
Running around the playground calls for shoes that can keep up, and the Rave Run's lightweight cushioning suits active kids who are hard on their sneakers. Zappos also offers a wide range of sizes and half sizes, which helps if your child's foot falls between standard measurements. Buy Now at Zappos
- Lightweight design for effortless movement
- Breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool
- Lace-up closure for secure, adjustable fit
- Cushioned EVA insole for lasting comfort
- Durable rubber outsole for reliable traction

These bungee laces make it easy for kids to get shoes on and off themselves, which is worth it if you're tired of tying knots every morning. Zappos has them for $54, $6 off the $60 list price. Buy Now at Zappos
- Fresh Foam midsole provides ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Bungee elastic laces for slip-on convenience
- Breathable lightweight mesh upper construction
- No-sew tip increases durability in high-wear areas
- Rubber outsole ensures reliable traction and durability

Kids get the Air Max cushioning without the adult price tag, which matters if you're outfitting growing feet that'll outgrow them in a year anyway. Zappos has these marked down just $2 from the $77 list price, so this one's more about the shoe itself than any real savings. Buy Now at Zappos
- Max Air unit provides plush supportive cushioning
- Lightweight and durable ripstop mesh upper
- Rubber outsole with Waffle-inspired tread for traction
- Soft foam midsole for additional impact absorption
- Pull tab on heel for easy on and off

Bungee laces make these a solid pick for kids who aren't ready to tie their own shoes yet, letting them slip on and off without any adjusting. Buy Now at Zappos
- Fresh Foam midsole for ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Breathable mesh upper with sleek no-sew overlays
- Durable rubber outsole pods for active play
- Bungee closure with hook-and-loop strap for easy changes
- Model: 7 Toddler XW

Kids who insist on shoes they can put on themselves will appreciate the zip closure, and the glitter finish adds a bit of flair without sacrificing the durability of the classic Authentic build. Buy Now at Zappos
- Supportive high-top build
- Durable canvas upper
- Side zipper for easy entry
- Rubber outsole for reliable traction
- Snug fit for ankle support

Toddlers who are still building ankle stability tend to do better with a mid-top like this than a standard low-top sneaker, and the classic Sk8 design means the shoes will match just about anything in their closet. Zappos includes free shipping and returns, so sizing mishaps with growing feet are easy to fix. Buy Now at Zappos
- Dual hook-and-loop closures for easy wear
- Padded collar provides ankle support
- Reinforced stitching for increased durability
- Signature waffle rubber outsole for reliable traction
- Lightweight 5 oz construction for comfortable movement

Zappos carries the Vans Kids Sk8-Hi Reissue with a side zipper, which skips the lace-tying struggle entirely, making it a solid pick for parents dressing squirmy toddlers who won't sit still. Buy Now at Zappos
- Side zippered closure for easy entry
- Padded collar for extra support
- Flexible construction for active play
- Durable rubber outsole for grip
- Canvas upper with lace-up adjustability

Kids who insist on shoes they can put on themselves will appreciate the zip closure, and the glitter finish adds a bit of flair without sacrificing the durability of the classic Authentic build. Buy Now at Zappos
- High-top build for added ankle support
- Side zipper for easy entry
- Durable canvas upper
- Rubber outsole for reliable traction
- Model: Vans Kids Authentic Hi 2.0 Zip

Zappos carries these for kids who need something durable enough for daily wear on the playground but still lightweight, thanks to the padded collar and Vans' UltraCush foam sole. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable suede and canvas upper
- Hook-and-loop strap for easy wear
- Lightweight UltraCush midsoles
- Heritage side stripe design
- Back pull tab for easy entry

Zappos carries the Vans Kids Authentic Hi 2.0 Zip Shoes, and the side zipper makes them easy for young kids to get on and off without fussing with laces. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable canvas upper
- High-top silhouette for ankle support
- Side zipper for easy entry
- Rubber outsole for reliable traction
- Model: Vans Kids Authentic Hi 2.0 Zip

Kids who need a shoe that can handle daily wear without falling apart are the target here, thanks to the sturdy canvas build and reinforced ankle support of this hi-top style. Zappos carries the Big Kid sizing, so it's worth checking if your child's current shoes are getting snug. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable high-top canvas construction
- Snug ankle support
- Cushioned rubber insole
- Signature waffle grip rubber outsole
- Classic lace-up heritage silhouette

Cold-weather insulation makes these a solid pick for kids who need warmth on the walk to school, not just a canvas shoe with some brand recognition, and Zappos backs it with their usual easy returns if the fit's off. Buy Now at Zappos
- Insulated lining for added warmth
- Durable leather and canvas upper
- Double hook-and-loop straps for secure fastening
- Protective rubber outsole
- Model: Vans Kids SK8-Mid Reissue V Insulated

Zappos has these for $31.50, $3.50 off the list price, and the elastic closure means no laces to tie, which makes them a solid grab-and-go option for younger kids still working on that skill. Buy Now at Zappos
- Elastic laces for easy slip-on convenience
- Secure hook-and-loop closure
- Durable canvas upper and rubber outsole
- Cushioned rubber insole for lasting comfort
- Model: Authentic Elastic V

Kids' feet grow fast, so having a durable, easy on-off sneaker like this one makes sense for parents who don't want to overspend on shoes that'll be outgrown in a few months, and Zappos has them for $15 off the list price right now. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable leather and synthetic upper construction
- Breathable mesh lining and toe box perforations
- Lightweight EVA midsole for all-day comfort
- Abrasion-resistant rubber outsole for reliable traction
- Classic lace-up design for secure fit

Toddlers and kids who are hard on their shoes tend to do fine with these since the nylon upper is lightweight and easy to wipe clean after a day of playground use. Buy Now at Zappos
- Durable rubber outsole for superior traction
- Lightweight 5.2 oz design for all-day comfort
- Cushioned EVA footbed for impact absorption
- Secure lace-up closure for adjustable fit
- Breathable nylon and suede upper construction

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

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

Update: The price has changed to $28.99 since this was originally published.
These slip on easily for pool days, beach trips, or splash pads, and the quick-dry material means less time waiting around in wet shoes afterward. At $28.97, that's about $9 (23%) off the $37.69 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

Update: The price has changed to $28.99 since this was originally published.
Barefoot-style traction makes these a solid pick for beach days, pool decks, or splash pads where kids need grip without lugging around wet sneakers, and they dry fast enough for back-to-back activities in the same afternoon. Amazon has them for $28.98, about $9 off the $37.69 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

Update: The price has changed to $28.99 since this was originally published.
These slip on quick and drain fast, so they're a solid pick for pool days, beach trips, or splash pads where kids are in and out of the water constantly. Amazon has them for $29, which is $7 off the $36 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