Parents divided over new black shoe ruling

Parents are divided over the Education Ministry’s ruling for students to wear black shoes instead of white canvas to school starting next year. While some prefer black shoes for easy maintenance, some vouch for white shoes as a tool to instil a sense of responsibility in children.

Insurance agent Yunos Jamal, with a daughter in Year Five, was delighted over the ruling as he believed black shoes would be more convenient in terms of maintenance.

“They are not easily dirtied unless you play in the field and they get mud on it.

“Besides, black shoes are generally more durable than white shoes, even if they are of the same material, probably because it does not require harsh cleaning every week,” he said.

Nonetheless, Yunos said regardless of colour, shoes still have to be washed once a week.

Graphic designer Hassan Bahari said black shoes were cheaper to maintain as a simple brush would be enough to remove minor stains, while white shoes need shoe whiteners.

Leishia Jason, who has two schoolgoing children enrolled in private institutions, said it is difficult to keep white shoes clean after washing.

“However, I’m indifferent to black or white shoes, because once the shoes are dirty you can tell they need washing,” she said.

Business entrepreneur Kennix Yap still prefers white shoes for her seven-year-old daughter.

“White shoes may get dirty easily and would need weekly cleaning, but it brings a sense of responsibility to the child, thus cultivating the discipline to keep their attire clean and neat,” she said.

Echoing her views was accountant Lim Mei See, 32, who said she was against the idea of black shoes.

“I make sure my nine-year-old son washes his school shoes whenever they turn brown, and it has taught him to care for his belongings and to keep them clean.

“That way, they understand the hardship of doing laundry,” Lim said.

“I will also know if he has been playing in the mud.”

While black shoes would still get dirty with wear, Lim said it would be harder to notice and that her son would “abuse the disguise”.