
Zappos carries these for growing feet that need actual cushioning, not just a small version of an adult shoe, thanks to the Fresh Foam midsole. Worth a look for kids who are hard on their sneakers or do a lot of running around during the school day. Buy Now at Zappos
- Fresh Foam midsole for ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Lightweight, breathable mesh upper
- No-sew tip for added high-wear durability
- Rubber outsole for reliable traction
- Secure lace-up closure for stable fit

Slip-on elastic laces mean less time wrestling with tie-ups for parents dressing a toddler in a hurry, and Zappos has these Vans marked down to $38, about $7 off the $45 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 traction
- Heel pull tab for quick entry
- Canvas upper for breathable and lightweight wear

Hook-and-loop closures mean no fussing with laces, making these a solid pick for younger kids still learning to dress themselves, while the Dynasoft cushioning gives them some bounce for all-day wear. Buy Now at Zappos
- Breathable mesh upper for airflow
- Hook-and-loop strap for easy on-off
- Cushioned EVA insole for comfort
- Durable rubber outsole for traction
- Padded collar provides extra ankle support

Small feet grow fast, and this stability-focused running shoe gives little kids a supportive everyday sneaker without the premium price tag, currently $11.47 (16%) off at Zappos. Buy Now at Zappos
- Fresh foam midsole for ultra-cushioned, lightweight comfort
- Bootie construction provides a snug, supportive fit
- Toe guard ensures extra protection during active play
- Durable wrapped rubber outsole for everyday wear
- Model: 1440v1

Zappos carries the New Balance Kids Rave Run v2 in a range of sizes and widths, making it a solid option for parents whose kids need extra room or a more secure fit than standard sneaker cuts allow. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight IMEVA foam midsole for soft cushioning
- Breathable mesh upper with no-sew overlays
- Reinforced no-sew toe tip for durability
- Durable rubber outsole for all-day wear
- Pull tabs for easy on and off

Toddlers and early walkers who need a bit of ankle support could use these Puma Rebound Layup shoes, and the marble pattern hides scuffs better than a plain colorway. Zappos has them for $44, $11 off the $55 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Mid-cut basketball-inspired design
- Hook-and-loop strap with elastic laces
- Durable synthetic leather upper
- SoftFoam+ cushioned insole for comfort
- Supportive padded tongue and collar

Zappos carries the Puma Kids Attacanto II for young players who need a shoe built specifically for indoor courts, with a low-profile sole designed for quick lateral cuts rather than outdoor turf grip. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight durable faux leather upper
- Comfortable soft polyester lining
- Secure personalized lace-up closure
- Non-marking rubber outsole for indoor traction
- Low-top silhouette for unrestricted movement

Puma's Rebound Layup Mid uses hook-and-loop closures instead of laces, which makes it easier for younger kids to get shoes on and off without help, and Zappos has them for $43.31, about $15 off the $58 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Adjustable hook-and-loop strap with elastic laces
- SoftFoam footbed for cushioned comfort
- Durable rubber outsole for traction
- Breathable textile lining keeps feet cool
- Contains 20% recycled material upper

Kids who need a versatile everyday sneaker will get plenty of use out of these, since the Samba's low-profile design works as well with school clothes as it does on the weekend. The XLG build gives growing feet a bit more room without sizing all the way up, which is worth knowing if your kid runs between sizes. Buy Now at adidas

Adjustable sizing means these can grow with your kid across a couple shoe sizes instead of needing replacement every season, which makes them a practical pick for beginners still finding their feet. At $34, that's $16 (32%) off the $50 list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Adjustable sizing across four sizes for growing children
- Battery-free light-up wheels for visibility and excitement
- Dual quick-buckle system for rapid entry and exit
- Padded ankle support for stability and safe learning
- Versatile design for smooth indoor and outdoor surfaces

Kids who need shoes that can handle daily wear and tear will do fine here, since the leather upper and shell toe construction hold up better than most kids' sneakers at this price point. Buy Now at adidas

Lightweight and slip-on style with a stretchy upper, these are built for kids who are still working on tying laces or just need a shoe they can get on and off quickly without help. Buy Now at Zappos
- Breathable mesh and synthetic lining
- Hassle-free pull-on fit
- Elastic straps for locked-in support
- Flexible outsoles for natural motion
- Soft foam cushioning for comfort

Puma's Roma line has been around since the '60s as a clean, low-profile sneaker, and the alternative closure (velcro) makes this version practical for younger kids who aren't tying laces yet. At $40, that's $10 off the $50 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Elasticated closure for easy on and off
- Arch support for all-day comfort
- Padded tongue for added cushioning
- Durable gum rubber sole
- KinderFit sockliner for accurate sizing

Sized for younger players who need reliable cleats for both natural grass and turf fields, these Puma Attacanto cleats work across two surfaces without needing separate pairs. At $25, that's $10 off the $35 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Soft durable faux leather upper for precise control
- Lightweight TPU outsole for superior traction and agility
- Cushioned PU insole for lasting support
- Secure lace-up closure for game-ready fit
- Versatile design for firm and artificial ground

Update: The price has changed to $36.99 since this was originally published.
Barefoot styles like this give kids' feet room to move naturally and build stability, which some parents prefer over cushioned, structured shoes for younger walkers, and Amazon has these marked down $2 from the $37 list price. 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

Sized for kids and built on Vans' standard low-top silhouette, the J Hylane is a casual everyday sneaker that works well if you want a recognizable skate-inspired shoe for younger wearers without a lot of fuss. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable leather upper construction
- Comfortable rubber insole for all-day wear
- Signature rubber waffle outsole for traction
- Secure lace-up closure
- Modern cupsole tooling for stability

Puma's Ultra Play line is built for kids who play on firm natural grass or artificial turf, and the Christian Pulisic branding makes these a draw for fans of the U.S. men's national team player. At $53, that's about $7 off the $60 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight polyurethane upper
- Cushioned insole
- Secure lace-up closure
- TPU SPEEDPLATE outsole for traction
- Firm and artificial ground versatility

Zappos has the New Balance Kids 574v1 Shoes for $64, which is $16 off the $80 list price. The 574 is New Balance's classic everyday sneaker, so it's a solid pick for a durable, comfortable shoe your kid can wear for school or play without babying it. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning for superior comfort
- Durable mesh upper construction
- Secure lace-up closure for customized fit
- Reliable rubber outsole for enhanced traction
- Model: 574v1

Zappos has the New Balance Kids Fuelcell Play v1 shoes with hook-and-loop closures, so they're worth a look if you're outfitting a young runner who can't manage laces yet. The FuelCell cushioning gives them more energy return than a typical kids' sneaker, which suits active kids who are on their feet all day at school or recess. Buy Now at Zappos
- Toe protect technology shields feet from debris
- FuelCell foam midsole provides propulsive drive
- Hook-and-loop strap ensures secure fit
- Full rubber outsole with grip-assisting sidewall wrap
- Durable mesh upper with grippy textured overlays

Bungee laces mean no tying, which makes these a solid pick for kids still working on shoe-tying skills or parents tired of doing it for them, and Zappos has them for $20 off the $85 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Bungee lace system for easy on and off
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact for comfort
- Open knit mesh upper for breathability
- Durable rubber outsole for traction
- Lightweight design for all day wear