Girls School Uniform Shoes

[cara1]

Can't get used to the idea that DD is going to have to wear a Uniform in September. I'm so used to buying her really cute little shoes/Mary Janes (e.g. Kid Express). Now I have to buy all black. Any ideas for something at least a little cute? TIA.

[Indianamom2]

Well, I'll just share our experience. I was like you, and used to buying Dd's clothing from Gymboree and anywhere else cute....then K came and it was uniform time. We didn't have to only have black shoes, but black and brown were the best "matching" options.

I bought adorable black and brown shoes from stride rite, only to have DD not want to wear them because they weren't comfy. We had the best luck with the basic mary jane style with athletic soles from Land's End.
http://www.landsend.com/pp/MaryJaneShoes~210259_1187.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::SPB&CM_MERCH=IDX_Girls-_-ShoesSandals-_-Shoes&origin=index
She even wore tennis shoes or crocs (which didn't match AT ALL) from time to time.

I say, don't invest a lot in cute shoes for school. THey're gonna get scuffed and muddy at recess and comfy shoes are more useful.

[Neatfreak]

My DD needs black shoes for her uniform policy, and honestly, we found some cute ones at Payless. She alternates b/w two pairs.

[cara1]

Do you think they have to be all plain black, or could I get away with something like this?
http://www.planetshoes.com/item/beeko-laura/10899/119

[cara1]

Could I get away with this?
http://www.littlemonkeytoes.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPRODGROUP&ID=3177

[mecawa]

Depends on your school policy. Ours have to be solid black, solid navy, or solid brown, sturdy school shoes. I always get them at Stride Rite but LE would be a good place to look too. Stride Rite has a uniform shoe (solid colors) I believe it is called the Carly. That's what we usually end up getting in navy and another pair in black.

[AnnieW625]

DD1 loves Pedipeds. We have the Naomi style (http://www.pediped.com/Products/Flex-br-Naomi---Black__RS530.aspx). She wears these mainly for church now and sometimes parties held at people's homes and they have held up just fine. I hate spending almost $50 on kids shoes, but these wear quite well and they are well made. I can see her wearing them to school too on days where she won't have PE. DD1 is going to have uniforms and can wear athletic or basic black or brown uniform shoes too. Sometimes you can find discounts on Pedipeds.

These non patent ones might work too, Pediped Isabella (http://www.pediped.com/Products/Flex-br-Isabella---Black__RS303.aspx)

Primigis (http://www.bing.com/shopping/primigi-toddler-little-kid-azalea-e-mary-jane/p/CC2443EACAE8A5F55020?q=primigi+mary+jane&lpq=primigi%20mary%20jane&FORM=HURE) are also suppose to be very comfortable.

[secchick]

We have to have solid Black/Brown/Navy and have used the LE ones for 2 years now (Pre-K 3/4). They are relatively inexpensive and we go through 2 pairs/year. They are cute, but sporty enough that they are fine for playground/PE class etc. I also have Primigis that we use for formal dress days (Catholic school).

[lizzywednesday]

When I was in grammar school, the biggest requirement was that we had to have shoes that tied. The second biggest was that they were not sneakers, except on gym day.

Until the 8th grade, they didn't specify colors or styles - that was the year they outlawed the Eastland moccasins I'd been wearing for two years.

Check the handbook to see if a tie-shoe is specified. I'm guessing schools these days don't have that kind of requirement, but I'd be cautious.

[LMPC]

Another vote for LE mary janes if you end up needing solid colors. We've had a couple of pairs and they seem to wear well....and appear to be comfy.