
Designed as a straightforward running-style sneaker for kids, the Star Runner 5 is one of Nike's entry-level youth athletic shoes and sits at $31 right now, which is 50% off the $62 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Breathable lightweight textile upper
- Springy cushioning for enhanced comfort
- Secure stabilizing fit for active movement
- Durable rubber outsole for traction
- Convenient pull tab on tongue

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

Slip-on sneakers with hook-and-loop closures are a practical pick for younger kids who are still working on tying laces, and the FuelCell midsole gives them a cushioned ride for all-day wear at school or play. Buy Now at Zappos
- Toe Protect shields feet from rocks and debris
- FuelCell foam midsole provides propulsive energy
- Hook-and-loop strap ensures a secure fit
- Full rubber outsole with sidewall wrap for grip
- Durable mesh upper with textured rubber overlays

Slip-on sneakers built for kids who tie their shoes approximately never, the Lite Racer Adapt 7.0 uses an elastic upper in place of laces, making them a practical everyday option for younger kids or parents who value quick on-and-off. At $32, that's $13 off the $45 list price. Buy Now at adidas

Lightweight and easy to slip on, these slides work well for kids who need a quick grab-and-go shoe for pool days, the beach, or just running around the house. Buy Now at adidas

These slip-on shoes work well for pool days, beach trips, or splash pads since they drain quickly and dry fast between activities, making them a solid pick for parents who don't want soggy sneakers in the car. At $20, that's about $18 (47%) off the $38 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

Kids who need extra support for daily wear will get solid cushioning from the 1440v1's running-shoe construction, and Zappos has it marked down to $62.40, about $8 off the $70 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Fresh foam midsole provides ultra-cushioned lightweight comfort
- Bootie construction offers a snug supportive fit
- Toe guard provides extra protection during play
- Wrapped rubber outsole ensures added durability
- Breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool

Zappos has the New Balance 530 Big Kid Shoes for $76.49, about $9 off the $85 list price. The retro running silhouette gives growing feet solid cushioning for everyday wear, making it a reasonable pick for parents who don't want to overspend on shoes kids will outgrow within a year. Buy Now at Zappos
- ABZORB midsole for shock-absorbing support
- Breathable mesh upper for cool comfort
- Durable rubber outsole for reliable traction
- 2000s-inspired retro running style
- Cozy cotton lining for all-day wear

Nike's Vomero 18 brings adult-level cushioning down to a kids' size, so it suits growing feet that need real support during gym class or daily runs around the neighborhood. Zappos carries the full size run, which matters if you're dealing with wide feet or half sizes that are tough to track down elsewhere. Buy Now at Zappos
- Responsive ReactX foam cushioning
- Breathable lightweight mesh and knit upper
- Durable rubber outsole with smooth transitions
- Plush tongue and lining for snug fit
- Reflective details for enhanced visibility

Designed in the USA and built on one of New Balance's most enduring running silhouettes, the 990v6 is a solid pick for kids who need a supportive, durable everyday sneaker that holds up through school and activities. Buy Now at Zappos
- FuelCell foam for a propulsive, responsive feel
- ENCAP midsole provides lightweight, all-day support
- Durable leather and mesh upper construction
- Adjustable lace closure ensures a secure fit
- Reflective details improve visibility in low light

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 with strap for secure fit
- Plush foam cushioning for comfort during play
- Durable rubber outsole for outdoor court grip
- Breathable mesh upper prevents overheating
- Oversized pull tabs for easy on and off

Update: The price has changed to $30.99 since this was originally published.
These lace-up combat boots suit kids who need sturdy footwear for everyday wear and school, with a bit of style beyond basic sneakers, currently $2 off the list price at Amazon. Buy Now at Amazon
- Durable manmade upper materials
- Lace-up and side zipper for easy wear
- 5-inch shaft with 1.4-inch heel
- Non-slip synthetic rubber sole
- Water resistant protective finish

Zappos carries these for kids who need everyday sneakers that hold up to actual playground use, thanks to the same durable build as the adult 574 line. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning for superior comfort
- Durable rubber outsole for traction and wear resistance
- Breathable suede and mesh upper
- Versatile trail-inspired design
- Traditional lace-up closure for secure fit

Zappos carries the Nike Winflo 12 Kids' Shoes, a solid pick for parents who want a cushioned, everyday running shoe for active kids without paying for extra bells and whistles. Buy Now at Zappos
- Engineered mesh upper for breathable all-day comfort
- Nike Air technology for impact-absorbing cushioning
- Hook-and-loop closure for easy on and off
- Durable rubber outsole for reliable traction
- Model: Winflo 12

Lightweight everyday sneakers with Fresh Foam cushioning that work well for kids who are on their feet all day at school or play, currently about $5 off the $60 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight Fresh Foam midsole for comfort
- Breathable mesh upper with no-sew overlays
- Durable no-sew reinforced tip
- Padded tongue and heel collar for support
- Secure lace-up closure with rubber outsole

Kids' sneakers in the 327 silhouette carry New Balance's retro runner styling, which tends to hold up well as an everyday shoe for school or weekend wear. At $58, that's about $22 off the $80 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Flared midsole for enhanced comfort
- Wraparound trail-inspired lug rubber outsole
- Breathable mesh upper with cotton lining
- Contemporary aesthetic with heritage wedge silhouette
- Lightweight design at 7 ounces

Sized for little kids, these Roma sneakers from Puma carry the brand's classic retro court silhouette into a durable everyday shoe, currently $6 off the $60 list price at Zappos. Buy Now at Zappos
- Thick padded tongue for enhanced comfort
- Orthopedic arch supports for foot health
- Sturdy rubber outsole for excellent grip
- Durable synthetic leather upper
- Lightweight design for easy movement

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

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

Lightweight and breathable makes these a reasonable pick for active kids who need a shoe that can handle gym class or outdoor play without weighing them down. At $26, that's roughly half the $50 list price. Buy Now at Walmart
- Breathable lightweight mesh fabric keeps feet dry
- EVA outsole provides lightweight comfort
- Stable traction for confident movement
- Versatile design for indoor and outdoor activities
- Comfortable fit for all-day wear