Shaquille O’Neal is making his mark on a new generation. At a Dallas Cowboys game on Sept. 15, the retired NBA icon took the time to sign the shoe of a young fan wearing a pair of his Shaq sneakers — in a miniature size compared to his size 22.
O’Neal left his signature on the sneaker and gave the toddler a hug. The athlete shared the video to his social media in a joint post with @hotfreestyle.
In just a few moments, O’Neal greatly increased the value of this particular pair of his Boys’ Shaq Infant and Toddler Whistle Basketball Shoes, which can currently be purchased from Shoe Carnival for $24.98, marked down from $34.99.
In a red, white, black and gray colorway, the shoes feature a faux leather upper, lace-up closure, a cushioned insole and a padded collar and tongue, among other features. Shaq branding includes the athlete’s famous nickname written in capital letters across the tongue and a silhouette of O’Neal dunking.
A description of the shoes reads, “Gear up your little ballers with the Shaq Whistle Basketball Shoes. These shoes are not just for play; they’re a statement of style for the youngest members of your basketball squad. Featuring the iconic Shaq logo and a sleek design, these basketball shoes are perfect for toddlers who want to dribble, shoot, and score in coolness.”
Shaq has also offered his kindness to Eric Kilman, Jr., the six-foot-eleven high schooler who was recently named the teenager with the largest hands and feet for the 2025 Guinness World Records. Kilman told Guinness World Records that O’Neal sent Kilman “giant Fed Ex boxes full of clothes, shoes, all sorts of stuff that we needed,” amid his struggle to find shoes that fit. These items ranged from Shaq Attaq sneakers to Louis Vuitton boots.
In addition to his charitable actions, O’Neal also serves as president of Reebok basketball, the brand which introduced his Shaq Attaq signature sneaker.
Reebok has partnered with Mattel’s Barbie to create a family-friendly apparel and footwear collection releasing Sept. 20. The collection is inspired by the Barbie Dream Gap Project, a mission focused on challenging gender stereotypes and closing the gap that keeps girls from achieving their dreams.
Shoes in the collection include the Barbie x Reebok Club C Extra, a platform style which features a tonal deboss and Barbie’s “B” logo patterning leather panels, in addition to shiny mesh detailing and light pink accents. Secondly, the Barbie x Reebok BB 4000 II is a black suede shoe with patent leather side stripes and pink accents. Lastly, the Barbie x Reebok FloatZig 1 is a hot pink version of the brand’s popular running shoe; it features embossed and foiled branding.
The campaign features a young girl exploring various career options in the footwear industry, aligning with the company’s goal of empowering girls and spotlighting how Black and brown women are underrepresented in the field. Teaming with the Barbie Dream Gap Project in addition to Girls Inc. of Boston and Lynn, Reebok will offer a donation to Girls Inc. and invite members of the Girls Inc. Lynn chapter to the company’s Boston headquarters. Girls will meet the designers behind the Reebok x Barbie collection, learn about their career paths and receive products from the collection. These efforts advance Reebok’s “Human Rights Now!” and United Against Racism initiatives.
“It’s so special to work with an iconic brand like Barbie that boasts a decades-long legacy in empowering girls to reach their limitless potential. Together we’ve not only created a beautiful collection, but are telling an important story through a unique creative campaign that highlights the barriers Black and Brown girls face within the footwear industry,” said Poria Blunt, senior vice president of global product at Reebok.
Blunt continued, “Our partnership aims to inspire young girls to pursue their dreams with confidence because we know when you can see it, you believe you can be it. By leveraging the power of Barbie and Reebok’s global platforms we aspire to empower the next generation of changemakers within the footwear industry.”
See more photos the Reebok x Barbie collection below.
Chrissy Teigen revealed on social media that her and John Legend‘s 8-year-old daughter Luna met Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House in June — in an “adorable mini power suit” and a pair of black Mary Jane flats.
Luna channelled her inner politician for her visit to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., wearing a light pink suit reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy’s 1960s charm — just in smaller proportions. Hailing from Self-Portrait’s kids department, the bouclé skirt and jacket featured thin criss-crossing lines creating an understated pattern of squares.
