
Slip-on adjustable straps make these a practical pick for kids still mastering laces, and the wide sizing gives more room through the toe box for a comfortable fit. At $49, that's $21 off the $70 list price. Buy Now at adidas

Kids who play ball regularly can use the added ankle support and grip these are built for, and Zappos has them at $14 off the $68 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Engineered mesh upper for breathable comfort
- PROFOAM midsole for responsive cushioning
- SoftFoam+ sockliner for step-in comfort
- Zoned mesh for stability during lateral movements
- Upper contains 20% recycled materials

Zappos has the Puma Kids Court Pro 2 Basketball Shoes for $61, about $7 off the list price, a solid pick for growing feet that need real ankle support on the court rather than a repurposed running shoe. Buy Now at Zappos
- 20% recycled material upper
- Engineered mesh for breathability
- PROFOAM midsole for extra cushioning
- SoftFoam+ comfort sockliner
- Zoned mesh for lateral stability

Kids' running shoes with Nitro foam cushioning aren't common at this price point, so this is worth a look for parents shopping for growing feet that need real support. Zappos has them for $49.50, which is $40.50 (45%) off the $90 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- NITROFOAM technology for responsive cushioning
- Trail-ready rubber outsole with grip spikes
- PWRFRAME TPU shank for structural support
- Breathable mesh upper with synthetic leather overlays
- Secure lace-up closure with low-top fit

Zappos carries the Puma Kids Rebound Slam Lo Shoes for growing feet that need a sneaker built to handle daily wear on the playground, not just the walk to school. The high-rebound cushioning and low-top build make it a solid pick if you want something supportive that still holds up to running around. Buy Now at Zappos
- Easy-on hook-and-loop closure system
- Breathable perforated vamp for airflow
- Durable synthetic leather upper
- Eco-friendly construction with 20% recycled materials
- Classic basketball-inspired style

Vans Old Skool shoes hold up well to daily playground wear, and the classic lace-up build makes them easy for kids to learn to put on themselves. Zappos has them at $40.50, $4.50 off the $45 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable suede and canvas upper
- Secure lace-up fit
- Comfortable cotton lining
- Signature rubber waffle outsole
- Lightweight seven ounce design

Zappos carries the Puma Kids Attacanto II for young players who need a shoe built specifically for indoor courts, with a low-profile sole designed for quick lateral cuts rather than outdoor turf grip. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight durable faux leather upper
- Comfortable soft polyester lining
- Secure personalized lace-up closure
- Non-marking rubber outsole for indoor traction
- Low-top silhouette for unrestricted movement

Puma's Rebound Layup Mid uses hook-and-loop closures instead of laces, which makes it easier for younger kids to get shoes on and off without help, and Zappos has them for $43.31, about $15 off the $58 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap with elastic laces
- SoftFoam footbed for cushioned comfort
- Durable rubber outsole for traction
- Breathable textile lining keeps feet cool
- Contains 20% recycled material upper

Kids who need a versatile everyday sneaker will get plenty of use out of these, since the Samba's low-profile design works as well with school clothes as it does on the weekend. The XLG build gives growing feet a bit more room without sizing all the way up, which is worth knowing if your kid runs between sizes. Buy Now at adidas

Cleats like these suit kids just getting into soccer, with the multi-ground studs handling both firm natural grass and drier turf without needing a separate pair for each. Zappos also includes free shipping and returns, which matters when you're guessing at a growing kid's shoe size. Buy Now at Zappos
- Leather upper for durability
- Lightweight design supports active movement
- Secure lace-up closure
- Rubber outsole for reliable traction
- Comfortable cotton lining

Adjustable sizing means these can grow with your kid across a couple shoe sizes instead of needing replacement every season, which makes them a practical pick for beginners still finding their feet. At $34, that's $16 (32%) off the $50 list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Adjustable sizing across four sizes for growing children
- Battery-free light-up wheels for visibility and excitement
- Dual quick-buckle system for rapid entry and exit
- Padded ankle support for stability and safe learning
- Versatile design for smooth indoor and outdoor surfaces

Kids who need shoes that can handle daily wear and tear will do fine here, since the leather upper and shell toe construction hold up better than most kids' sneakers at this price point. Buy Now at adidas

Update: The price has changed to $36.99 since this was originally published.
Barefoot styles like this give kids' feet room to move naturally and build stability, which some parents prefer over cushioned, structured shoes for younger walkers, and Amazon has these marked down $2 from the $37 list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Zero drop maintains proper body alignment and posture
- Hook-and-loop straps ensure secure instep fit
- Ultra-flexible thin sole improves balance and natural movement
- Mesh upper with protective toe application increases durability
- Wide toe box allows natural foot development

Wide toe boxes give growing feet room to spread naturally, which matters if your kid's current shoes are cramping their toes together, and right now they're $3.70 off list on Amazon. Buy Now at Amazon
- Zero drop maintains proper body alignment and posture
- Hook-and-loop straps ensure secure instep fit
- Ultra-flexible thin sole improves balance and natural movement
- Mesh upper with protective toe application increases durability
- Wide toe box allows natural foot development

Zappos has the New Balance Kids 574v1 Shoes for $64, which is $16 off the $80 list price. The 574 is New Balance's classic everyday sneaker, so it's a solid pick for a durable, comfortable shoe your kid can wear for school or play without babying it. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning for superior comfort
- Durable mesh upper construction
- Secure lace-up closure for customized fit
- Reliable rubber outsole for enhanced traction
- Model: 574v1

Zappos has the New Balance Kids Fuelcell Play v1 shoes with hook-and-loop closures, so they're worth a look if you're outfitting a young runner who can't manage laces yet. The FuelCell cushioning gives them more energy return than a typical kids' sneaker, which suits active kids who are on their feet all day at school or recess. Buy Now at Zappos
- Toe protect technology shields feet from debris
- FuelCell foam midsole provides propulsive drive
- Hook-and-loop strap ensures secure fit
- Full rubber outsole with grip-assisting sidewall wrap
- Durable mesh upper with grippy textured overlays

Bungee laces mean no tying, which makes these a solid pick for kids still working on shoe-tying skills or parents tired of doing it for them, and Zappos has them for $20 off the $85 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Bungee lace system for easy on and off
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact for comfort
- Open knit mesh upper for breathability
- Durable rubber outsole for traction
- Lightweight design for all day wear

Slip-on straps make these a solid pick for parents whose little kids can't yet manage laces but still want to get shoes on and off without a fight. Buy Now at Zappos
- Plush ComfiRide cushioned midsole for comfort
- Engineered mesh upper for breathability and support
- Dipped collar for easy slip-on access
- Hook-and-loop closure with lace-up front
- Full rubber outsole for durable traction

Sizing runs consistent and the classic 574 build holds up well to daily wear, so it's a solid pick for parents who want a durable everyday sneaker without breaking in a new shape each season. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning for comfort
- Durable ENCAP midsole for all-day support
- Rugged rubber outsole for lasting wear
- Breathable canvas upper for lightweight feel
- Reliable versatile design for everyday activity

Zappos carries the New Balance Rave Run in kid sizes, and the lightweight build with a flexible sole suits active kids who need shoes that can keep up on the playground without weighing them down. Buy Now at Zappos
- Hook-and-loop closure for adjustable fit
- Breathable mesh upper with cotton lining
- Cushioned EVA insole for comfort
- Durable rubber outsole for traction
- Back pull tab for easy on and off