"A lot of these kids come to school in bare feet, most of the time they're running around in bare feet. It's hard running on concrete when it's hot. It's hard running on grass when you have prickles. Now they have the gear they are more likely to get out there and do [fitness]."
Letele started the boot camp at the school, which is sponsored by the Manukau Urban Maori Authority (Muma), in July.
School principal Tania Rangiheuea said the lunchtime exercise programme was a great way to enhance the student's learning and spread awareness about obesity in the community, starting with the children.
"Obesity is such a critical issue in South Auckland and it was a way for [Muma] to address that problem," said Rangiheuea who hoped the children would go home and encourage their parents to get active.
Rangiheuea said the shoes would also make a huge difference to the many struggling families within the school community.
Letele started Buttabean Motivation boot camps in 2015 after shredding from a once-obese 210kg to about 120kg. Today, he spends his time helping thousands of Kiwis lose weight with boot camps across Auckland as well as training and dieting tips aimed at increasing mental and physical health.
His Buttabean Motivation Facebook page has attracted 27,000 followers including people who have lost up to 50kg with the help of his programme.