Back to School

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

written by JESSICA WELSH

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.

Graphics by: Anna Wissler
Graphics by: Anna Wissler

In case you missed it, we’re 100 percent in back-to-school mode here at The Everymom. We’ve shared everything from back-to-school traditions to implement to items you can pick up for yourself while back-to-school shopping for your kids, and we’ve also talked about the all of the kids gear your child might need for a brand new 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. Check them out below:

 

Sneakers

Nordstrom | See Kai Run
Kids’ Robyne Sneaker

toddler and little kid sizes

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Plae
Ty Sneaker

10+ colors available
toddler, little kid, and big kid sizes

Machine washable!

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adidas striped kids sneaker
DSW | Adidas
Grand Court 2.0 Sneaker

"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, Editor

2 colors available
toddler and little kid sizes

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adidas kids sneakers
DSW | Adidas
Racer TR21 Sneaker

little kid and big kid sizes

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tie dye sneakers
Target | Cat & Jack
Ellison Sneakers

3 patterns available
little kid and big kid sizes

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Nordstrom | See Kai Run
Lucci Brown Leather Sneaker

"See Kai Run are great! Closed-toe is also important for playground woodchips." - Kathy, Editor

little kid and big kid sizes

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colorful velcro sneakers
Target | Cat & Jack
Brighton Sneakers

3 colors available
toddler and little kid sizes

Shop now
Amazon
Lightweight Sneakers

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

18 colors available
toddler and little kid sizes

Shop now
kids veja sneakers
Nordstrom | Veja
ChromeFree Sneaker

toddler and little kid sizes

Shop now
Ten Little
Everyday Original

14 colors available
little kid and big kid sizes

Made from vegan leather and natural rubber soles!

Shop now
allbirds kids sneaker
AllBirds
Smallbirds Wool Runners

10+ colors available
little and big kid sizes

Shop now
vans old skool sneakers
Nordstrom | Vans
Kids' Old Skool Sneaker

toddler and little kid sizes

Shop now
kids nike blazers
Nordstrom | Nike
Streetcheck Sneaker

5 colors available
toddler and little kid sizes

Shop now
kids new balance sneakers
Nordstrom | New Balance
Kids’ 574 Sneaker

2 colors available
big kid sizes

Shop now

 

Slip-Ons

Native Shoes
Water Friendly Slip-On Vegan Sneaker

10+ colors available
toddler and little kid sizes

Shop now
kids new balance tennis shoes
DSW | New Balance
237 Slip-On Sneaker

2 colors available
big kid sizes

Shop now
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

toddler and little kid sizes

Shop now
AllBirds
Smallbirds Wool Loungers

9 colors available
little and big kid sizes

Shop now
grey slip on sneakers
Vessi
Weekend Sneakers

6 colors available
little and big kid sizes

100 percent waterproof!

Shop now
faux leather slip ons
Target | Cat & Jack
Enzo Slip-On Sneakers

2 colors available
little and big kid sizes

Shop now

 

Mary Janes & More

Ten Little
Mary Janes

2 colors available
little kid sizes

Made from vegan leather and natural rubber soles!

Shop now
Amazon
Lightweight Indoor Slippers

"Our preschool asks that the kids use slippers for inside in winter when they take boots off and we LOVE these." - Ally, Chief of Sales & Marketing

20+ colors and styles available
toddler and little kid sizes

Shop now
Maisonette | L'Amour
Ollie Stitch Mary Jane

toddler and little kid sizes

Shop now
Maisonette | Cienta
Rainbow Sparkle Mary Janes

toddler and little kid sizes

Shop now
white croc clogs
Amazon | Crocs
Unisex Cutie Crush Clog

"My kids have Crocs for inside school in the winter when they take off their snow boots." - Kathy, Editor

8 colors available
little kid and big kid sizes

Shop now
DSW | Mix No. 6
Lucy Mary Jane Flat

little and big kid sizes

Shop now

 

Boots

tan chelsea boots
Nordstrom | Sam Edelman
Kids’ Laguna Chelsea Boot

4 colors available
toddler, little kid, and big kid sizes

Shop now
Target | Bearpaw
Elle Zipper Boots

"We've had these for last three years and love them." - Roberta, Editor-in-Chief

3 colors available
toddler and little kid sizes

Shop now
hunter rain boots
Nordstrom | HUNTER
Play Waterproof Rain Boot

3 colors available
toddler sizes

Shop now
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
toddler and little kid sizes

Shop now
kids short western boot
Target | Cat & Jack
Ashleigh Zipper Western Boots

little and big kid sizes

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Amazon
Tundra Teddy Boot

12 colors and patterns available
toddler and little kid sizes

Shop now
kids tan uggs
Nordstrom | Ugg
Classic Mini II Water-Resistant Shearling Boot

3 colors available
little and big kid sizes

Shop now
DSW | Deer Stags
Warren Jr. Boots

2 colors available
little and big kid sizes

Shop now

20 Items to Treat Yourself to While Back-To-School Shopping for Your Kids
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