Active discussions
My feed Premium
Please or to access all these features

Preteens

Parenting a preteen can be a minefield. Find support here.

What shoes do teens wear to school with uniforms

49 replies

Cominghomemom · 29/05/2023 06:59

Hello! We are moving to the UK and my teen daughter has a school uniform. What kind of shoes is she supposed to wear with that? Are trainers ok? I’m so lost!

OP posts:
Report
2reefsin30knots · 29/05/2023 07:04

There should be a school uniform policy somewhere on the website that will have details about shoes.

It is unlikely that they will accept trainers. Generally it has to be black leather shoes. My DS's school says they have to 'be capable of being polished to a shine'.

Report
Luzina · 29/05/2023 07:05

the School will have a uniform policy (usually on their website). Most schools don’t allow trainers although my stepdaughter (and according to her lots of kids) wear black Air Force 1s

Report
dizzydizzydizzy · 29/05/2023 07:10

If you buy Clark's school shoes you'll definitely be within the school rules.

www.clarks.co.uk/

Report
Okshacky · 29/05/2023 07:10

It will be on the uniform list, usually black leather shoes, no high heels and no boots. If it’s state school then most of the supermarkets have a uniform section, if it’s public (paid for by you) then they usually have their own suppliers.

Report
Cominghomemom · 29/05/2023 07:18

Thank you!! Yes I am thinking black leather shoes. What brands are teens wearing these days? Do they care about brand really?

OP posts:
Report
Qwertyfudge · 29/05/2023 07:21

I’d factor in your dc style, find some pics of kids in the uniform. No point buying Clark’s if dc is a Nike person and air force ones would be acceptable!

Report
dementedpixie · 29/05/2023 07:22

Dd wore Clarks brogues

Report
Furiously · 29/05/2023 07:24

Cominghomemom · 29/05/2023 07:18

Thank you!! Yes I am thinking black leather shoes. What brands are teens wearing these days? Do they care about brand really?

My 16 yo wears Doc Marten shoes and so do most of her friends. They’re indestructible!

Report
Sirzy · 29/05/2023 07:24

How soon after moving is she starting? Would it be possible to go passed the school at the start/end of the day to get an idea what others are wearing there ?

Report
poppyalert · 29/05/2023 07:24

My DDs (12 & 15) and all their friends wear Nike Air Force 1s. They are the thing at the moment. As they are black leather they are accepted by the school.
They are basically trainers and some schools can be quite strict and will only allow proper shoes

Report
SullysBabyMama · 29/05/2023 07:25

Doc Martens are popular at my children’s school also. Although most wear Air Force Ones even though this is strictly against policy.

Report
GnomeDePlume · 29/05/2023 07:26

Whether brand matters will depend on the school. My DCs went to a secondary school in a low income area. Brand wasnt important. What was important was not to be caught wearing fakes (any item of school wear).

Report
BethandRip · 29/05/2023 07:27

Some schools do allow trainers so it’s worth finding out before you buy. Ours used to but doesn’t now. Most of the girls wear doc martens or brogues.

Report
Cominghomemom · 29/05/2023 07:35

Thank you will check out all the options mentioned above, I appreciate your input!
will also visit the school and see what other kids are wearing, and ask about their shoe policy.

OP posts:
Report
IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 29/05/2023 07:38

Very much depends on the school uniform policy. DS's school says "Black, sensible and safe shoes with no logos and plain dark socks. No trainers, boots or leisure style shoes." For girls "Plain black shoes with no logos and plain dark socks. They must not be backless, open-toed, platform, stiletto or high heeled. No trainers, boots or leisure style shoes." Not even the plainest Nike's or DM's are acceptable.

Another local high school specifies particular styles from particular manufacturers.

Clark's do some styles that would be unacceptable at DC's school as top trainery. Clark's also only go to a UK 10 - ds is a uk14!

Report
christmastreefarm · 29/05/2023 07:47

Both mine wear kickers, the youngest has the traditional chunky style and the oldest some that look more like the black leather vans trainers.

Youngest wants to switch to black vans next year.

You need to check though as some schools don't allow anything that looks like a trainer.

Report
JD90 · 29/05/2023 07:51

Most girls at my Dds school wear shoes similar to these. https://www.schuh.co.uk/womens/schuh-lane-tassel-loafer-black-flat-shoes/1341537040/
No way would they be allowed to wear AF1s (as much as she would like to!)

Report
mangokiwi · 29/05/2023 07:53

Trainers are not allowed at dd's school that includes Nike air force ones - that policy is enforced (I understand some schools let this slide). Most kids wear brogues from Clarkes/Startrite or Dr martens, a few wear ballet shoe style but they have to have a proper heal/sole.

Report
waterlego · 29/05/2023 07:54

Strictly no trainers at my DCs’ school. They both wore Clarks as younger children and later had smart leather shoes from places like Marks and Spencer or Next. There were no issues over brands as kids can’t tell by looking at a pair of leather shoes which shop they’ve come from. No visible logos!

Report
DanceMumTaxi · 29/05/2023 07:56

strictly no trainers at my school. Girls tend to wear loafers, brogues, or dm Mary Jane’s with bows. Some also wear ballet pump style shoes. They’re not really allowed, but nothing is done about it.

Report
FawnFrenchieMum · 29/05/2023 07:57

As others have said you need to check the policy. Our school are so strict that kickers and DMs are not allowed due to the coloured label / branding on them! Nothing branded, no bows etc on girls shoes. I don’t agree with no branded shoes as they often last a lot longer. Air force 1’s would definitely be classed as trainers in our school.

Report
UncomfortableSofa · 29/05/2023 08:01

You could also check out the school's social media to see if there is a theme in popular shoes at that school.

Report

Newsletters you might like

Money Saver

Saving you time and money with Mumsnet exclusive deals and discounts. Find regular roundups of the hottest sales straight to your inbox.

Coin being put in piggy bank

Log in to update your newsletter preferences.

You've subscribed!

Swears By

All the products Mumsnetters are raving about, the best buys as recommended by real parents straight to your inbox.

Stack of toy blocks

Log in to update your newsletter preferences.

You've subscribed!

savoycabbage · 29/05/2023 08:12

We moved back to the UK when my dd was in year seven and we looked at the shoes and bags when she went to look round the school. Then she got clarks Hamble Oaks which are brogues.

I remember being in the shop with her and her saying to the woman 'are you sure these are for girls' as she couldn't quite comprehend that girls would wear what looked to her like a man's shoe for the office with a skirt, even though she'd seen them with her own eyes.

Probably didn't help that the younger dd pointed out that they looked like the shoes the Mr Men wore.

Report
gogohmm · 29/05/2023 08:14

Look at the school policy but I would suggest at first going to asda or another supermarket and buying plain black shoes in whatever style she likes (my DD's wore lace ups at secondary) they aren't that expensive, by the time you need to replace she'll know what the rules are

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.