
Update: The price has changed to $28.99 since this was originally published.
Slip-on water shoes with quick-dry material work well for pool days, beach trips, or splash pads where you want kids' feet protected without soggy sneakers afterward, and right now they're $8.73 off the list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Barefoot design promotes natural stance and gait
- Quick-drain mesh ports prevent water weight and irritation
- Rubber outsole tread provides high-traction grip
- Reinforced toe bumper protects against underwater hazards
- Adjustable closures enable easy independent on and off

Sized for little kids who need shoes that survive actual running around, and the hook-and-loop closure means less time fighting with laces before you're out the door. Zappos has these at $53.90, which is $23 (about 30%) off the $77 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight foam midsole for all-day comfort
- Breathable mesh upper with durable synthetic overlays
- Easy on and off with elastic laces
- Rubber outsole for reliable playground traction
- Plush padded collar for cushioned support

Bungee laces mean no tying required, so these suit younger kids still working on shoe-tying or parents who want a quicker exit out the door. The Fresh Foam sole adds cushioning for all-day wear, which comes in handy for active school days or playground time. Buy Now at Zappos
- Fresh Foam midsole provides plush, lightweight cushioning
- Bungee lace closure allows for easy on and off
- Breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool
- Durable overlays withstand rough play
- Grippy rubber outsole provides steady traction

Sized for growing feet with a durable build that can handle daily playground and gym wear, these are a solid pick for parents replacing worn-out school sneakers. Zappos has them for $40.20, which is $26.80 (40%) off the $67 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Hook-and-loop strap for secure fit
- Breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool
- Plush foam cushioning for comfort
- Durable rubber outsole for court grip
- Easy pull tabs on tongue and heel

Designed for stability during longer runs, this pair suits women who overpronate or want extra support on daily miles, and Zappos has it at $72.50, exactly half the $145 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Full-length ReactX midsole for cushioned stable transitions
- Midfoot support system slows ankle eversion
- Engineered mesh upper for improved comfort and fit
- Durable high-abrasion rubber heel for extended wear
- Higher stack height foam for increased stability

Grabbing shoes for an active kid gets easier with the hook-and-loop closure, since there's no fumbling with laces during drop-off or after gym class. The FuelCell cushioning gives you a bit more bounce for kids who are running and jumping most of the day. Buy Now at Zappos
- FuelCell midsole provides propulsive feel
- Toe Protect technology shields against debris
- Hook-and-loop strap ensures secure fit
- Durable mesh upper with grippy overlays
- Full rubber outsole provides traction

Zappos has the Nike Team Hustle D 12 Big Kid Shoes for a solid basketball option built for growing feet that still need real ankle support and durable traction. Good for kids active enough to wear through regular sneakers on the court or blacktop. Buy Now at Zappos
- Hook-and-loop strap for secure fit
- Breathable mesh upper prevents overheating
- Plush foam cushioning for comfort
- Durable rubber outsole for outdoor court grip
- Pull tabs for easy on and off

Cross-training in mind, the Reax 8 gives you a stable, breathable option for gym sessions that mix lifting, cardio, and everything in between rather than dedicated running miles. Buy Now at Zappos
- Responsive foam cushioning for energy return
- Flexible forefoot for multidirectional movement
- Robust traction pattern for stable grip
- Bulky midsole for heavy lifting support
- Breathable mesh upper for comfort

Fresh Foam cushioning under a kid-sized sneaker makes this a solid option for parents chasing small feet through daily wear and playground running, and Zappos offers free shipping and returns if the fit needs adjusting. Buy Now at Zappos
- Fresh Foam midsole provides 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

Zappos carries the New Balance Kids Fresh Foam Arishi v4 for growing feet that need real cushioning, not just a smaller adult shoe with a kid-friendly print. It suits parents shopping for an everyday sneaker that can handle recess, gym class, and casual wear without breaking down after a few months. Buy Now at Zappos
- Fresh Foam midsole provides ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Breathable mesh upper with sleek no-sew overlays
- Durable no-sew toe tip for extended wear
- Rubber outsole pods for reliable traction
- Secure lace-up closure for adjustable fit

Skate-style shoes like these hold up well for kids who wear through sneakers fast, and the chunky sole gives a little more cushion for all-day playground use. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable suede and canvas upper
- Padded collar and tongue for comfort
- Reliable lace-up closure
- Signature 3D Sidestripe throwback design
- High-traction rubber outsole

Zappos has these for $60, which is $20 off the $80 list price, and the 574's cushioned sole makes it a reasonable pick for kids who are hard on their sneakers day to day. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight EVA foam midsole for all-day comfort
- Durable rubber outsole for traction and wear resistance
- Suede and mesh upper for style and durability
- Lace-up closure for a secure, custom fit
- Versatile retro-inspired design for everyday wear

Everyday sneakers for kids who need something durable enough for the playground but simple enough to pair with any outfit, and the lace-free options make quick exits out the door easier. Buy Now at adidas

Kids who aren't ready for laces will do fine with the hook-and-loop closure here, and the mid-top build adds a bit of ankle support for running around the playground. Buy Now at Zappos
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap with elastic laces
- SoftFoam footbed for cushioned comfort
- Durable rubber outsole for reliable traction
- Breathable textile lining keeps feet cool
- Faux-leather upper made with 20% recycled content

Sized for early elementary years, these classic leather-look sneakers work well as an everyday school shoe that pairs easily with most outfits, and Zappos has them for $8 off list price right now. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable rubber outsole for stable footing
- Premium leather and suede upper construction
- Soft cushioned footbed for all-day comfort
- Classic archival terrace style low-top silhouette
- Secure lace-up closure for an improved fit

Toddlers still finding their footing benefit from the wide base and secure closure, which keeps little feet stable during those early running and walking stages. Buy Now at Zappos
- Breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool
- Lightweight EVA foam midsole provides responsive comfort
- Durable rubber outsole delivers reliable traction
- No-sew tip enhances high-wear durability
- Hook-and-loop closure ensures secure fit and easy wear

Everyday sneakers built for kids who are hard on their shoes, with a simple lace-up design that's easy for younger kids to manage on their own. Buy Now at adidas

Everyday sneakers that suit kids who need something durable enough for the playground but simple enough to pair with any outfit, thanks to the lace-up closure and low-profile design. Buy Now at adidas

Kids who need durable everyday sneakers will appreciate the classic shell-toe design, which holds up to playground wear better than flashier trend-driven styles. Buy Now at adidas

Bungee laces mean no fumbling with knots before school or practice, so this is a solid pick for kids who still need a hand tying shoes or parents in a hurry. Zappos carries the Rave Run v2 for everyday running and playground wear, with enough cushioning to handle both. Buy Now at Zappos
- Breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool
- Ultra-cushioned foam midsole for all-day comfort
- Durable no-sew tip for high-wear areas
- Hook-and-loop strap with elastic laces for secure fit
- Rear pull tab for easy entry