Figure 1.--School sandals came in many different styles. One of the variations was the width of the center strap. |
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Normally the children wore different types of leather shoes and sandals. Sneakers (trainers) were not common except for sports, although they were allowed for free time at a few schools. We note many kinds of shoes, both brown and black lace-ups and slips-ons. The lace up shoes were the most common, but we noted slips ons at several schools. We also noticed a variety of sandals. Sandals were worn at many schools. The children mostly wore closed-toe sandals, although open-toe sandals were worn at a few schools. There were several different styles of closed-toe sandals. They were worn by both boys and girls. Both boys and girls wore sandals with a center strap like a "T"-strap shoes. Boys wore sandals with a center strap of varied width. Girls school sandals with center straps always had the narrow style. The girls also wore strap shoes without the center strap.
Normally the children wore different types of leather shoes and sandals. We note many kinds of leather shoes, both brown and black lace-ups oxfords and slips-ons. No other colors or multi-colored shoes were allowed. The lace up shoes were the most common, but we noted slips-ons at several schools. The schools were more concerned with color than shoe style, but this varied from school to school. Black shoes seem more common than brown, but brown shoes were worn at quite a number of schools. The variation oin shoes was wider for brown shoes than black. Tghere were several casual styles of brown shoes that were not sneakers, but casual styles. Sneakers might be worn for mornuing break and sports, but not for classes. Boys wore shoes for everyday wear at many classess. Quite a number of schools had the boys wear sandals for everyday classes, but when dressing up for special moccassions with white shirt abnd tie, shoes were worn rather than sandals. And with shoes the issue of brushed and polished shoes came up so the shoes looked smart with the uniforms. A routine for shoe care was normally developed in boarding schools. For day schools it was up to the parents to look after. As it rains a good bit in Britain, this was a comtinuing problem. The boys, especially the younger boys, are normally much less concerned about polished shoes than the parents and school authorities.
We also noticed a variety of sandals. Sandals were worn at many prep schools. Some schools required them. At other schools many of the younger children wore them even though they were not required. The children mostly wore closed-toe sandals, although open-toe sandals were worn at a few schools. There were several different styles of closed-toe sandals. They were worn by both boys and girls. Both boys and girls wore sandals with a center strap like a "T"-strap shoes. Boys wore sandals with a center strap of varied width. Sandals were made with and without perferations on the top front portion. They also came in different colors. Girls school sandals with center straps always had the narrow style. The girls also wore strap shoes without the center strap.
Sneakers (trainers) were prohibited for school wear at most schools. The schools generally expected the children to wear either proper leather shoes or sandals for normal school day wear. There were some exceotions. The children were often allowed to bring sneakers to school, but not wear them to school. The use of sneakers varied. Often the children changed into sneakers at morning break, but this was not always permitted. and many children did not bother. Afternoon sports was a different mtter. Often the children put on smeakers for games. This varied deprnding on the particular activity planned. Sometomes the children changed into their phyical education kit. Often they just put on sneakers and did games in their school uniform. As aresult, in the afternoon after games, many children did wear sneakers. Many did not bother to change back to shoes and sandals. Sneakers were for free time and evening activities at a few schools. Day children were expected to put shoes or sneakers baxk own for the trip home.
