Most public schools will allow tennis shoes or sneakers, all types of dress shoes, boots and loafers. Some schools where the weather is usually hot will allow sandals; however, in most cases sandals are not allowed. Bare feet are universally prohibited. Nearly all schools prohibit flip-flops. The Detroit Public School District allows mules, which are described as shoes with closed toes and open heels, but does not allow open-toed shoes. Most schools prohibit slippers.
Shoe laces must be tied. Long shoe laces are prohibited in many dress codes for private and public schools.
While many schools permit boots, steel-toed boots are almost always prohibited. Kicking someone with steel-toed boats can cause serious injury.