I don't believe it is elitist. You point out the economics of it. As for children needing shoes, there we're talking about things that can be passed down between families, etc. It's a cultural view, good shoes.

American "Yankee" values (especially Scottish) have always put re-use and thrift at the forefront. But not thrift as in disposable. Anyway, enjoyed your comment. My Dad once said better to be quality or have nothing. The middle ground never ends up being fun.

I now agree. Indeed, "right to repair" is another don't feed me subject ;)