Video Pick: School Uniforms Good or Bad?

I recently came across this video on YouTube. It asks the question are school uniforms good or bad while looking from various angles including interviews with students, teachers and administrators.  It is written and directed by Ophelia Murphy.

School Shoes at Shoebuy.com - Retail Roundup Series

Shoebuy's tagline is the "world's largest site for shoes" and they offer a 100% price guarantee.  They offer free shipping and returns on US orders and also offer international shipping to many countries. They are owned by IAC, an American internet company with over 50 brands across 40 countries headquartered in New York City.  

Enrolling in the Shoebuy.com Rewards program allows you to earn points to use on future purchases. You have to earn 200 points to begin redeeming them. You can earn points by enrolling, making purchases, referring a friend, linking to Facebook or Twitter accounts, or by submitting a review.

Girls School Shoes

Primigi Andes - $53.45
Colors: Black, Brown Patent Leather, Pink, White, and Hot Pink Leather
Infant/Toddler Sizes: Euro 20-27

Primigi Azalea - $61.45
Colors: Black Leather, White, Silver, Gold, Fuschia Patent Synthetic and Pink Metallic Leather
Girls Sizes:

Kenneth Cole Reaction Book N Loop 2 - $35.95

Black Leather
Infant/Toddler and Girls Sizes

Stride Rite Carla - $44.95
Black Leather, Navy Leather, Dark Brown Leather

Girls Sizes

Boys School Shoes

Kenneth Cole Reaction T-Flex - 44.95
Black Leather
Boys Sizes

Hush Puppies Dylan - $34.95
Black Smooth and Dark Brown Nubuck
Infant/Toddler  and Boys Sizes

Stride Rite Jefferson - 42.95

Black Leather

Boys Sizes

Land's End School Uniform Girls' Kiki 3-strap Skimmer Shoes

(C) Rene Shonerd. All Rights Reserved.

I wasn't shopping for school shoes, but happened upon the Winter sale on Land's End items at Sears this past winter.  I spied the Girls' Kiki 3-strap Skimmer Shoes - Classic Navy, 13 which are cute navy slips-ons.  They were the last box on the shelf and happened to be in my daughter's size at something like 60% off!  At that great price, I thought they would be a great shoe to wear to Sunday school with her dresses on the weekend.  I tried to purchase clothes for Sunday school in pretty bright colors since it is really one of the only times she isn't in uniform.  But I did intentionally choose outfits that would coordinate with, or at least not clash with, her basic school shoes.

Because these shoes are solid navy, she can also wear them to school on occasion with a skirt or dress.  As a slip on style, they aren't as good running around at recess.  My daughter is also in the after school program which allows for additional playground time each day, weather permitting.  Once she got them quite dusty and dirty with mud from the playground.  After a simple dust off with a shoe brush, they still look fine. For an older girl that doesn't spend as much time on the playground, I think these shoes would be a great option for an occasional school shoe.

These flats have a suede upper and come in navy and black.  They have 3 elastic straps across the front of the foot with silver buckles. It regularly retails for $44.

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School Shoes at Lands' End

Lands' End has a great selection of children's school uniform clothing.  Their selection is one of the largest available.  So it was surprising when I reviewed their offering of school uniform shoes to find few items that I would consider a daily school shoe.




For girls, the best choice is the Girls' Party & Play Mary Jane Shoes - Classic Navy which are a classic Mary Jane with a Velco strap and a rubber sole. They come in a suede material in black, navy or brown, as well as a black patent. They were recently redesigned to look dresser and some comments indicate the shoe is now too narrow. It is offered in Regular and wide in toddler sizes starting at 5 through girls size 7.It retails for $39.

For boys, the best choice is the School Uniform Boys' Ryland Classic Buck Shoes which a made with a rubber sole.  The litter chestnut brown shoe is made from a canvas material and spice brown version is made from suede.  They are offered in boys sizes 9 through 7 in regular width and retail for $49.

If you have direct experience with either of these shoes, please let us know your opinion in the comments below.

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Related Posts:

Land's End School Uniform Girls' Kiki 3-strap Skimmer Shoes, a review

Lands' End School Uniforms in the Retail Round Up Series

Stride Rite Carla, a quality shoe for school

Regular readers of Uniform Mom already know how I feel about shoes made from "Man Made Materials". In case you've missed my rants, I'm not a fan. So when it come to basic, everyday shoes, I definitely prefer quality and comfort for my daughter.

After some initial missteps with uniform shoe shopping, I end up going back to Stride Rite to order quality school shoes for my daughter. I ordered the Carla, the classic Mary Jane, in navy.  I was lucky  to happen on a BOGO sale in early fall. My daughter has worn these shoes at least 3 days a week since September.  They have survived the normal wear and tear, as well as the daily abuse on the playground.  She hasn't yet outgrown them.


