The Great Back to School Shoe Debate

It is time to buy back to school shoes ;and many moms will get into the battle of the wills over style. Your child cares about trendy fashion above all, and you care about quality and price. If you plan a head you might be able to compromise on they type of back to school shoes you purchase and both be happy.

It helps to point out to your child ,that those really cool glittery sneakers that cost eighty bucks are really not appropriate for that game of pick up on the play ground . It helps to have it clear in both your minds what athletic activities your child does casually before you go back to school shoe shopping.

Go to a traditional shoe store or department store; where they will actually measure your child's foot. If the prices are too high ,have the child's foot measured by the sales staff so you get an accurate size. You can also purchase shoes somewhere else. Your child will still have to try shoes on because there are slight size variations in different brands and styles of shoes.

Next, decide what kind of shoes your child will need. Most kids need three pairs at the end of the summer because their feet have grown. If they have P.E. they will need a good sturdy pair of gym shoes. Their regular sneakers that they wear outside to play are probably going to be too dirty to be worn on most gym floors. In addition given the activity level inherent in gym classes your child is going to need a shoe that gives his or her foot support. Check with your child's school to see if they have policies on the type of gym shoes, they find acceptable.

Most kids are going to opt for some sort of sneaker for their everyday school shoe. Even at parochial schools the kids tend to wear sneakers with their uniform. Again, check the school dress code to see if they require loafers instead of sneakers. If they do you still will want to provide your child a pair of inexpensive sneakers for when they play outside.

When you are considering your back to school budget do not forget sports shoes. If your child wrestles, they will need wrestling shoes. If the sport is a spring sport you can put off buying the sports shoes closer to the time they will use them. You do not need to purchase baseball cleats in November. Again, make sure you talk to your child's coach so you get the right kind of sports shoes. Some teams wear only certain colors of shoes or the coach may have a preferred brand.

The last type of shoe would be a dress shoe. Dress shoes do not get the same wear and tear as sneakers . I have found those last minute shoes for my sons to wear to family weddings and funerals at the second hand store. If they have standard sized feet and need a pair of black dress shoes ;it is worth it to check out the second hand store. Younger boys do not seem to be fashion conscious about dress shoes. If you feel guilty buying your son's second hand dress shoes, just remember how costly all the different sports shoes are.

Girls are a different matter. They will be wearing their dress shoes to parties and to church .They normally want something more feminine than their sneakers. There are very few opportunities for young girls to dress up these days and they like those occasions to be special. The compromise with your daughter might be to get her to take a less expensive sneaker in exchange for you spending a little more on her dress shoes.

Plan ahead and have a shoe budget for each type of shoe you're planning on purchasing. Look for two for one or half off shoe sales. These can be real budget savers if you have to buy multiple pairs of shoes. Large shoe warehouses lack personal service, but if you can get your child to try on shoes.They are the best place to buy trendy shoe brands and designer shoes at a reasonable price.