The jacket was further elevated by a rounded white collar with a lacy overlay. Meanwhile, the skirt’s scalloped hemline contributed a sophisticated flair to the outfit. Mytheresa sells the skirt for $165 and the jacket for $225. Had mom and daughter wanted to match, Self-Portrait also has an adult variation of the skirt and jacket available from Neiman Marcus.
Luna’s suit was coordinated with black Mary Jane flats — a classic and refined choice for a meeting with the vice president. Mary Janes are known to feature a low, curved vamp that leaves the majority of the top of the foot uncovered; the hallmark of the style is a strap across the instep. The strap on Luna’s shoes seemed to be slightly higher than normal, buckling the shoe just below the ankle. Her shoes ultimately tied her outfit together, matching a dainty shiny bow on the collar of her jacket.
From Christian Louboutin to Gap, children’s Mary Janes can be purchased from a myriad of brands as it remains a wardrobe staple for all ages.
In the caption for the photo she shared of her eldest daughter at the White House, Teigen reflected on the importance of representation, writing, “It’s a powerful reminder of what can happen when young girls are able to see themselves in the person who holds the highest office in the land. And my favorite part? Tearing up with the knowledge that this will be a photo Luna will look back on forever.”
Luna is no stranger to the classic shoe style — while at the Paris Olympics with her family this summer, she wore patterned light pink Mary Janes to match a sequined dress. Meanwhile, her mother appreciates a wide range of footwear, from the strappy heels pictured above to green crocodile-embossed boots from Paris Texas.
In a year that has included many noteworthy drops, Reebok is kicking off this last part of summer in style with a new collaboration with Blippi Footwear. Fans of “Blippi” are in for a treat, as this collection will give them a chance to dress like the show’s main characters Blippi and Meekah.
Announced earlier this week in partnership with Moonbug Entertainment, this limited-edition partnership is one that brings forth the fun and experimental vibes in celebration of the brand’s 10th anniversary.
The four-piece collection includes four different products for fans to enjoy. The BB 4000 II are a nod to Blippi’s signature footwear through a blue/orange colorway that features the “Blippi” logo. Classic Leather is a lifestyle retro-runner silhouette in the shade white/blue/orange that includes a light up heel clip alongside a custom Reebok x Blippi logo in Reebok’s iconic window box and additional Blippi graphics throughout.
The Zig N Glow, an homage to the fan-favorite, “I’m an Excavator” song, boasts a gray/orange/yellow colorway and song lyrics and graphics highlighted on the shoe. The Club C, a tribute to Blippi’s bestie, Meekah, features a white/purple/yellow colorway, and specialized Meekah graphics.
This partnership is the latest in what has been a fun year for the Reebok brand. One of their newest collaborations was their Y2K-themed partnership with Juicy Couture, which was also a limited-edition collection that featured special versions of Reebok’s Classic Leather SP Extra, BB 4000 Mid II and Classic Slide.
The brand described that release as “Reebok’s classic footwear icons, enhanced with Juicy Couture’s distinctive touches, including rhinestone branding paired with plush and velour detailing, creating a perfect blend of style and functionality.”
The limited-edition Reebok x Blippi collection will be available for consumers to purchase on Reebok.com and select retailers worldwide starting Sept. 3. All silhouettes will be available in preschool and toddler sizes and range from $55-$65 in pricing.
Forever 21 is teaming up with Sanrio once again, and this time it’s to celebrate a very special milestone: Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary. The limited-edition collection, launching on August 14, is a nostalgic yet modern homage to the beloved character that has captured hearts worldwide for half a century. Although this isn’t the first collaboration between the two brands, Forever 21 has truly taken things up a notch, delivering a collection that combines playful charm with trendy details.
The footwear in this collection is where Hello Kitty fans will truly feel the magic. Ballet flats adorned with dainty ribbon bows bring a timeless, elegant vibe, perfect for both casual and dressy occasions. The collection also captures the essence of summer with platform thong sandals and crystallized flip-flops, tapping into this season’s hottest trends and making them ideal for those last sun-soaked days.
For those who prefer to stay cozy indoors, the collection offers fluffy slippers featuring the iconic Hello Kitty motif, as well as rhinestone slides that blend comfort with sparkle. These indoor styles ensure that Hello Kitty’s charm is with you, whether you’re out and about or lounging at home.
