25+ back-to-school shoes for kids of all ages

Designed to go from “zero to play in just two seconds”? Yes please. Dubbed the Dynamo Go, this futuristic-looking style from Nike features a collapsible heel which, rather than getting crushed and ruined as they stomp their way in, lets them slide right in. The overall design is soft, squishy yet still super supportive and available in both infant/toddler and kid sizes and a variety of colorful options.

Stride Rite is practically synonymous with kids’ shoes. From sneakers to mary janes, their styles are always meticulously designed with growing feet in mind. They’re also go-to for little ones with wide feet since practically every style is available in wide width. This highly recommended style from their Made to Play collection not only cradles their foot with super comfy Ortholite® memory foam footbeds but are also made with anti-stink breathable materials and can be tossed into the washing machine as needed!

Alternatively, for a classic back to school look we’re totally smitten with Stride Rite’s Nell Mary Jane. They’re crafted with Stride Rite’s patented innovative SRtech™ which helps feet feel the ground and help prevent slips and tumble as well as ultra-comfy memory foam molded foot beds.

We love Native Shoes so much and the best-selling Jefferson is an absolute summer staple. But for back to school season we’re fond of The Robbie. It’s similar in fit to the Jefferson with a retro-runner inspired silhouette and a chunkier, grippier sole that’s durable but also helps keep dirt out–perfect for playground antics and easy to slip into if they change shoes at school.

Even better, the style is crafted from their eco-friendly material, Sugarlite. Made from 40% bio-based content from sugarcane, it offers all the things we’ve come to know and love about the brand: lightweight, easy-to-clean and odor-resistant but with a greenhouse gas impact that is 22% lower than traditional EVA. They come in a rainbow of colors for toddlers through big kids and retail for $50-55 depending on the colorway.

If you’ve got a tot with a wider than average foot, New Balance has them covered. Many styles, this one included, are available in standard, wide and extra wide widths. They also are generally deeper than other brands, which helps to keep them from rubbing across the top of your child’s foot and becoming uncomfortable. Of their vast collection, we’re particularly fond of these for their durability while still allowing the feet to breathe. And because they’re New Balance, you know they provide top-notch support for growing feet!

Super flexible and oh-so-stylish, See Kai Run sneaks are always a top-pick for the preschool set. The Stevie II gets high marks for kiddos with wide or chunky feet and they go with everything!

The hardworking styles from Merrell are a top pick for everything from forest trails to the elementary school lunch line. The Trail Chaser Jr. is one of our favorites since it’s rugged enough for tromping around in the woods, but streamlined enough for playground play. They’re also super durable with a great tread and reinforced toe cap. The style also comes in a bunch of fun colorways in a wide range of sizes.

Perhaps one of the most comfortable adult sneakers on the planet, Saucony Jazz styles have been a personal go-to for years. The kiddo version swaps laces for velcro but still offers that same pillowy support and beat up-able nylon/suede combo in a variety of super cool colorways.

A classic go-with-everything style, the Nike Court Legacy is easy to take on and off with false laces and a single strap they love to do themselves. And even though they’re white, the leather upper can be kept pretty clean with just a quick wipe!

This beloved Puma style is a total classic. Available in a ton of great colors and a range of sizes from toddler to big kid, they’re ready to keep up with whatever plans for world domination your little one may have.

As a design-focused brand, Plae shoes have always been a top choice for developing feet. (It also helps that they’re some of the most durable kids shoes out there.) Not only are the super popular Ty sneakers comfy and easy to put on thanks to pull tabs in the back and a wide opening, but they also come in the most fun and stylish colors. They’re also a great adaptive option as they’re wide enough for little ones with ankle-foot orthotics, high insteps or other mobility support needs.

If you’ve yet to hear of Utah-based shoe brand Kizik, listen up. These were made with you and your kids in mind. Each style is made with a “spring back” heel to go on completely hands-free. No cramming, no whining and no need to even bend down! The kid line keeps expanding with six styles to choose from and sizes for toddlers through big kids. (Want to see the tech in action? The demonstration video is definitely worth a watch!)

Sustainable meets adorable! Allbirds kids’ line (adorably named Smallbirds) are a shrunken down version of their beloved classics. They’re made with itch-free, ZQ Merino wool that’s not just comfy and breathable, but machine washable as well. The brand regularly launches limited edition colors in addition to classic grey and black.

Vans are as classic a slip-on shoe as they come, and a brand that will frankly never go out of style. I also love that they come in a wide range of colors and themes, so you’re sure to find a look your kid will love. With elastic on the sides, these shoes make it easy for little hands to guide them onto their feet.

Similarly styled but a bit lighter, the Lamo Piper comes in glitter and faux snakeskin options that look cool but play hard.

Uber-popular Rothy’s are available in kids’ sizes, too! This eco-friendly brand is dedicated to sustainable fashion (shoes are made out of recycled single-use water bottles), and serve as the perfect way to introduce a conversation about being kind to the Earth with your kids. Also, they’re super comfortable, machine washable and come in an range of fun colors and designs. Win, win!

Inkkas shoes are handmade in Latin America, featuring textiles from around the world in their designs. I love that this company was founded on principles of fair trade and global philanthropy, and well, they’re just really cute. You can also tell your child that when you bought this pair of shoes, a tree was planted in their honor. Pretty neat.

This European brand is a favorite of Duchess Kate, who puts Cientas on George, Charlotte and Louis. And now you can put them on your kids, too! This classic style goes with everything, and each pair features a sweet and fruity scent. (Well, at first anyway–how do little kids end up with such stinky feet? It’s a true mystery.)

Heydude kids shoes come in a wide range of designs but comfort is really their key component: these kids shoes offer an ultra-lightweight outsole, are lined with a soft patterned cotton and come with memory foam insole. And oh yeah, they’re machine washable!

A versatile style that can carry them from the asphalt to the forest floor and everywhere in between! The Chandler CNX is lightweight and breathable and easy to slip into thanks to an elastic cinch. And we love the toe bumper that not only keeps them protected but saves the shoe from getting shredded the second they hop on a scooter! (They’re also 40% off right now.)

It’s sort of a requirement that mini groms rock a pair of Vans SK8-Hi’s at least once. And since they’re built for kick flips and ollies, you know they’re up to the challenge of cruising the hallways as well. They come in tons of different colors and patterns, but we’re particularly fond of the Zip version which make them so much easier to put on!

If they’re good enough for Run DMC, they’re good enough for your kid. The iconic style comes in plenty of different color options, but why mess with a classic?

If you really want to make back-to-school season extra special, let them customize their own pair of Chucks. A timeless shoe if ever there was one, they can make them their own by designing everything from the panel and stitching colors to embroidered text and patches. A pair of kicks that’s as unique as they are? You know it!

Comfortable, durable and fresh AF, the Nike Air Max 90 is sure to win all the cool points with kids and stylish adults alike.