Required Footwear

F.E.B PHYSICAL EDUCATION SNEAKER POLICY:

Wearing the proper footwear for any activity is crucial, as it provides essential support, protection, grip and the comfort needed.  Several factors are evaluated when designing footwear, such as the intended environment, common movements, the physical demands placed on the body, injury prevention and ground surface.  Having the correct type of athletic shoe can prevent injuries by providing proper arch support, foot and ankle stabilization, impact reduction, and decreasing the likelihood of slipping or tripping.  However, wearing incorrect footwear can lead to reduced performance, pain and injury.  Some examples of common injuries from improper footwear use are: heel pain, bruised toes, loss of toenails, shin pain, back pain, sore calf muscles, sprains, stress fractures, achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and breaks.

In Physical Education students are required to wear well fitting sneakers.  Due to the variety of movements and broad range of activities we offer, we strongly encourage athletic sneakers, cross trainers would be ideal, however, not mandatory. Other forms of athletic sneakers, such as running or court sneakers, are acceptable.  We strongly recommend sneakers with laces or velcro closures, as they are able to be adjusted and have a greater chance of remaining on the foot while playing.  Athletic sneakers are designed with exercise and movement in mind.  Which means they will have much more structural cushioning and motion specific support compared to “fashionable” sneakers, boots and other types of casual footwear.  Athletic sneakers will allow the children to participate to their fullest ability (safely, comfortably and confidently.)   Your child’s knees, hips, ankles and back will thank you!

In addition to safety and performance reasons, we require athletic sneakers for gym preservation.  We are extremely fortunate to have the PE facilities that we do, and it is imperative that we do all we can to preserve the longevity of our courts. Incorrect shoes can lead to scuffs, scratches, dents, peeling of floor finishes and damage to the wood. 

Thank you for your understanding and please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. See reverse side for footwear examples and policy.

    Thank you,

                  Coach Desio

    Kdesio@ryeneck.org

The following are a few examples of shoes and/or situations that will result in the student being required to sit out of participation:

Footwear not approved for participation:

• Damaged & severally worn out sneakers

  • Sneakers with broken laces or closures, damaged soles 

•  Improperly fitting sneakers

  • If the sneaker comes off during activity, that is not deemed “well-fitting” and will surely increase the risk of injury to both those students along with others nearby. 

• Dress shoes, sandals, slippers, water shoes, sneakers with wheels or heels, boots of all forms, cleats, etc

  • Examples of common unacceptable styles: Uggs, hiking shoes, cowboy boots, work boots, inclement weather boots, Doc Martens, Timberlands,  Crocs, lounge-type shoes, or foam bottom shoes, (Hey Dudes) are not acceptable for PE.