The Carla shoe is available in black, brown and navy in sizes from a Toddler 8.5 though a Girls 5 in regular, wide and extra wide. They are made with a leather upper.  The sole is flexible lightweight, rubber. The heel has padded collar for comfort. The Mary Jane style has an adjustable Velcro closure that is easy for little kids to do themselves.


What do I love about this shoe for my daughter?

• It has held up to daily use and abuse.  The sole is still in good shape, the strap does not have any signs of tearing or unusual wear. The leather is holding up with no spots that have worn through or discolored.  
• They don't stink.  Lets just say my daughter's socks come off her feet stinky and sweaty at the end of the day, but the shoes themselves aren't stinking up the place.
• My daughter thinks they are comfortable and doesn't complain when I ask her to put on her school shoes.  
• With the Velcro closure, my daughter can put these on herself and quickly get out the door for school. 

What don't I love about these shoes for my daughter?

The wear's impact on the color of the shoe.  I ordered the navy to match her navy pants and skirts.  When new, the navy color of the leather was never a deep navy blue, it was closer in color to a a mid blue.  And at this point, the wear is taking a toll on the color. Even though they are structurally in decent shape, they now appear dull and lifeless.

So I bought another pair of these in the next size up and put them away so we have them when we need them.  But now that I pulled them out of the closet to compare them with the ones she's been wearing all year, I realized that the extra pair I have is the Molly, not the Carla.  The Molly is another classic Mary Jane offered by Stride Rite.  When I compare them side by side, there is a subtle difference is the stitching pattern on the side of the shoe.  The leather appears different.  The Molly has a subtle shine to it.  The Carla that we bought in the fall of 2012 look almost suede.  I kind of wonder if  the Molly is the Outlet version of the Carla. I  dug through my receipts and found that I only paid $12.85 for them on sale at the Outlet store. Wow, If they hold up half as well as the Carla, I'll  brag about the great deal I got on these.

So would I buy the Carla again, yes.  The pros definitely outweigh the cons.   However, I am happy that we have a subtly different version for my daughter to try next.  I'll report back if these hold up any better or worse.  

So you tell me.  I know this is a very popular girls uniform shoe.  Please let me know how either shoe, the Carla or the Molly, has held up for your daughter.

The Carla is available directly from Stride Rite (online or in their stores and outlets), as well as other retailers including Amazon. They retail for $46.  Yea, I agree its kind of pricey, but it is worth it.  If you're on a tight budget, sign up for the Stride Rite Rewards program and look for the 30% off coupons or a BOGO sale.

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Below is a video from the Tootsies Stride Rite which highlights the features of the shoe.

Related Posts:

•          School Shoes with Man Made Materials
•          Stride Rite for School Uniform Shoes - Retail Round Up Series
•          School Shoes at Shoebuy.com - Retail Roundup Series

Video Challenge- Wash uniform in the morning, squeeze with a towel, iron it and then wear it 2 school

I see the variations of this tweet all over Twitter.

"Wash uniform in the morning, squeeze with a towel, iron it and then wear it 2 school. . RT if you did this then :)"

Are you serious?  I'd like to see this.

UniformMom Homework Assignment: 
Make a video to show how this is done, post it to YouTube and tweet me @NavyPlaid with a link using hashtag #UniformWash.  The best entries will be featured here on UniformMom.

Off you go!

Stride Rite for School Uniform Shoes - Retail Round Up Series

Stride Rite began in 1919 and has been known under the Stride Rite brand name since 1933.  They are known for quality children's shoes.  They carry several brands including Stride Rite, Robeez, Saucony, Keds, Speery Top-Sider, Jessica Simpson, and Kamik.  When you shop in one of their retail stores or their outlets, a Certified Fit Specialist will help you measure your child's foot and recommend which size and width to purchase.  Through the My Rewards loyalty program, you earn $10 for every $75 you spend.  You also get free shipping on orders over $35.  It is free to register.

Excerpts from the Stride Rite History:

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) grant of its Seal of Acceptance to several styles of Stride Rite's baby shoes, the first baby shoes in the industry to carry the Seal.

The entire collection, every single shoe, is created from an in-depth knowledge and understanding of how children walk and grow. Stride Rite studies have led to important breakthroughs and new technologies in children's footwear.

Returns can be made on items in their original condition in the original packaging with a receipt within 45 days of the original purchase.  Online orders must be returned by mail and shipping is at your expense.  They have simplified shipping charges for online orders:

• $4.99 shipping on orders below $35
• $6.99 shipping on orders below $75
• free shipping on orders over $75