Why would they be a shit parent for doing something so simple? The shoes aren't that much more expensive unless they are talking like some limited edition nonsense. They don't need to go that far, but just getting some brand name thing to avoid bullying is an easy thing.

Sounds like you'd be a shit parent if you had kids. "I can't be arsed to help stop your getting bullied because it costs me a few dollars more."

Certainly there are other lessons to be had here about standing up for oneself and not letting peer pressure dictate your life, but spending a few dollars for brand name sneakers is not something to call people shit parents over.