What ever happened to the concept of "growing room"?
I'm not a fan of shoes that tie; there are a couple of years there where kids have the motor control to put on a shoe, but not to tie it. I
fervently believe that laces are obsolete technology; they were, after all, around for millennia before the advent of elastic and hook-and-loop closures. They may be classic and hold a position of perceived dignity, but I think they're only still standard for aesthetic popularity. They are not functional compared to newer methods.
Also, my husband has a lot of difficulty tying his shoes and can't manage his time, so I resent laces for their part in making me run late for everything.
I bought him monk strap shoes for Christmas and I think we're going to gradually replace his work shoes with that style.