
Kids who spend time on unpaved terrain or do cross-country running will get more use out of the Pegasus Trail 5 than a standard road shoe, thanks to the lugged outsole built for mixed surfaces. At $104, that's about $18 off the $122 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Generative tread pattern for superior trail traction
- Breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool and dry
- Flywire technology secures foot for stable fit
- Soft foam midsole provides smooth, cushioned ride
- Reinforced toe box and sidewalls for added durability

Sized for bigger kids and built on Nike's Court Legacy silhouette, these are a straightforward canvas sneaker that works well as an everyday shoe for school or casual wear without veering into athletic-specific territory. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable leather upper for classic tennis style
- Plush foam insole for lasting comfort
- Lightweight soft foam cushioning
- Rubber sole with herringbone traction pattern
- Retro tennis-inspired design

Lacrosse-specific cleats built for younger players, with the FreezeLX line sitting in New Balance's dedicated lacrosse footwear lineup rather than a general-purpose athletic shoe. Worth a look if your kid plays lacrosse and needs a cleat designed for the sport's lateral movement demands. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable synthetic and mesh upper for stability
- Breathable construction for all-day comfort
- EVA insole for superior cushioning
- TPU molded outsole for multi-surface traction
- Adjustable lace closure for secure custom fit

Sized for younger kids who are still mastering laces, the bungee lace system on these trail-inspired sneakers makes them easy to slip on and secure without help. At $54, that's $6 off the $60 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- DynaSoft midsole for responsive performance and plush comfort
- Tread rubber outsole for versatile off-road traction
- Bungee laces and hook-and-loop strap for easy wear
- Breathable mesh upper with durable no-sew overlays
- Ankle pull tab for convenient on and off

Nike has the Star Runner 5 Big Kid Shoes for $37, which is $25 off the $62 list price. These are a straightforward lace-up running shoe from Nike's kids' lineup, built for everyday wear and light athletic use, and a solid pick if your kid needs a durable sneaker that doesn't require a big spend. Buy Now at Zappos
- Breathable lightweight textile construction
- Springy responsive cushioning
- Secure stabilizing fit
- Durable high-traction rubber outsole
- Easy-access pull tab on tongue

Nike's Pegasus Trail 5 is a trail-specific running shoe built for kids who run on uneven terrain, with more aggressive traction than a standard road shoe. At $98, that's $24 off the $122 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Flexible grippy rubber outsole for superior traction
- Breathable mesh upper with cooling toe box perforations
- Flywire technology secures foot with lace system
- Reinforced toe box and sidewalls for added toughness
- Soft foam midsole provides smooth and stable ride

Designed for toddlers who aren't ready to tie laces, the bungee lace system lets kids slip these on and off without help, which saves time during the chaotic get-out-the-door moments. Buy Now at Zappos
- 2000s running-inspired design
- Convenient bungee lace closure
- ABZORB cushioning for superior comfort
- Breathable mesh upper with cotton lining
- Durable rubber outsole

Sized for kids but built on Vans' Ultrarange sole, which uses a lightweight foam midsole that holds up better on longer wear days than the brand's standard canvas sneakers. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight UltraCush midsole for cushioning
- Durable canvas upper with breathable lining
- Lace-up closure for secure fit
- Rubber outsole for reliable traction
- Classic Vans low-top style

Sized for bigger kids who've outgrown velcro but are still learning to tie laces, these New Balance sneakers keep things simple with a classic silhouette that works for school or everyday wear. Buy Now at Zappos
- FuelCell foam delivers propulsive energy return
- Toe Protect technology guards against rocks and debris
- Breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool
- Full rubber outsole provides rugged traction
- Heel pull tab for easy on and off

Nike's Stellar Ride is a kids' running shoe built for everyday wear and light activity, and at $56 it's about $6 off the $62 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Hook-and-loop closure for easy on and off
- Plush cushioned midsole for comfort
- Engineered mesh upper for breathability and support
- Full rubber outsole for traction on any surface
- Dipped collar design for slipper-like comfort

Sized for kids but built on Vans' Ultrarange sole, which uses a lightweight foam midsole that holds up better on longer wear days than the brand's standard canvas sneakers. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight UltraCush midsole for cushioning
- Durable canvas upper with breathable lining
- Lace-up closure for secure fit
- Rubber outsole for reliable traction
- Classic Vans low-top style

Sized for kids and built with a hook-and-loop closure instead of laces, these mid-top sneakers are a practical pick for younger children who are still working on tying their shoes. Buy Now at Zappos
- Hook-and-loop strap with elastic laces
- Softfoam cushioned footbed
- Durable rubber outsole
- Breathable textile lining
- Made with 20 percent recycled materials

Sized for toddlers and little kids, these Vans sneakers use a slip-on V-strap closure that skips the laces, which makes them a practical option for parents dealing with kids who aren't ready to tie their shoes yet. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable suede and canvas upper
- Hook-and-loop strap for easy wear
- Lightweight UltraCush midsole cushioning
- Flexible rubber outsole for traction
- Back pull tab for easy on and off

A solid everyday option for active kids who go through socks quickly, and at $16, it comes out to under $3 a pair, which is $4 off the $20 list price. Buy Now at adidas

Sized for younger kids who haven't mastered tying laces yet, the hook-and-loop closure means they can get shoes on and off without help — useful for school or daycare routines. Buy Now at Target
- Hook and loop closure with elastic laces
- Lightweight cushioned comfort insoles
- Flexible rubber traction outsoles
- Synthetic and mesh upper construction
- Machine washable material design

Sized for toddlers and built with a flexible sole, these are worth a look if you want a casual sneaker that can keep up with early walkers without being stiff or overly structured. Buy Now at Target
- Rubber outsole with flexible design for natural movement
- Adjustable hook and loop strap closure for secure fit
- Breathable mesh and synthetic upper materials
- Padded collar for ankle comfort and support
- Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association

Sized for bigger kids (3.5 Big Kid), the Rave Run v2 is a lightweight running shoe that works equally well for school and casual wear, currently $6 below the $60 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Breathable synthetic and mesh upper
- Lightweight IMEVA midsole cushioning
- Durable rubber outsole for everyday wear
- No-sew tip and saddle for durability and support
- Pull loops for easy donning and doffing

Sized for older kids, these are a clean, low-profile canvas sneaker that works well as an everyday shoe for school or casual wear without the bulk or price of adult lifestyle sneakers. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable leather upper with classic tennis style
- Plush foam insole for lasting comfort
- Lightweight soft foam cushioning
- Rubber sole with herringbone pattern for traction
- Iconic retro Swoosh and heritage design details

At $59, that's essentially the list price with a minor markdown, but the 996v6 is one of New Balance's more durable kids' court-style sneakers and holds up reasonably well for everyday wear. Buy Now at Zappos
- Film toe guard for drag protection
- Breathable mesh upper for ventilation
- Adjustable lace closure for secure fit
- Durable Durance rubber outsole technology
- Front pull tab for easy wear

The 574 is one of New Balance's longest-running silhouettes, so it's a familiar, versatile option if you want a sneaker your kid can wear to school or on weekends without much thought. At $64, that's $16 off the $80 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning for superior comfort
- Durable mesh upper construction
- Lace-up closure for a secure, customized fit
- High-traction rubber outsole
- Authentic New Balance style and design