
Toddlers still finding their footing benefit from the wide base and secure closure, so it's a solid option for early walkers who need extra stability without stiff, hard-to-manage laces. Buy Now at adidas

Open-toe design keeps little feet cooler on hot-weather hikes or beach trips, and the adjustable straps help them fit growing feet a bit longer. That's $3.31 (about 15%) off the $22 list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- 3-point adjustable straps for secure, customizable fit
- Quick-dry, breathable materials for water play
- Durable webbing construction for active outdoor use
- Easy-to-clean design rinses clean with water
- Supportive, high-traction soles for stability

Kids who need something durable enough for the playground but still on trend with what the older crowd wears will get plenty of mileage out of these, since the Samba's leather upper and rubber gum sole hold up to daily wear better than most trend-driven sneakers. Buy Now at adidas

Sturdy skate-style shoes with a side zipper, which makes them a good pick for kids who aren't ready to master laces yet but still want to keep up with their older siblings' style. Buy Now at Zappos
- Side zippered closure for easy entry
- Flexible rubber outsole for playtime durability
- Padded collar provides ankle support and comfort
- Tongue pull tab for quick adjustment
- Durable canvas upper with cotton lining

Sizing runs true and the durable, easy-clean upper handles playground scuffs well, making these a solid option for parents who want a low-maintenance everyday shoe for active kids. Buy Now at adidas

Sizing that stops at 12.5 Little Kid makes these worth checking for younger kids still working through toddler and early grade-school sizes, and the nylon build holds up to daily playground and classroom wear without much fuss. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable nylon and suede upper construction
- Cushioned EVA footbed for all-day comfort
- High-traction synthetic rubber outsole
- Secure lace-up fit with round toe
- Exclusive Elmo-themed co-branded design

Court-bound kids who need shoes that can handle constant lateral movement will get the most out of these, since the Barricade line is built with reinforced support for stopping and pivoting rather than just running in a straight line. Buy Now at adidas

These slip-on style elastic laces make them a solid pick for toddlers still working on shoe-tying skills or parents tired of wrestling with tiny feet each morning, and right now Zappos has them $7.20 off the $48 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Elastic laces for easy slip-on convenience
- Puffy tongue and ankle collar for added comfort
- Durable rubber outsole for reliable grip
- Heel pull tab for quick entry
- Durable canvas upper for daily wear

Zippered sides make these a good pick for parents whose kids aren't quite ready to master laces but still want that classic Vans look on the playground. Buy Now at Zappos
- High-top build for ankle support
- Side zipper for easy entry
- Durable canvas upper
- Rubber outsole for reliable traction
- Model: Vans Kids Authentic Hi 2.0 Zip

Toddlers who need a bit of ankle support for early walking or scootering around are the target here, and Zappos has these for $38.25, $6.75 off the $45 list price. 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 reliable traction
- Mid-top silhouette provides classic style

Zappos carries the Nike Kids Star Runner 5 in a range of sizes and widths, making it a solid option for parents who want a durable, easy-on running shoe for active kids that can handle daily wear at school or on the playground. Buy Now at Zappos
- Breathable mesh keeps feet cool
- Springy foam cushioning for soft strides
- Reinforced toes for enhanced durability
- Dynamic midfoot band provides stable fit
- Rubber outsole lugs deliver superior traction

Kids who play on both grass and turf can use these without needing two separate pairs, since they're built for firm and artificial ground. At $46, that's $69 off the $115 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Reengineered dual-layer mesh upper for second-skin fit
- Targeted 3D grip zones for enhanced ball control
- Stud configuration enables 360-degree agility
- Durable synthetic rubber outsole for firm and artificial ground
- Made with minimum 20 percent recycled content

Slip-on styling means no laces to fuss with, which makes mornings easier if you've got a kid who wants to dress themselves, and Zappos has these marked down to $34.20, about $4 off the $38 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Easy slip-on construction
- Gored side panels for easy wear
- Signature waffle rubber outsole
- Durable canvas textile upper
- Lightweight 8 oz design

These slip-resistant checkerboard sneakers work well for younger kids still learning to zip their own shoes, and Zappos has them for $9 off the $45 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- High-top build for ankle support
- Side zipper for easy entry
- Durable canvas upper construction
- Rubber outsole for reliable traction
- Classic lace-up design

Bungee laces mean your kid can get these on and off without help, which makes them a solid pick for younger children still working on tying skills, and Zappos has them for $9 off the list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- DynaSoft midsole for responsive performance and plush comfort
- Tread rubber outsole for versatile on and off-road traction
- Bungee laces and hook-and-loop strap for easy fit
- Breathable mesh upper with durable no-sew overlays
- Ankle pull tab for quick and easy wear

Vans has always run well for kids who need a durable everyday sneaker, and the Ultrarange 2.0's cushioned sole holds up to actual playground use rather than just looking good. Zappos has them for $58.50 right now, $6.50 off the $65 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight performance construction
- Durable canvas upper
- Breathable cotton lining
- Cushioned UltraCush midsole
- Supportive rubber outsole

Update: The price has changed to $23.75 since this was originally published.
These lightweight sneakers suit kids who need a shoe that keeps up with running around at school or on the court, and at $22.24, they're just $1.51 off the $23.75 list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Breathable knit mesh upper for all-day comfort
- Non-slip MD outsole for superior grip and traction
- Easy slip-on construction with heel pull tab
- Shock-absorbing insole protects against muscle strain
- Versatile design for sports, school, and daily wear

Fans of Care Bears nostalgia will get a kick out of this collab, and the classic Superstar shell-toe design means the shoes still hold up as everyday sneakers once the novelty wears off. Buy Now at adidas

Kids who are hard on their sneakers benefit from the durable build here, and the easy strap closure means less time fumbling before trips out the door. Zappos carries a wide range of sizes and widths, so finding the right fit for growing feet is less of a hassle. Buy Now at Zappos
- Stretchy elastic laces and hook-and-loop strap secure fit
- Plush foam midsole cushions every step and jump
- Breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool
- Durable rubber outsole provides grip for outdoor courts
- Oversized tongue and heel pull tabs for easy entry

These lightweight sneakers suit active kids who need shoes that keep up with running around at school or the playground, and they're currently $3.75 off the list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Non-slip EVA outsole for firm grip
- Breathable knitted upper for cooling comfort
- Ultra-lightweight design reduces foot strain
- Vibrant gradient color for stylish aesthetic
- Secure fit for active play and sports