The best kids sneakers for school, travel, and play

Kids sneakers have a serious job to do: Support growing feet as children run, jump, explore, learn, and play. Finding the perfect fit can mean trying out a variety of brands, and often the sneakers that work for your kid when they’re little won’t be the right shoe as their feet (and style sensibilities) grow. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the most beloved sneaker brands for little and big kids, where to shop for them, and which kids sneakers really stand out for quality and fit.

Where to find the best kids sneakers

• Foot Locker: Sneakers are the star at Foot Locker. With stores in 20 countries and a massive online presence, Foot Locker is a go-to source for all the latest and greatest in the world of sports shoes. The retailer carries sneakers, running shoes, and other sports shoes in all sizes, from infant sizes through adult sizes. 
• Dick’s Sporting Goods: Just as the name suggests, Dick’s Sporting Goods carries much more than just shoes, but its kids sneaker selection stands out for its easy-to-browse selections of kids athletic shoes, basketball shoes, lifestyle sneakers, and limited sneaker releases. 
• Zappos: Longtime online shoe retailer Zappos has a fantastic selection of current kids shoes from dozens of brands, including both popular names like Asics and Adidas and lesser-known brands for smaller feet with devoted followings like pediped and Tsukihoshi Kids.
• Journeys Kidz: Journeys Kidz is a kids footwear chain with a range of cool-enough-for-cool-kids brands like Converse and Adidas. Frequent sales and special-edition shoes make Journeys (which also sells adult shoes) a good stop whenever you’re looking for kids sneakers. 
• DSW: DSW has a constantly refreshed, robust selection of discounted kids sneakers, including shoes from Vans, Adidas, New Balance, and Converse. 
• Brand Websites: When you’re comparing prices on kids sneakers online, it’s a good idea to check the brand website as well as shoe retailers. Brands that sell boys and girls sneakers and running shoes directly include Adidas, Nike, Converse, New Balance, and Skechers. You can also find smaller, harder-to-find sneaker brands with kids lines like Onitsuka Tiger and Plae.

Top picks for kids sneakers

My top kids sneaker picks include running shoes, sneaker-hiker hybrids, athletic shoes, and yes, even light-up sneakers in cool colors and new styles that will bring kids running.

1. Kids Vans Old Skool Sneakers

Best sneakers for young fashionistas

One shoe, many looks—that’s the joy of Vans Old Skool sneakers. These retro-cool Kids Vans feature a reinforced toe-cap, suede and canvas uppers, and a lace-up closure. They’re available in an embrace-your-style array of colors and patterns for little kids, big kids, and adults. Proving it’s never too early to start honing your sneaker game, Vans Old Skool sneakers are available (with Velcro) in toddler sizes as well. 

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2. Nike Air Force

Best sneakers for kids who like lots of choices

Leather uppers meet Nike Air comfort with the Nike Air Force 1 series. This classic kids sneaker, which first debuted as a basketball shoe in 1982, has been updated for kids with lots of cool color options like hot pink and army green. Heel cushioning and a cushioned collar make all-day wear comfortable for even the most active kids. 

3. See Kai Run Stevie II First Walker

Best sneakers for little ones on the move

See Kai Run was started by a Seattle mom who was frustrated with the lack of shoe options for little ones learning to walk. The company’s line of first walker shoes, including the adorable Stevie II sneakers, is designed for babies and toddlers, with a full rubber outsole for sturdy traction and a roomy fit for growing feet (they’re good for tykes with wide feet). See Kai Run also makes a wide variety of other kids sneakers.

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4. Stride Rite Made2Play Light-Up Surge Bounce Sneaker

Best light-up sneakers for kids

Stride Rite boldly takes the light-up kids sneaker concept to the next level—by making them machine washable. The Made2Play Light-Up Surge Bounce Sneaker has light-up soles, recycled mesh linings to fight odor, a lightweight and flexible design, and memory footbed for ultimate comfort. With multiple color-combos to choose from and both little kid and big kid sneaker sizes, there’s an option for everyone. 

5. Puma Suede Classic Sneakers

Best sneakers for fans of retro style

Puma has a lot of cool sneakers for kids, but its Suede Classic sneakers are a choice that will never go out of style. A favorite look since it first debuted in 1968, the sneaker features a suede low-top silhouette, comfort sock liner, rubber midsole, and a rubber outsole that offers plenty of traction but won’t leave marks behind after your kids have run off. The sneaker is available in multiple color options and in toddler, little kid, and big kid sizes, as well as adult versions. 

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6. Nike Air Max

Best supportive sneakers for kids

Nike’s Air Max line for kids breathes new life into a classic ’90s sneaker icon. The Nike Air Max 90 LTR has been redesigned with softer, more flexible cushioning to give growing feet just-right support. Added flexibility in the toes plus a softer midsole lets kids bend their feet naturally, and extra-durable materials are built for hard wear by kids. Multiple color combos to choose from and sizes between 3.5 and 7 for big kids nearly guarantees a perfect fit. There’s also a version of the Air Max 90 for smaller feet.

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7. Plae Ty Sneakers

Best sneakers for active little kids

Plae Ty sneakers’ great color combinations and Velcro-closure straps are ideal for younger kids as they become more opinionated and independent. Flexible enough to allow kids natural movement, and grippy for excellent traction when climbing, the Ty sneakers come in a dozen colors and range in size from a little kids 5 through big kids 4.5. Parents and kids alike adore these machine-washable shoes, citing features like the sort of durability that can stand up to kids who are extra rough on shoes. 

8. New Balance 990 Collection

Best comfy basic sneakers for kids

New Balance’s kids 990 collection offers a single silhouette with a variety of different features. Choose sizes ranging from toddler right through the point your kid’s feet are bigger than yours. You’ll find Velcro and tie options and a choice of go-with-anything neutral colors. What stays the same no matter which you choose is the ultra-comfortable cushioned midsole, impact-absorbing outsole, and standard and wide fits. 

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9. Keen Targhee Waterproof Shoes

Best sneakers for kids who like to make a splash

Keen’s hybrid sneakers are ready for everything from sidewalk to trail and backyard to schoolyard. The Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Shoe for big kids (and little ones) looks and feels like a sporty sneaker with plenty of cushioning and a comfortable fit but has hiking-ready features like all-terrain traction and breathable waterproofing. The company’s natural, pesticide-free odor control system helps the shoes from getting too stinky, and the lace-capture system means kids won’t have to tie and retie their shoes throughout the day. 

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Kids’ shoes support them as they discover the world. Little feet need special care, and the best children’s shoes are designed with growing bodies in mind. And with new shoes just an online cart away, it’s easier than ever to keep up with kids through growth spurts, style changes, and worn-out kicks alike.

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