Sneakers, where my boys are concerned, is where the name brand comes into play for me. I rationalize it, like this, I don't have daughters. I spend the money on the shoes, that end up lasting the entire school year.

And honestly, yes, I worry about the social factor. If you got a good deal, you got a good deal. Are brand name shoes, something your husband has a not so good childhood memory from? My exh grew up really poor, family of 11, but subscribes to the notion of the shoes with his sons.

They are mainly sweats and t-shirt kids, as it is. I can get away with some serious bargain hunting, where their clothes are concerned, and offset the price of sneakers.

I am getting into the realization, that my son has a friend, a couple friends, in fact whose mom's buy them the newest name brand sporting clothing apparel, not necessarily the team jerseys(which if can last longer, provided there are no trades, if there's a name and number on them--lucked out this year)

Just really sorry to read that you and your h are arguing and you are still going through all this with your mom!! And aren't you, also expecting? ((if I forgot, please forgive me, been going through much myself and there's room for confusion on an online forum, as to who is who ))

Maybe, he's stressed about the new little one's arrival? The fact that you were shopping around, using amazon, tells me, that you aren't the type to just run out and max that cc or anything, know what I mean? Could just be projecting my own style of spending here, because that's how I'd do it, sometimes.

Hang in there!!!