Adding even more personality to your look, the collection includes an array of crew socks with playful rhinestones, lace, and ruffle details. These socks are perfect for those who want to add a little extra flair to their footwear, making each outfit uniquely theirs.
Overall, the Forever 21 x Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Collection is a celebration of all things cute, stylish, and nostalgic, offering fans a chance to embrace their love for Hello Kitty with every step they take. Whether you’re dressing up or lounging at home, this collection ensures that Hello Kitty’s legacy of fun and fashion continues to shine.
Believe it or not, back-to-school season has finally arrived, so it’s time to lace up your little one in a fresh pair of kicks for a new school year. Back-to-school shopping can get chaotic with long school supply lists and new activities underway, so consider this expert-approved guide to the best shoes for kids to help you out with prep time before the first school bell rings.
Whether your child is a budding athlete, artist, or the world’s next great scientist, it’s important to shop for shoes that are durable for daily wear and go with everything in their wardrobe. Kids’ everyday footwear should also be supportive and comfortable as their little feet continue to grow, and be able to carry them from the classroom, to the playground, sports practice, and everywhere in-between. One thing to keep in mind? A 2023 study found that more minimalist children shoe styles are the best footwear for kids’ feet, as they significantly help to grow flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscle strength (muscles at the bottom of the feet), which aids in stability and support through daily foot movement. That means, shoes with a wider footbeds, roomy toe boxes, and flexible soles can bring long-term benefits to developing feet. You can also shop options for wide fit kids shoes and kids shoes for flat feet with specialized support as their feet continue to grow.
If you’re on the hunt for the best of the best kid shoes on the market, you’re not alone. Over 7 million tapped-in parents on TikTok are searching for the best kids shoes, while 106 million are watching reviews for kids sneakers that are good enough for their little ones. Luckily, there’s a wealth of options on the market to choose from. In 2023, Footwear News reported that kids’ shoes is the fastest-growing footwear market, with brands like adidas, Crocs, and Nike leading the way with exciting collaborations and innovative shoe features. Easy slip-on designs like Crocs Clogs make mornings a breeze before heading to the bus, while adidas walking shoes with hook-and-loop straps and elastic lacing empowers kids to lace up on their own. Plus, brands like Converse and On include extra cushioning and durability features that equip kids for long days of play.
Besides selecting an exceptional everyday shoe, it’s critical to slip kids into their correct shoe size, as constriction can lead to toe curling and longterm foot damage. Podiatrist Dr. Mika Hayashi previously told Footwear News that parents can check their child’s shoe size by starting at the forefoot of the shoes and making sure there is ample room throughout the toe area.
Below, we’ve curated the best kids shoes that deliver on style and comfort, from clogs to Mary Jane shoes, comfortable walking shoes, and kids’ versions of your favorite sneakers
Colorways: White, pink, black, green, red, blue, yellow, and more
Materials: Leather, rubber
Special features: Elastic laces, hook-and-loop straps, Flyease
Price upon publish date of this article: $70
Colorways: Blue, green, red, pink, yellow, purple, black, white, gray, and more
Materials: Croslite foam
Special features: Slip-on design, pivoting heel straps
What testers say: “Perfect fit and easy for the little ones to put on.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $18.74
Colorways: Black and white
Materials: Leather, rubber
Special features: Hook-and-loop closure, molded sockliner
What testers say: “Great shoes! Perfect pair of trainers for a young child to feel comfy and stand out from the crowd!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $60
Colorways: Green, pink, red, gray, blue, and black
Materials: Recycled polyester, rubber
Special features: Hook-and-loop closure, stability cushioning, extra rubber pads
What testers say: “My 5 almost six year-old loves these shoes. Super comfortable, easy to get on by himself and no ties. Win for mommy too! Going to get the yellow ones too.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Colorways: Black, white
Materials: Canvas, rubber
Special features: Foam sockliner, EVA platform
What testers say: “My daughter loves them! They look great with everything.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $50
Colorways: Gold, silver
