A 12-year-old from suburban Chicago wanted Nike Minds sneakers, which claim to improve concentration.

He and his mother searched online for a discount but found none.

They bought the last pair in his size for the full price of $145.

The boy paid $40 of his own money.

Shoe prices rose 3.2% in the first half of the year.

That puts full-year prices on track for their fastest increase in 34 years, apart from the pandemic years, according to a footwear trade group.

Parents say quality has declined while prices climb.

One mother said she finds it frustrating to replace shoes before children outgrow them due to poor quality.

Kids face social pressure to wear the right brands, said a trend analyst.

Shoes are immediately identifiable as a sign of fitting in, she said.

Wrong or worn-out shoes can invite bullying, said one student.

A school superintendent said she has seen students fixing shoes with duct tape.

Shoppers are buying fewer pairs.

Adult footwear pairs sold fell 7% from January through June, while children's pairs dropped 9%, according to market research firm Circana.

Retailers are offering back-to-school deals.

Secondhand stores report more interest in gently worn shoes.

One food service worker said she earns about $700 a week and must say no to new shoes for her daughter because rent costs $2,200 a month.