
Update: The price has changed to $42.99 since this was originally published.
Barefoot-style shoes like these suit people transitioning away from cushioned sneakers or dealing with toe crowding, since the wide toe box lets your feet spread naturally and the zero drop keeps your heel and forefoot level. At $40.84, it's only about $2 off the $42.99 list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Wide toe box for anatomical positioning
- Zero-drop sole for posture and balance
- Removable sockliner for custom orthotics
- Flexible non-slip rubber sole
- Natural movement with minimalist design

Update: The price has changed to $28.99 since this was originally published.
Slip-on water shoes with quick-dry material work well for pool days, beach trips, or splash pads where you want kids' feet protected without soggy sneakers afterward, and right now they're $8.73 off the list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Barefoot design promotes natural stance and gait
- Quick-drain mesh ports prevent water weight and irritation
- Rubber outsole tread provides high-traction grip
- Reinforced toe bumper protects against underwater hazards
- Adjustable closures enable easy independent on and off

Zappos has the Nike Run Swift 3 for runners who want a lightweight trainer without the price tag of Nike's performance racing line, built for daily miles rather than race day. Buy Now at Zappos
- Plush foam cushioning for soft comfort
- Flywire cables for locked-in support
- Breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool
- Natural-motion flex grooves on outsole
- Lightweight design at 8 oz

Bungee laces mean no tying required, so these work well for younger kids still mastering shoelaces or for quick on-and-off mornings before school. Zappos carries a range of sizes if you need help finding the right fit for growing feet. Buy Now at Zappos
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact for cushioning
- Bungee lace design for easy on and off
- Breathable open knit mesh upper
- Durable rubber outsole for traction
- 2000s inspired streamlined running silhouette

Fuelcell cushioning isn't something you typically see in kids' shoes at this price point, so it suits active kids who are hard on their sneakers or parents tired of replacing worn-out pairs every few months. The lace-up design also gives older kids practice with tying their own shoes while still keeping a secure fit. Buy Now at Zappos
- FuelCell foam midsole for propulsive, energetic stride
- Toe Protect technology shields feet from debris
- Full rubber outsole with sidewall wrap for grip
- Durable mesh upper with supportive grippy overlays
- Heel pull loops for easy on-and-off wear

Zappos carries the New Balance 990V6 in infant and toddler sizes, a solid option for parents who want their kid's first sneakers to hold up to actual crawling and running rather than just looking cute. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight leather upper with reflective details
- Breathable textile lining for all-day comfort
- Removable padded insole for customizable cushioning
- Hook-and-loop strap for easy on and off
- Durable synthetic outsole for everyday traction

Zappos has these for $56, which is $24 off the $80 list price for a training shoe built with flexible soles for gym workouts, studio classes, and light cardio rather than long-distance running. Buy Now at Zappos
- Flexible rubber outsole for natural range of motion
- Breathable mesh upper for lightweight support
- Full-length foam midsole for responsive cushioning
- Elastic heel band provides secure locked-in fit
- Soft mesh collar enhances ankle comfort

Sizing and stability at this age group are usually the sticking points, and the V5 RNR sticks to a straightforward running shoe build that's easy for kids to get on and off themselves. Zappos has it for $65, about $12 off the $77 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight foam midsole provides everyday comfort
- Breathable mesh upper with durable synthetic overlays
- Rubber outsole with grooves for reliable traction
- Plush collar and tongue for soft support
- Classic lace-up closure ensures secure fit

Zappos carries the New Balance Ellipse V1 for runners who want a retro-inspired sneaker that still holds up for everyday miles, thanks to its cushioned midsole built for comfort over long stretches on your feet. Buy Now at Zappos
- Breathable mesh upper for steady airflow
- Lightweight comfort moving naturally with feet
- Fresh Foam X cushioning for responsive bounce
- Durable rubber outsole for reliable traction
- Secure lace-up closure for personalized fit

Zappos has the New Balance Ellipse V1 Men's Running Shoes for $110, which is $35 (24%) off the $145 list price. These lean toward a cushioned, chunky-sole build suited to daily training miles rather than speed work, so they're a solid pick if your runs are mostly about comfort over distance. Buy Now at Zappos
- Breathable mesh upper for steady airflow
- Soft cushioned insole for irritation-free comfort
- Fresh Foam X responsive, bouncy cushioning
- Durable rubber outsole for reliable traction
- Secure lace-up closure for personalized fit

