
Sizing is aimed at kids, but the classic Old Skool build with the reinforced toe cap holds up to daily wear at the playground or school, and Zappos has them $12 off the $48 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable suede and canvas upper
- Easy dual hook-and-loop strap closures
- Comfortable cotton lining and rubber insole
- Signature grippy rubber waffle outsole
- Iconic low-top Sidestripe design

Kids who love Sesame Street get a wearable version of the show, and the classic Club C build means the shoe holds up to daily playground use better than a flashy character sneaker usually does. That's $10 off the $60 list price at Zappos. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable leather upper
- Lightweight EVA midsole
- High-traction rubber outsole
- Secure lace-up closure
- Comfortable textile lining

Built for kids who need real support during running and jumping, the FuelCell midsole gives more cushioning than a typical kids' sneaker at this price point. Zappos has them for $63, about $7 off the $70 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- FuelCell midsole foam for propulsive feel
- Toe Protect technology shields feet from debris
- Durable mesh upper with grippy rubber overlays
- Full rubber outsole with sidewall wrap for traction
- Heel pull loops for easy on and off

Toddlers who are hard on their shoes benefit most here, since the Old Skool's reinforced sidestripe and durable canvas-suede build hold up to daily scuffing better than most kids' sneakers. Zappos has this size marked down to $30, about $13 (30%) off the $43 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Hook-and-loop closures for easy independent dressing
- Durable suede and canvas construction
- Reinforced toe caps for high-wear areas
- Cushioned rubber insole for everyday support
- Sturdy rubber outsole for reliable traction

Kids' skate shoes hold up well to daily playground wear, and the classic Old Skool build means hand-me-down siblings can wear them next without looking dated. Zappos has them for $36, $4 off the $40 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

Little ones who need extra room in the toe box will do well in this wide-fit version, and the lightweight design holds up whether they're running around the playground or just headed to school. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam cushioning
- Breathable mesh and synthetic upper
- Durable rubber outsole for everyday wear
- No-sew tip for high-wear durability
- Easy on-off with heel and tongue pull tabs

Kids who need shoes that hold up to daily wear will benefit from the Star Runner Utility's rugged build, and the easy pull-tab and secure fit make it a reasonable pick for younger children still working on tying laces. Zappos carries this pair if you're shopping for a running shoe that can double as an everyday sneaker. Buy Now at Zappos
- Supportive foam cushioning
- Splash-proof guard for weather protection
- Easy-on elastic laces with hook-and-loop strap
- Storm-Tread outsoles for enhanced grip
- Breathable mesh upper construction

Cold-weather school runs get easier with these, especially for kids who need traction and insulation without sacrificing the fit and durability New Balance is known for. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable synthetic and mesh upper
- EVA insole for cushioned comfort
- TPU molded outsole for superior multi-surface traction
- Secure customizable fit with adjustable lace closure
- Model: FreezeLX v5

Nike's Winflo line is built with a lightweight foam midsole for everyday running and play, making it a solid pick for parents who want durable support for active little ones without breaking the bank. Buy Now at Zappos
- Engineered mesh upper for breathable all-day comfort
- Nike Air technology for impact-absorbing cushioning
- Lace-up and hook-and-loop closure for easy wear
- Durable rubber outsole for reliable traction
- Model: Nike Kids Winflo 12

Sized for little feet still building confidence walking and running, these give kids the cushioned Air Max sole without the bulk of an adult-style build, and Zappos backs them with free shipping and returns if the fit's off. Buy Now at Zappos
- Max Air cushioning for plush support
- Durable ripstop and leather construction
- Lightweight breathable mesh upper
- Easy-on elastic laces and adjustable strap
- Durable rubber outsole with traction tread

Bungee laces make these a solid pick for parents tired of tying shoes before every school drop-off or park trip, while the Fresh Foam cushioning keeps recess-level running comfortable. Buy Now at Zappos
- Fresh Foam midsole provides ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Breathable mesh upper with no-sew overlays
- Hook-and-loop strap for quick, easy changes
- Durable rubber outsole pods for active play
- Reinforced no-sew tip for added durability

Sizing runs true for growing feet, and the classic canvas construction holds up to daily playground wear better than flashier kids' sneakers. Buy Now at Zappos
- Sturdy canvas uppers with reinforced stitching
- Lightweight and breathable for active play
- Secure lace-up closure
- Cushioned insole for growing feet
- Signature waffle rubber outsole for reliable traction

Kids' shoes take a beating fast, so the elastic lace closure that makes these easy for little ones to pull on and off without adult help is a genuine time-saver, and Zappos has them for $4.50 off the list price right now. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable suede and canvas upper
- Easy dual hook-and-loop strap closures
- Signature rubber waffle outsole
- Comfortable cotton lining and rubber insole
- Iconic low-top Sidestripe design

Update: The price has changed to $23.99 since this was originally published.
For parents looking for a supportive summer sandal, the cork footbed offers more arch support than typical foam options while still being lightweight enough for all-day wear. Currently priced at $23.98, just a penny under the $23.99 list price, so this is essentially full price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Breathable faux leather reduces friction
- Ergonomic cork footbed with arch support
- Adjustable buckle for customized secure fit
- Non-slip lightweight EVA outsole
- Versatile unisex design for growing kids

Kids' skate shoes hold up well to daily playground wear, and the classic Old Skool build means hand-me-down siblings can wear them next without looking dated. Zappos has them for $36, $4 off the $40 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable suede and canvas upper
- Secure lace-up closure
- Comfortable cotton lining
- Signature rubber waffle outsole
- Lightweight seven ounce design

Zappos has the Nike Star Runner 5 Big Kid Shoes, a solid pick for parents who want a lace-free, easy on-off design for kids still building independence at drop-off or practice. The secure fit and durable outsole hold up well for everyday running and playground use alike. Buy Now at Zappos
- Breathable lightweight textile upper
- Springy responsive cushioning
- Secure stabilizing fit
- Durable rubber traction outsole
- Easy-access pull tab on tongue

Kids' feet grow fast, so simple slip-on canvas shoes like these make sense if you don't want to spend a fortune on something they'll outgrow in a few months. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable reinforced stitching for active play
- Secure lace-up closure
- Cushioned textile insole for comfort
- Signature waffle rubber outsole for reliable traction
- Lightweight breathable materials

Sizing up fast-growing feet, this pick suits parents who want a sturdy, well-cushioned shoe that can handle daily wear at school or on the playground without falling apart. New Balance's 990 line is known for its durable build and support, and the kids' version keeps that same quality in a smaller fit. Buy Now at Zappos
- FuelCell foam midsole for propulsive feel
- ENCAP midsole for all-day support
- Durable leather and mesh upper construction
- Adjustable lace closure for secure fit
- Reflective details for enhanced visibility

These lightweight running shoes suit active kids who need reliable traction and cushioning for gym class, recess, or weekend sports, and the easy slip-on or hook-and-loop closure means less time struggling with laces. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight IMEVA foam midsole for soft cushioning
- Breathable mesh and synthetic upper
- Durable rubber outsole for everyday wear
- No-sew tip for high-wear durability
- Pull tabs for easy on and off

Slip-on bungee laces make these a smart pick for kids who aren't quite ready to master traditional laces or parents tired of tying knots every five minutes, and the Fresh Foam cushioning holds up through a full day of running around. Buy Now at Zappos
- Fresh Foam midsole delivers ultra-cushioned lightweight ride
- Durable rubber outsole for all-day play
- Bungee lace with hook-and-loop closure for easy fit
- Lightweight mesh upper for breathability
- No-sew overlays for added durability