
Zappos carries the New Balance Fuelcell Play v1 in a hook-and-loop closure, so it's worth a look for parents who want their kid getting in and out of shoes without help while still getting real cushioning for running around. Buy Now at Zappos
- FuelCell midsole foam for propulsive feel
- Toe protect technology against debris
- Grippy rubber outsole with sidewall wrap
- Secure hook-and-loop strap closure
- Durable mesh upper with textured overlays

Kids who aren't quite ready to master laces will do fine with the hook-and-loop closure here, and the mid-top design adds a bit of ankle support for running around the playground. Buy Now at Zappos
- SoftFoam+ sockliner for plush cushioning
- Mid-height padded collar for ankle stability
- Hook-and-loop closure for easy adjustments
- Durable faux leather upper construction
- High-traction rubber outsole for grip

These slip-on water shoes suit kids who need foot protection at pools, beaches, or splash pads without the bulk of regular sneakers, and drainage holes keep them from staying soaked between activities. The listed discount amounts to a single penny off, so the price is essentially unchanged from list. Buy Now at Amazon
- Anti-collision wide toe box supports healthy foot development
- Breathable mesh upper with quick-dry drainage holes
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole with cushioned EVA insole
- Convenient hook and loop closure for easy wear
- Flexible foldable design for portability

Update: The price has changed to $36.99 since this was originally published.
Barefoot-style shoes give growing feet more room to move naturally, which matters if you're trying to avoid the narrow toe boxes common in standard kids' sneakers, and right now they're $2 off the list price at 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

Update: The price has changed to $13.99 since this was originally published.
Comfortable for pool days, beach trips, or splash pads where you want your kid's feet protected without the bulk of regular sneakers, and the sale price essentially matches the list price at just a penny off. Buy Now at Amazon
- Wide toe box supports healthy foot development
- Anti-collision design protects toes from bumps
- Breathable quick-drying mesh upper ensures comfort
- Slip-resistant rubber outsole with cushioned EVA insole
- Easy hook and loop closure for quick on-off

Everyday running shoes built for kids who need something durable enough for the playground and easy to get on and off, currently $15.51 (25%) off the $62 list price at Zappos. 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 who need durable everyday sneakers with some cushioning for running around get a solid pick here, and Zappos has them for $50, about 25% off the $67 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Plush Max Air cushioning for optimal support
- Lightweight breathable mesh upper
- Durable ripstop fabric and synthetic leather construction
- Elastic laces and adjustable strap for quick entry
- Rubber outsole with traction-focused Waffle tread pattern

Kids get a lightweight, flexible sneaker built for running around without weighing them down, and Zappos has them for $22 off the $62 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Breathable mesh upper for cool feet
- Lightweight rubber outsole for action
- Easy hook-and-loop strap for quick wear
- Extra cushioning for all-day comfort
- Durable traction for reliable grip

Built for active kids who need extra cushioning during running or playground time, the FuelCell midsole gives a bit more bounce than a standard kids' sneaker, and Zappos has it for just $2.91 off the list price right now. Buy Now at Zappos
- FuelCell midsole foam delivers a propulsive feel
- Toe Protect technology shields feet from debris
- Full rubber outsole provides enhanced traction
- Durable upper with sport-inspired support
- Heel pull loops for easy on and off

Zappos carries the New Balance Kids Rave Run v2 in a range of sizes, a solid pick for active kids who need cushioned support for running around at school or on the playground. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight injection-molded EVA foam midsole for soft cushioning
- Breathable mesh and synthetic upper
- Reinforced no-sew tip for added durability
- No-sew saddle provides midfoot support
- Front and back pull tabs for easy wear

Zappos carries the New Balance Kids Rave Run v2 in a range of sizes, a solid pick for active kids who need cushioned support for running around at school or on the playground. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight IMEVA foam midsole for soft cushioning
- Breathable mesh upper with no-sew overlays
- Reinforced no-sew tip for added durability
- Durable rubber outsole for all-day wear
- Front and back pull tabs for easy wear

Kids' sneakers with a slip-on design tend to hold up better for younger children still learning laces, and Zappos has these marked down $7 (10%) off the $68 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Timeless vintage slim profile
- Durable mixed textile and leather upper
- Lace-up closure for easy adjustability
- Comfortable ethylene vinyl acetate insole
- Reliable traction rubber outsole

Everyday sneakers built for kids who need something durable enough for playgrounds and gym class alike, with a simple lace-up design that's easy for younger ones to manage themselves. Buy Now at adidas

Everyday sneakers built for school runs and playground wear, with a lace-up design that's simple enough for kids to manage on their own; adidas has them for $34, $11 off the $45 list price. Buy Now at adidas

Everyday sneakers built for school-yard wear, with a simple lace-up design that's easy for kids to manage on their own, currently $13 off the $55 list price at adidas. Buy Now at adidas

Sizing runs from little-kid up, so it's a straightforward option for parents wanting a durable, easy-on running shoe for daily wear rather than a special occasion. Zappos carries several colorways if you want to match a sibling's pair or just let your kid pick. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight chunky foam midsole for all-day comfort
- Breathable layered mesh and synthetic upper
- Elastic laces for easy on and off
- Rubber outsole for reliable playground traction
- Padded collar and tongue for cloud-like support

Vans Knu Skool sneakers work well for younger kids who need durable everyday shoes with the brand's classic skate-inspired look already sized down for little feet. Buy Now at Zappos
- Puffy 3D molded Sidestripe design
- Reinforced toe cap for enhanced durability
- Padded collar for all-day comfort
- Back pull tab for easy wear
- Reliable canvas upper with lace-up closure

Kids' running shoes with Nitro foam cushioning aren't common at this price point, so this is worth a look for parents shopping for growing feet that need real support. Zappos has them for $49.50, which is $40.50 (45%) off the $90 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- NITROFOAM technology for responsive cushioning
- Trail-ready outsole with gum spikes for grip
- PWRFRAME TPU shank for structural support
- Breathable mesh upper for comfort
- Durable synthetic leather overlays

Kids' sneakers with a hook-and-loop closure and slip-on design make this a solid pick for parents dealing with a child who isn't ready for laces yet, and the flexible sole suits everyday running around at school or on the playground. Buy Now at Zappos
- Easy-to-pull-on design with heel and tongue tabs
- Flexible outsole for multi-surface traction
- Breathable mesh upper for lightweight comfort
- Durable synthetic leather overlays
- Stretchy bootie fit for easy wear

Puma's Speedcat design is modeled after motorsport racing shoes, so it's a fun pick if you're outfitting a kid who wants sneakers with some retro style rather than another generic pair. Zappos carries them in a range of sizes, which helps if your kid's feet haven't settled into a consistent width or fit yet. Buy Now at Zappos
- Iconic motorsport-inspired low-profile design
- Premium durable suede upper construction
- Ortholite sockliner for superior cushioning and breathability
- High-grip rubber outsole for traction
- Lightweight 9.6oz build for comfort