Back to School

Stepping in Style: The Best Kids Shoes for Back to School

written by JESSICA WELSH & GIANNA ALDANA

The Everymom’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

kids back to school shoes"
kids back to school shoes
Graphics by: Caitlin Schneider
Graphics by: Caitlin Schneider

In case you missed it, we’re 100 percent in back-to-school mode here at The Everymom. We’ve shared everything from first day of school picture ideas to books that will help get your child ready for back to school. We’ve also talked about the all things you can do to prep your family for the new school year. Now, it’s time to talk about the best kids shoes for back to school.

While you might be focused on the cute first-day-of-school outfits and all of the items on their school supply list, we can’t forget about grabbing a new pair of shoes (or two) for the upcoming year. Kids’ feet grow quickly, so there’s a good chance your child may have already grown out of last year’s shoes.

We know that you might not want to spend a lot on a pair of shoes that your kids will only wear for a year (or less), so we’ve put together this list of all the best kids shoes for back-to-school (including some editor faves!) at every price point.

How we chose the best kids shoes for back to school

If you haven’t already checked out our back-to-school roundups of the best backpacks, lunch boxes, and clothing, we’ve covered nearly everything you need to make shopping a breeze. However, this series wouldn’t be complete without sharing the best new shoes to buy for your kids. We looked for shoes that will withstand every season of the school year. With the input from the moms on our team, plus our own research of highly-rated shoes, we know you’ll love the options below. From rainy days to warmer weather and everything in between, keep scrolling for shoes that are perfect for every occasion.

Sneakers

white kids vejas sneakers
Nordstrom | Veja
ChromeFree Sneaker

sizes:

  • walker
  • toddler
  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now
plae sneakers
Plae
Ty Sneaker

Machine washable!
10+ colors available

sizes:

  • toddler
  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now
colorblock sneakers
Target | Cat & Jack
Jaid Court Sneakers

3 colors available

sizes:

  • toddler
  • little kid
Shop now
blue and yellow sneakers
Nordstrom | See Kai Run
Connor Sneaker

“See Kai Run are great! Closed-toe is also important for playground woodchips.” – Kathy, Senior Editor

sizes:

  • baby
  • walker
  • toddler
  • little kid
Shop now
black and white puma sneakers
Nordstrom | PUMA
Palermo Sneaker

6 colors available

sizes:

  • walker
  • toddler
  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now
adidas green sneakers
Nordstrom | Adidas
Gazelle Low Top Sneaker

8 colors available

sizes:

  • toddler
  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now
grey velcro sneakers
Amazon
Lightweight Breathable Strap Athletic Shoes

“These are the only sneakers I will ever buy my kids from now on.” – Ally, Chief of Sales & Marketing

10+ colors available

sizes:

  • toddler
  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now
on cloud sneakers
Nordstrom | On
The ROGER Sneaker

3 colors available

sizes:

  • toddler
  • little kid
Shop now
van's blue sneakers
Nordstrom | Vans
Old Skool Sneaker

sizes:

  • toddler
  • little kid
Shop now
metallic and white sneakers
Nordstrom | DV by Dolce Vita
Pella Sneaker

2 colors available

sizes:

  • toddler
  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now
white and green sneakers
Nordstrom | Nike
Air Force 1 Low EasyOn Sneaker

10+ colors available

sizes:

  • baby
  • walker
  • toddler
  • little kid
Shop now
leather velcro sneakers
Ten Little
Everyday Original

Made from vegan leather and natural rubber soles!

10+ colors available

sizes:

  • toddler
  • little kid
Shop now
tan kids tennis shoes
Target | Cat & Jack
Korbyn Retro Sneakers

2 colors available

big kid sizes

Shop now
star patch colorblock sneakers
Boden
Leather Low Tops

“Any sneakers with velcro are great for little ones who can’t yet tie their shoes—or who don’t want to deal with laces.” – Kathy, Senior Editor

2 styles available

sizes:

  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now
white and tan sneakers
Old Navy
Faux-Leather Sneakers

sizes:

  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now

Slip-Ons

blue native shoes
Amazon | Native Shoes
Jefferson Kids Shoe

10+ colors available

sizes:

  • toddler
  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now
pink slip on shoes
Amazon
Lightweight Slip On Shoes

10 colors available

sizes:

  • toddler
  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now
grey sneakers
Vessi
Weekend Sneakers

100 percent waterproof!
3 colors available

sizes:

