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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.
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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)
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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.
