I remember being a target of bullying in middle school. I specifically lobbied the school for months to get an alternative to recess because that’s when the worst of the bullying occurred. I was finally given permission to just chill in an empty classroom during that time and it was a significant improvement.

If spending a bit more on shoes helps give the kid some confidence it seems like a reasonable step to take. Maybe the kid will learn it was never about the shoes to begin with.

The fact is, middle school fucking sucks and the most parents can do is try to help their kids survive however they can. I still remember what one parent said to me once “middle school is the lowest circle of hell” and it was exactly what I needed to hear in that moment