were also flagged as a company to boycott for similar reasons to Nike afaik.

Adidas are also on Sex Matters archive list of Stonewall Champions. See
https://sex-matters.org/campaigns/keeping-track-of-stonewall/
Sex Matters say that they 'try to keep [the list] up to date by crossing off organisations as we hear of them leaving, and adding new ones' and ask if anyone hears of changes either way to let them know.

I'd give her a clothing allowance and let her spend as she wishes. My boycotts are for me, not my family members. I know that's fudging it a bit as it's still your money, but meh, I'd be OK with it if it's that important to her feeling she fits in.

I do agree with your principle, though.

I’ve already given my head a wobble and told her and my 9yo DD that my issues with Nike are my own, if they really want to buy Nike then they can.

They are both quite good when it comes to being environmentally friendly, both being on the eco committee at primary school, they are happy to wear second hand which is why my older dd has been pushing me to get her trainers off vinted. We as a family wear a lot of used clothes, but I do have a thing about 2nd hand shoes, I’m happy to buy something for a one off but when it comes to regular school and sports shoes I will always go new and if I have to, slightly more expensive for a decent fit that will last.