I thought trying to stretch them through school might be asking too much, too, Mouse. I just did a quick search at REI for kid's shoes, and got quite a few - mostly Merrell and Keen, and some Hi-Tec, plus assorted other brands. All were in the poster's $60 price range (and some were marked down to $45 because of a sale they're having right now.)

I don't know anything much about durability or comfort of current kid offerings (my kids have age 40 surrounded), but my son used Hi-Tec when he was a Scout, and they wore quite well (his was a hiking and backpacking troop.) I've owned adult Merrells, and been pleased with them (though I prefer Vasque; they just seem to fit better.)

I also second the motion on good socks.

Sounds like a couple of kids are going to have a great summer. Maybe the OP would adopt me for the summer? smile