
Bungee laces make these easy for little kids to get on and off without help, which is handy if independence at the door is your goal, and Zappos has them for $6 off the list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- DynaSoft responsive midsole cushioning
- Tread rubber outsole for versatile traction
- Breathable mesh upper with no-sew overlays
- Easy-on bungee laces with hook-and-loop strap
- Durable ankle pull tab for quick wear

Zappos has the Nike Cosmic Runner Little Kid Shoes, a solid pick for parents who want a slip-on style that's easy for younger kids to manage on their own, with cushioning that holds up to daily playground wear. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight breathable mesh upper
- Responsive foam cushioning for supportive comfort
- Easy hook-and-loop strap closure
- Low-cut collar for flexible movement
- Durable rubber outsole for traction

Kids can get these on and off themselves thanks to the alternative closure system, which is worth knowing if you're tired of tying laces every morning. Zappos has them at $27.20, which is $40.80 off the $68 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Elasticated closure for easy slip-on convenience
- Breathable two-tone mesh upper construction
- Durable rubber outsole for active play
- Puffed mesh tongue for enhanced comfort
- Lightweight synthetic overlays for structural support

Kids who need shoes they can get on and off themselves will appreciate the elastic side accents on these slip-ons, and the checkerboard pattern holds up well against everyday scuffs and scrapes. Buy Now at Zappos
- Easy slip-on construction with gored side panels
- Durable signature waffle rubber outsole
- Comfortable textile upper, lining, and insole
- Lightweight 8 oz design
- Classic checkerboard pattern styling

Kids who need durable everyday shoes will get some mileage out of the Ultrarange's cushioned foam sole, built for actual playground use rather than just looks. Zappos has them for $45.50, which is $19.50 (30%) off the $65 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight performance design
- Durable canvas upper
- Breathable cotton lining
- Cushioned UltraCush midsole
- Secure lace-up closure

Kids' shoes take a beating, and this classic Old Skool build with the elastic lace closure makes it easier for younger kids to get them on and off without help. Zappos has them for $43.20, $4.80 off the $48 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable suede and canvas upper
- Easy dual hook-and-loop strap closures
- Comfortable cotton lining and rubber insole
- Signature non-slip rubber waffle outsole
- Iconic low-top Sidestripe design

These slip-on canvas sneakers work well for toddlers still learning to dress themselves, since there are no laces or buckles to deal with. Zappos has them for $34.20, $3.80 off the $38 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Hook-and-loop side closure for easy wear
- Durable canvas upper with vulcanized construction
- Padded collar for cushioned support
- Signature rubber waffle outsole for reliable grip
- Elasticized accents for secure slip-on fit

Kids who tear through sneakers will appreciate the durable build here, and the Minecraft graphics are a nice bonus for fans of the game. Buy Now at adidas

Zappos has these built for kids who are still mastering laces and quick stops, with an easy pull-tab entry and durable outsole that can handle the playground. Buy Now at Zappos
- Easy on and off hook-and-loop strap
- Elasticized laces for secure fit
- Grippy rubber sole for court traction
- Low-cut collar for ease of movement
- Heel pull tab for quick entry

Toddlers who need a durable shoe that survives daily wear will benefit most, thanks to Vans' sturdy construction built for active feet, and Zappos has them for $5.50 off the list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable canvas and smooth leather upper
- Cushioned rubber insole absorbs impact
- Supportive padded collar and oversized tongue
- Sturdy rubber outsole provides reliable grip
- Double hook-and-loop closures for easy wear

Update: The price has changed to $19.54 since this was originally published.
Toddlers who are hard on shoes can wear these without much financial risk, since the price barely dips below list at just a penny off $19.54. Buy Now at Amazon
- Breathable moisture-wicking knitted upper
- Easy-to-use elastic pull-on cuff design
- Anti-collision wide round toe for protection
- Reflective safety stripes for high visibility
- Durable construction for indoor and outdoor activity

Sturdy high-top skate shoes for younger kids, with a side zip that makes them easy to get on and off without fussing over laces. Buy Now at Zappos
- Side zipper for easy entry
- Adjustable lace-up design
- Padded collar for support
- Durable rubber outsole
- Flexible canvas construction

These sandals suit warm-weather days at the pool or beach where kids need shoes they can wade in without ruining, and right now they're $3.31 off the $22 list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- 3-point adjustable straps for secure, customizable fit
- Quick-dry, breathable materials for water play
- Durable webbing construction for active outdoor use
- Easy-to-clean design rinses clean with water
- Supportive, high-traction soles for stability

Cold-weather durability is the main draw here, with insulation built into the classic SK8-Mid design to keep kids' feet warm on chilly walks to school or playground days. Zappos carries them if you want the added protection without switching away from the style your kid already likes. Buy Now at Zappos
- Insulated cotton lining keeps feet warm
- Durable leather and canvas upper construction
- Double hook-and-loop straps for secure fit
- Easy on-and-off design
- Grippy rubber outsole for stability

Kids who cycle through sneakers fast will appreciate the durable rubber sole and marbled design that hides scuffs, and right now Zappos has them for $11 off the $55 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Mid-cut basketball-inspired trainer
- Hook-and-loop strap with elastic laces
- SoftFoam+ cushioned insole for comfort
- Durable cupsole tooling for support
- Synthetic leather upper construction

Kids' feet need durable everyday sneakers that can handle playground abuse, and the classic Old Skool build holds up well for that purpose; Zappos has these marked down $6.75 from the $45 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable suede and canvas upper construction
- Secure dual hook-and-loop strap closures
- Signature rubber waffle outsole for traction
- Comfortable cotton lining and rubber insole
- Iconic low-top silhouette with Sidestripe design

Zappos carries the Reebok Kids Classic Nylon Shoes in a Little Kid size 1, a solid pick for parents who want a durable, easy-to-clean sneaker for everyday wear without the higher price tag of running-specific kids' shoes. Buy Now at Zappos
- Breathable nylon upper with durable suede overlays
- Cushioned EVA footbed for all-day comfort
- Durable rubber outsole for reliable traction
- Secure lace-up closure for an adjustable fit
- Lightweight design weighing 5.2 ounces

Kids who like a bit of sparkle with their sneakers will get a chunky, retro-styled shoe that still holds up to playground wear, and Zappos has it for $3.70 off the $63 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Puffy 3D Sidestripe throwback style
- Sturdy suede and canvas upper
- Padded collar and oversized tongue comfort
- Secure lace-up closure with heel pull tab
- Durable rubber outsole for reliable grip

Zappos carries the Vans Kids Knu Skool Shoes, a chunkier take on the classic Vans silhouette that suits kids who need durable, skate-style sneakers built to handle daily wear on the playground. Buy Now at Zappos
- Puffy 3D molded Sidestripe
- Reinforced toe cap for durability
- Padded collar for all-day comfort
- Back pull tab for easy wear
- Reliable lace-up canvas construction

Turf trainers with hook-and-loop closures make sense for kids still working on tying their own shoes, and Zappos has them for $3.32 off the $45 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Hook-and-loop strap for easy slip-on fit
- Lightweight synthetic upper with stability support frame
- Multi-studded outsole for turf and artificial grass
- Made with at least 30% recycled materials
- Lightweight design weighing 6.4 ounces