My 5 kids use a mix of bunny ears and rocket ship. I think my sister is a bunny ear and I'm a rocket ship. The book recommendation is a good one- the one with the 2 laces. There is also a Melissa and Doug shoe (wooden) that you could get too.

I would tell them to take a hike about the velcro. My kids have such skinny feet, that velcro shoes aren't snug enough. They would be constantly losing their shoes, or tripping out of them. Much more hazardous on the playground.

FWIW, Coach Mark spent a lot time tying shoes at soccer games and practice for 9 little 1st and 2nd graders. They may be able to tie them, but a lot of Kindies really don't get it until much later.

Something I just recently learned about laces, too- the corded ones, like those that come on athletic style shoes are harder to tie and come undone more easily than the cottony flat laces like those that come on the Chuck Taylor style of shoe. And I can get a lot better fit on the canvas sneak, as well. Payless had several styles and BOGO right now.

ETA: I doubt very seriously that they'll boot them out of school over shoe laces. But I do see where teachers don't want to spend their entire day tying. I'd say, work on it over the summer and if it happens, then great. If not, it'll come. We double knot ours, which buy them some time until lunch.

MonsterMom6
10 year old ^b^ b twins @ 30w5d (1 survivor) and
8 year old gggg quads @ 32w0d