
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

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

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

Small feet that need everyday cushioning get a boost from the Air Max heel unit, making these a solid pick for active toddlers still building up their walking stamina; Zappos has them for $5 off the $67 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Max Air cushioning for plush support
- Lightweight breathable mesh and durable ripstop fabric
- Elastic laces and adjustable strap for quick entry
- Rubber outsole with Waffle-inspired traction
- Soft foam midsole for added comfort

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

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

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

Zappos carries the New Balance Kids Rave Run v2 in a range of sizes and widths, which matters if your child needs extra room or a narrower fit that standard kids' shoes don't offer. Lightweight and cushioned, they suit active kids who run around all day at school or on the playground. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam cushioning
- Breathable mesh and synthetic upper
- Durable rubber outsole for everyday wear
- No-sew tip reinforces high-wear zones
- Pull tabs for easy donning and doffing

Toddlers who need a durable slip-resistant sole for early walking will get plenty of use out of these, and Zappos has them for $28, a $12 drop from the $40 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable suede and canvas uppers
- Easy double hook-and-loop closures
- Reinforced toe caps for extra durability
- Soft cotton lining for all-day comfort
- Sturdy rubber outsoles for dependable traction

Kids can slip these on or off without needing help with laces, which makes them a solid pick for parents tired of the morning shoe struggle with younger kids still learning to tie their own. Zappos carries the Sk8-Mid Reissue V 2.5 in a range of sizes for little kids, so finding the right fit shouldn't be a hassle. Buy Now at Zappos
- Dual hook-and-loop closures for easy wear
- Padded collar provides ankle support
- Reinforced stitching enhances durability
- Signature waffle rubber outsole for traction
- Mid-top silhouette for classic style

Zappos has the Vans Kids Knu Skool in Leopard Black for $52.53, about $7 off list, a chunky-soled sneaker that suits kids who need durable everyday shoes with some grip and cushioning. Buy Now at Zappos
- Sturdy suede and canvas upper
- Padded collar and oversized tongue comfort
- Reliable lace-up closure fit
- Durable rubber outsole traction
- Heel pull tab for easy entry

Kids who need durable everyday sneakers will do well with these, since the canvas construction and rubber sole hold up to daily wear at the park or on the playground. Buy Now at Zappos
- Reinforced stitching withstands active play
- Lightweight breathable canvas upper
- Secure lace-up closure
- Cushioned textile insole for growing feet
- Signature waffle rubber outsole for reliable traction

Toddlers who are hard on shoes get a durable, easy-to-clean skate style with a hook-and-loop closure that's simpler for little hands than laces, and Zappos has them at $24, half the $48 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable suede and canvas construction
- Quick double hook-and-loop closures
- Reinforced toe caps for extra durability
- Cushioned rubber insole for comfort
- Sturdy rubber outsoles for dependable traction

Chunky retro styling with the durable slip-resistant sole Vans is known for makes these a solid pick for parents who want something that holds up to playground use without looking overly technical. Zappos carries a range of sizes and colorways, so there's room to match your kid's actual taste in the process. Buy Now at Zappos
- Puffy 3D molded Sidestripe design
- Reinforced toe cap for enhanced durability
- Padded collar for all-day comfort
- Easy-wear back pull tab
- Reliable canvas upper with lace-up closure