The students of Marist High School (MHS), are able to choose the type of shoes they wear to school. Dress shoes or gym shoes, each person has their own, unique opinion towards the matter.
“We prefer the students to have a school shoe, but it is no longer required,” said Principal Meg Dunneback.
However, there wasn’t always a choice. Before Covid 19, students at MHS were only able to wear Dr. Martens or Sperrys. After schools were back in session, the faculty and staff came to the agreement of letting students wear gym shoes.
“We want the shoes to be a solid black, grey, or white,” said Dunneback.
Comfort was not the only reason for this rule change, cost was also a factor. The $140 needed to purchase these shoes along with the cost of enrollment could be a struggle for some students.
The handbook strictly states that, if worn, gym shoes should be a solid color.
“You shouldn’t be wearing multi-colored shoes. Your shoe choice should abide by the dress code,” said Dunneback.
“Kids already had gym shoes, they didn’t have to go and buy $140 on a shoe anymore,” said Dunneback.
Students took advantage of this rule change by wearing the newly permitted shoes. Many wear them for style choice and comfort.
“I usually wear gym shoes because I have after school sports and it just makes it easier,” said freshman Riley Burke.
While most gravitated towards the gym shoes, many female students stayed loyal to the Dr. Martens. The familiarity and flexibility of the shoe was appealing to most.
“I really like how Dr. Martens look with my uniform, I honestly just think it makes me look more put together,” said sophomore Carsyn Smith. “I just think the gym shoes look somewhat sloppy.”
“The Docs hurt, like bad, so I just stick to my favorite, comfortable, gym shoes,” said Burke.
Meanwhile, some wear both Dr. Martens and gym shoes. The freedom of a choice is what keeps many torn between the two.
“While I usually wear my gym shoes more often, whenever I want to add something different to my uniform I wear my Docs,” said freshman Mady Tracy. “If I’m 100% honest, I would much rather just wear my uggs instead of either.”