  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now
pink rainbow slip-ons
Amazon | Dream Pairs
Kids Slip On Tennis Shoes

8 colors available

sizes:

  • toddler
  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now
green allbird slip on sneakers
Allbirds
Smallbirds Wool Loungers

5 colors available

sizes:

  • toddler
  • little kid
Shop now
tie-dye slip on shoes
Target | Cat & Jack
Lucian Two ZIp Casual Sneakers

sizes:

  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now
van's checkered slip-ons
Nordstrom | Vans
Classic Checker Slip-On

“I always buy my son a new pair of Vans because they are so easy.” – Roberta, Editor-in-Chief

sizes:

  • toddler
  • little kid
Shop now
nike grey slip on shoes
DSW | Nike
Flex Runner 3 Sneaker

4 colors available

sizes:

  • toddler
  • little kid
Shop now
adidas white tennis shoes
DSW | adidas
Lite Racer Adapt 5.0 Sneaker

2 colors available

sizes:

  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now
kids boat shoe
Target | Cat & Jack
Reece Boat Shoes

2 colors available

sizes:

  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now

Mary Janes & More

metallic ballet shoes
Ten Little
Mary Janes

Made from vegan leather and natural rubber soles!

2 colors available

sizes:

  • toddler
  • little kid
Shop now
sparkly kids mary jane's
Nordstrom | Cienta
Mary Jane Sneaker

3 colors available

sizes:

  • baby
  • walker
  • toddler
  • little kid
Shop now
black mary jane flats
Target | Cat & Jack
Amelia Double Buckle Mary Jane Flats

2 colors available

sizes:

  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now
metallic ballet flats
Target | Cat & Jack
Diana Slip-On Ballet Flats

5 colors available

sizes:

  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now
white platform crocs
Amazon | Crocs
Unisex Cutie Crush Clog

“My kids have Crocs for inside school in the winter when they take off their snow boots.” – Kathy, Senior Editor

8 colors available

sizes:

  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now
boy's dress shoes
Target | Cat & Jack
Elijah Knit Dress Shoes

sizes:

  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now

Boots

tan bearpaw boots
Target | Bearpaw
Elle Zipper Boots

“We’ve had these for last three years and love them.” – Roberta, Editor-in-Chief

2 colors available
toddler sizes

Shop now
metallic chelsea boots
Nordstrom
Flora Metallic Sparkle Zip-Up Bootie

2 colors available

sizes:

  • toddler
  • little kid
Shop now
cognac suede mini boots
Target | Cat & Jack
Opal Zipper Boots

2 colors available

sizes:

  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now
pink hunter boots
Nordstrom | Hunter
First Classic Rain Boot

7 colors available

sizes:

  • walker
  • toddler
  • little kid
Shop now
tan short boots
Consciously Baby
Waxed Leather Chelsea Boot

“These are a little more expensive, but I buy my kids each one pair of dress shoes. These are from a small business and are incredible quality, comfortable, and easy to get on.” – Ally, Chief of Sales & Marketing

7 colors available

sizes:

  • toddler
  • little kid
Shop now
pink chelsea boots
Cotton On Kids
Pull On Gusset Boot

4 colors available

sizes:

  • toddler
  • little kid
Shop now
boys winter shoes
DSW | Sperry
Port Duck Boots

sizes:

  • toddler
  • little kid
Shop now
deer stags boots
DSW | Deer Stags
Warren Jr Boot

3 colors available

sizes:

  • little kid
  • big kid
Shop now

Why You Can Count on Us

The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.

jessica welsh headshot
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessica Welsh, Commerce Editor

As Commerce Editor, Jessica oversees and edits all shopping content on The Everymom—including everything from mom fashion to product reviews. She also writes in-depth styling stories, trend reports, capsule wardrobes, gift guides, and more. She has created editorial content for major brands such as Nordstrom, Old Navy, and Kohl’s, and was previously a regular contributor to The Everygirl. Jessica believes that fashion should be accessible to everyone, so she is very determined to scour the internet for the best looks for less and affordable finds.

gianna aldana the everymom
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gianna Aldana, Commerce Editorial Assistant

As the Everymom’s Commerce Editorial Assistant, Gianna assists The Everymom editors in the production of new and existing articles, pitches and writes new content, and sources product for shopping listicles. With writing being one of her absolute passions, she enjoys sharing her expertise in all things related to fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Before working at The Everymom, Gianna found her purpose in editorial content creation through internships at Bump Club and Beyond and The Pretty Palm Leaf Event Company.