The saddle shoes, along with the boy’s uniform shoe, will have to saddle up next year, leaving behind the halls of John Carroll and a trail of complaints of foot pain from underclassmen.

The change was confirmed in a June 7th bulletin posted on JC’s website. According to the bulletin, boys and girls in all grade levels may wear solid black or brown dress shoes.

“There has been discussion for two years over the saddle shoe,” Director of Admissions Kim Bruggemann said. “Although they [the girl’s shoe] are black and white and match the uniform colors, they have caused health issues for the students.”

The primary health issue is foot pain stemming from the lack of orthopedic support in the uniform saddle shoes. According to Principal Paul Barker, the uniform shoe has caused several underclassmen to seek medical attention and request exceptions to the uniform shoes at doctors’ recommendations.

“We have concerns about the appearance of students in general…. I think the saddle shoes do look good, but we’ve had enough issues with the shoe,” Barker said.

Students seem to approach the shoe rule with rebellion. “Most kids just change their shoes during the day depending on the class they are going to,” freshman Katherine Langrehr said.

The men’s shoe was not causing orthopedic problems, but “the change in the men’s shoe was approached as a way of equality between the students,” Barker said.

“I never even bought the boy’s shoe,” freshman Josh Moscati said.

Freshman Olivia DiFonso, who seems to be ready for the change but think it’s too late, said, “If they were going to only keep the rule for two years, there was really no point,” DiFonso said.

“The hope is still that many will wear the shoes because of the look,” Bruggemann said, “but the whole goal was to look presentable.”

Allison Walczyk can be reached for comment at [email protected].