Sole school - Choosing the right student footwear

Published: Saturday | August 22, 2009


It's that dreadful time of year for most parents - back to school. This is when you fawningly plead for your boss to give you yet another day off, grab the kids and head to the mall to get their academic needs.

One of the trickiest items to purchase is shoes. Children usually want footwear that's fun and fashionable, while parents are more concerned about how many football-kicking and fence-climbing days shoes can survive. The buzzwords - affordability and durability. Saturday Life gives you six tips every parent must know.

- Shoes and bag courtesy of Manhattan Shoes, Twin Gates Plaza, St Andrew; 906-1824, 922-2701, 948-5218.

(1) Most high schools have a strict no-sneakers rule, except for physical education classes or extra-curricular sports. It makes no sense having your child return home on the first day because he or she did not obey the school's dress code.

(2) Some students try to take it overboard with fashion in their bid to make a statement. However, bling buckles and other shiny objects are usually not permitted by many schools, so beware of the shoes you select.

(3) Some shoe brands, such as these Hush Puppies, are very expensive but are worth the hole burnt in your pocket. This brand is legendary for durability and comfort. If you want shoes that will last the academic year or longer, you can't go wrong with Hush Puppies.

(4) Extra, extra! Next to shoes, JanSport bags are some of the most desired bags for teens. This also makes them one of the most theft-prone bags, which doesn't make it a good choice if your child is entering first form. However, if they are in upper school, it might be an ideal choice, especially because of its durability.

(5) Many prep and primary schools have a white-only shoe policy for PE. However, it should be a black-only shoe policy because white gets dirty so easily. Nonetheless, if you are buying white sneakers, try buying leather instead of other fabric. It's much easier to clean. While you are at it, get some extra white shoelaces.

(6) If durability and comfort are of utmost importance, you can never go wrong with brands like Timberland and Clark's. Yes, they are pricey, but they are built to last, even for the most rugged student. Of course, if your pocket isn't deep, Jamaica's own Ledermode brand will stand you in good stead.

(7) Don't buy any shoes for a girl unless she is present. Girls tend to be very peculiar about their attire and tend to be more fastidious than boys.

  • Top tip

    Contact your child's school for full information about the dress code.

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