When you get to a squadron, you're going to be paying "dues"...and you're also going to be paying your part for the wardroom as well underway..even for shennanigans that you don't participate in. Why not shell out for something that actually means something personally? It's your choice..but this is why we have aviation dudes walking around in black shoes...it's preposterous.
FYI I dropped over $100 for Squadron Xmas party tickets for something I wasn't even able to attend...but the ticket money helped ensure the squadron got to have a nice outing so it was a win in my book. You'll be losing out on a lot more than $80 bucks for stuff in your future.
See these activities are actually more important to me that a pair of shoes, and I will actually participate and gladly give money even if I am not present.
And SynixMan, how am I dressing for failure?