Materials: Leather, rubber
Special features: Adjustable strap with buckle closure
Price upon publish date of this article: $47.59
Colorways: Green and pink
Materials: Pigskin suede upper, rubber cupsole
Special features: Ortholite sockliner
What testers say: “Very stylish. These are such a lovely shade of green. My daughter loves wearing them all day.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $55
Colorways: Yellow
Materials: Textile, rubber
Special features: TechLoom upper, Propelium midsole, slip-on design
What testers say: “These little shoes are so amazing! I love that you can wash them and that my kids can match me. My toddler can put them on himself which is such a time saver for me. I will be buying these exclusively for my kiddo from now on.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
What testers say: “Great fit! My son loves them and they go with so many outfits.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $60
Colorways: Gray, black, and navy
Materials: Leather, rubber
Special features: FuelCell foam, reflective details, hook-and-loop closure
What testers say: “Really great shoes for my 5 year old son. Very well put together and look great too!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $109.99
Best Shoes For Kids Outfit Ideas
adidas Kids Unisex Samba Og Shoes
adidas Kids Unisex Samba Og Shoes
Shown with: Mini Rodini Kids’ Tennis Appliqué Collared Organic Cotton Graphic Sweatshirt ($52.50), Levi’s Boys’ 514 Straight Fit Jeans ($20), Bombas Youth Lightweight Quarter Socks 8-Pack ($64.80)
Sam Edelman Kids’ Maeve Micah Mary Jane Flats
Sam Edelman Kids' Maeve Micah Mary Jane Flats
Shown with: Nordstrom Kids’ Stretch Twill Jumper Dress (29.99), J.Crew Girls’ Ruffle-Trim T-Shirt (9.99), Pottery Barn Kids Emily & Meritt Gold Kitty Lunch Box ($21)
Crocs Kid’s Classic Clog
Crocs Kid's Classic Clog
Shown with: adidas Adicolor Trefoil Shorts Tee Set ($20), Gap Kids Recycled Colorblock Logo Backpack ($29)
Why Trust Footwear News
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Mika Hayashi, DPM is a podiatry specialist basedin New York, NY with over 19 years of experience. She is affiliated with medical facilities NYU Langone Hospitals and Nantucket Cottage Hospital.
Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes and edits shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. At Footwear News, she regularly reports on exciting new releases for various needs and activities from top brands. She updated this guide to the best shoes for kids with new shoe releases, insight on foot-healthy shoe options, and kids’ back-to-school outfit ideas.
Clarks is venturing into the Upside Down, having announced a new collaboration with Netflix’s “Stranger Things.” The Clarks x Stranger Things Children’s Collection is available now, with prices starting at $75.
The collection, released July 11, pays homage to the 1980s nostalgia the hit Netflix sci-fi show is known for showcasing. Fittingly, Clarks looked into its own archive to recreate past styles for this partnership. The collaboration includes the Varsity collection, drawing inspiration from Hawkins High School athletics; the Icons collection, which is a tribute to the Hellfire club; and an all-black collection influenced by the Upside Down.
The Varsity collection features shoes in orange and green colorways, in a nod to the Hawkins High School colors. The shoes include premium leather uppers, breathable linings, cushioned soles and stamps and fobs embossed with “Stranger Things” iconography.
Meanwhile, the all-black version is a nod to the Upside Down, the dark and mysterious realm that many “Stranger Things” characters journey into.
The Icons collection includes the Wallabee, the Desert Boot and the Desert Trek shoe with two designs offered for each silhouette. The shoes include sand suede uppers as well as embroidered and screen-printed Hellfire and Hawkins logos. It also features premium crepe soles in addition to Clarks Originals and “Stranger Things”-themed fobs.
Tara McRae, Clarks global chief marketing and digital officer, commented on the new collaboration, saying, “We’re very excited to team up with Netflix to create a Clarks x Stranger Things product line for kids. We were drawn to this series, not only because of its massive popularity around the world, but due to the creative expression we could bring to our amazing new kids range.”
McRae continued, “We’ve loved being inspired by the show’s rich characters and mysterious storylines. We are eager to launch this line of shoes just in time for kids to gear up to go back to school for some new adventures of their own.”
“Stranger Things,” which has previously inspired collaborations with brands like Vans and Melissa, is in the midst of shootings its fifth and final season. See more photos from the Clarks x Stranger Things collection below.