Lightweight trainers built for daily miles, and a solid pick if you want a no-frills running shoe without breaking in a heavier model first. Zappos has them for $65, which is $20 (24%) off the $85 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Plush foam cushioning for soft underfoot comfort
- Flywire cables secure feet for stability
- Breathable mesh upper for airflow
- Rugged rubber outsole with flex grooves
- Lightweight synthetic resin upper for durability

Zappos has the Structure 26 for $123, about $22 off list, and its added stability design suits runners who overpronate or want extra support on longer distances. Buy Now at Zappos
- Full-length ReactX midsole for cushioned stability
- Midfoot support system prevents ankle eversion
- Engineered mesh upper for breathable fit
- High-abrasion heel rubber for increased durability
- Responsive foam delivers 13% more energy return

Everyday sneakers with visible Air Max cushioning make these a solid pick for anyone on their feet a lot who still wants a casual look that pairs with jeans or leggings. Zappos offers free shipping and returns, so sizing between styles is easy to sort out without extra cost. Buy Now at Zappos
- Visible Air unit through 3 windows
- Lightweight foam midsole for comfort
- Durable rubber outsole pods
- Breathable mesh, leather, and synthetic upper
- Customizable lace-up closure

Skate-inspired chunky sneakers with suede uppers work well if you want a casual shoe with some retro bulk to it, and Zappos has them for $45, half off the $90 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable suede upper construction
- Cozy cotton interior lining
- Supportive rubber insole for all-day comfort
- Puffy tongue and ankle collar design
- Easy entry heel pull tabs

Skate-inspired chunky sneakers with a padded collar for extra ankle comfort, worth a look if you want a retro streetwear style that pairs with just about anything. Zappos has them for $56, a $24 discount off the $80 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable suede upper construction
- Puffy tongue and ankle collar for comfort
- 3D molded Sidestripe for signature retro style
- Rubber outsole for reliable all-day traction
- Convenient heel pulls for easy entry

Zappos has these for $38.46, about $17 off the $55 list price, and the slip-on design makes them an easy grab-and-go option for anyone who doesn't want to deal with laces. Buy Now at Zappos
- Low-profile slip-on canvas upper
- Elastic side goring for easy entry
- Lightly padded collar for support
- Durable rubber waffle outsole
- Ethylene vinyl acetate cushioned insole

Zappos has the Vans Hylane Athletic Shoes for $86, just $4 off the $90 list price, so don't expect a steep discount here, but they're a solid pick if you want a lace-up sneaker with a bit more cushioning than Vans' classic skate styles for everyday wear. Buy Now at Zappos
- Modern cupsole tooling for all-day comfort
- Durable leather upper with iconic Sidestripe
- Padded collar for enhanced fit
- Signature rubber waffle outsole for traction
- Classic low-profile design

Low-profile and slim, these suit anyone who wants a retro racing-inspired sneaker that doesn't look bulky with jeans, and Zappos has them for $10 off the $100 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Iconic motorsport-inspired low-profile silhouette
- Premium suede upper construction
- Durable rubber outsole for grip
- Classic lace-up closure for secure fit
- Signature debossed and foil-printed branding

Puma's H-Street OG brings back the '90s runner silhouette with minimal styling, so it suits anyone after a low-key retro sneaker that isn't trying to make a statement. Zappos carries the full size run plus free returns, which helps if you're unsure how these fit true to size. Buy Now at Zappos
- Iconic 2000s running spike design
- Breathable mesh upper construction
- Cushioned EVA midsole for comfort
- Durable rubber outsole for traction
- Low-profile streetwear silhouette

Skate-inspired and versatile enough for daily wear, the Old Skool's low profile and padded collar suit anyone wanting a casual shoe that holds up outside the skate park too. Zappos has them at $42.50, half off the $85 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable cupsole construction for long-lasting support
- Signature waffle rubber outsole for reliable grip
- Padded collar for enhanced support and comfort
- Lace-up closure for a secure adjustable fit
- Breathable canvas upper with cotton lining