There are basic running shoes, “basketball” style shoes, and the more fashion-first shoe. We searched among all of these styles in kids’ sizes to see what was out there ahead of the new school year. And luckily, there’s a mix of all of the above. Each shoe not only has its own aesthetic but functionality as well. All of the options we found provide comfort to the wearers. After all, they will all be active in some way, whether it’s in gym glass or a walk to the school bus. We included some shoes that are more suited for runners or athletes. Others are classics. And others are straight up cute or fun (with support, of course)!
Like clothes, shoes are a way for kids to express their individuality and style while also protecting their feet. It’s never too early to start peaking around or stocking up. Given how fast styles change — and kids’ feet grow — there may be no other choice. Check out the shoes below and make sure anyone going back to school starts off the year on the right foot.
adidas Originals Kids’ Superstar Running Shoe
Amazon
This style has been around forever, but that’s because it’s a representation of the addidas brand and it’s timeless. It’s made from “soft” leather and comes in sizes for kids 4 to 8 years old.
KIKOSOCKS Kids Running Shoes
Amazon
DADAWEN Strap Athletic Running Shoes
Amazon
addidas ULTRABOOST 19 shoes
addidas
The latest addidas sneaker line is the ULTRABOOST line that features two different shoe patterns along with the original addidas lines. “An energy-returning midsole provides superior cushioning while a soft rubber outsole delivers grip on any surface.”
addidas ULTRABOOST 19 shoes ($75, addidas)
adiddas Nite Jogger Shoes
Amazon
These sneakers not only make a good playground shoes, but they’re stylish and vintage, too. “Inspired by a 1980 sneaker, these juniors’ shoes shine bright with retro style and reflective details. For a fun twist, they show off a 3D Morse code pattern on the tongue label.”
adiddas Nite Jogger Shoes ($110, addidas)
addidas Rapida Run x Shoes
adiddas
These running shoes are ready for gym, playground or sports time. They come in two colors: coral and gray.Â
addidas Rapida Run x Shoes ($65, addidas)
NMD R1 X Toy Story 4-Bo Peep
adiddas
Lion King and Toy Story 4 were the hit movies of the summer. So it makes there’s an entire shoe with a Bo Peep theme.
NMD R1 X Toy Story 4-Bo Peep ($110, adiddas)
Vans Old Skool
Vans
It’s doubtful Vans will ever go out of style. Why would they? They’re classics. Keep it classy this school year with the original style of the shoe.
Vans Old Skool  ($60, Footlocker)
Air Jordan Kids 1 Low
Google Express
Jordan sneakers are always the kind that people wait in lines over, and these Nike shoes are no different. They’re selling out like hotcakes.
Air Jordan Kids 1 Low ($75, Google Express)
Nike Air Force 1-2
Nike
The Nike Air Force sneaker is also pretty popular. It’s not too clunky and features a sleek Nike design. Includes cushioning inside the shoe for support.
Nike Air Force 1-2 ($75, Nike)
Vans Old Skool
Footlocker
Kids love colors, and with these colorful Vans, they can wear them around 24/7. The “sturdy canvas and leather uppers provide durability, and padded collars offer you support and flexibility.”
Vans Old Skool  ($42, Footlocker)
FILA Disrupter II Sneaker
DSW
If the back-to-schooler is fashion-focused, this popular FILA sneaker is for them. It’s all the rage now and featured heavily on Instagram influencers.
FILA Disrupter II Sneaker ($45, DSW)
Chuck Taylor All Star Sparkle Sneaker
DSW
Chuck Taylor’s are another classic that no one can do wrong with. This pair of low-tops comes with a sparkly exterior.Â
Chuck Taylor All Star Sparkle Sneaker ($40, DSW)
Smallbirds Wool Runners
Allbirds
These might be the most comfortable shoes, like ever. They’re made of wool and are lightweight and breathable.Â
Smallbirds Wool Runners ($55, Allbirds)
Air Jordan Legacy 312 Off-Court Shoes
Finish Line
These Air Jordans may look as if they’re made for the court, but they can be worn off of it too. The shoe features cushioning for comfort and a “forefoot strap for a locked-in fit.”
Air Jordan Legacy 312 Off-Court Shoes ($70, Finish Line)
New Balance Fresh Foam Fast Boys’ Sneakers
Kohl’s
These New Balance Fresh Foam sneakers look like they’re ready to hit the pavement. Come with a “breathable mesh upper, padded tongue and collar and durable traction sole.”
New Balance Fresh Foam Fast Boys’ Sneakers ($45, Kohl’s)
PUMA Axelion Jr Boys’ Sneakers
Kohl’s
These Pumas just look like they can make its wearer go as fat as the animal. This pair features a sleek design, black and gray color scheme and ‘already-tied up" laces.
PUMA Axelion Jr Boys’ Sneakers ($48, Kohl’s)
Under Armour Charged Rogue Running Shoes
Kohl’s
This shoe is perfect for all the active kids out there. It’s a running shoe but stylish enough to wear any time. Comes in five other colors as well.
Under Armour Charged Rogue Running Shoes ($49, Kohl’s)
Asics GT-1000 7 Sneakers
Asics
Asics is known for its running shoes, but like the Under Armour pair earlier, they can also wok seamlessly as a normal kid’s shoe. However, the shoe still makes sure the foot gets the utmost support based on how a child walks.Â
Asics GT-1000 Sneakers ($40, Asics)
Asics GT-1000 8 Sneakers
Asics
A sibling of the Gt-1000 7, the GT 1000 8 version is almost identical in composition but comes in a darker color scheme. It also is shaped to fit the shape of the feet and adjust for the way a person walks and runs.
Asics GT-1000 8 Sneakers ($70, Asics)
