I'd wear $8.99 Winner II shoes from SEARS and they'd last 6-9 months. That's 6-9 months of almost living outside, when not at School. My Dad splurged ONCE for my two boys, about 16-17 years ago, and bought them $70 Nikes. They were shot in 3 months. IMO, no shoe should cost more than $30. They are nothing but cheap material tossed together in a Sweat Shop.