Back-to-school season is in full swing, and in addition to all of the other gear your kids will need — from backpacks to lunchboxes to laptops — shoes are another essential item to have on your list. And while the list of supplies may be long, you probably only need a few pairs of shoes to get your kids through the school year.
Finding the best shoes for kids is an experience that requires asking yourself and your kids a lot of questions in order to make sure everyone walks away happy. You’ll need to ask them what styles they like, ask them how their new shoes feel and how they fit, and the biggest ask for parents of really active kids is: Are the shoes going to last beyond the first few weeks of the semester?
Luckily for all the parents out there, we’ve done plenty of research and rounded up the best kid’s shoes for back to school this season.
The Best Kids’ Slip-Ons
Vans Classic Slip-on Checkerboard Shoe
Key Specs
- Available Sizes: Toddlers, little kids, big kids
- Material (Upper/Sole): Canvas/rubber
Pros
- Easy styling with a classic design
- Durable canvas holds up to lots of play
- Comes in multiple colors
Cons
- Sizing runs small, so it may be tricky to find the right fit
Why We Chose It
This iconic Vans checkerboard skate shoe is an ideal slip-on style for big and little kids on the go. Parents love the classic style and how easy it is for kids to put them on, and they really appreciate how the shoes hold up to rough playing at school and at home. Another plus is that they come in several different colors if your kiddo wants to switch it up from the well-known black and white.
Native Shoes Jefferson Water-Friendly Slip-on Vegan Sneaker
Key Specs
- Available Sizes: Toddler, little kids, big kids
- Material (Upper/Sole): EVA upper/sole
Pros
- Vegan-friendly
- Comes in lots of fun colors for kids
- Easy to keep clean
Cons
- Best worn in warm weather
Why We Chose It
When it comes to versatile shoes, the Native Jefferson slip-ons are the perfect kicks to go from hot early semester days to rainy and damp weather. The vegan-friendly upper is perforated, making this shoe extremely breathable and lightweight. Plus, they’re known for being easy to clean. They come in an array of fun colors, so kids can choose their favorite.
Crocs Classic Clogs
Key Specs
- Available Sizes: Toddlers, little kids, big kids
- Material (Upper/Sole): Croslite upper/sole
Pros
- Kids can have fun customizing them with charms
- A very sturdy shoe that will last
- Come in almost two dozen colors
Cons
- Customizing them can cost more
Why We Chose It
Crocs have come a long way when it comes to their style potential and are no longer known just for their utility. These days, kids can have fun with the now-classic and extremely easy-to-wear clogs that come in well over a dozen colors. Besides being comfortable and lightweight, Crocs can be a way for kids to express their style thanks to tons of different Jibbitz charms that they can mix and match. (Parents should note, however, that the charms are not sold with the shoes.)
The Best Kids’ Sneakers
Nike Court Borough Low Recraft Sneaker
Key Specs
- Available Sizes: Big kids
- Material (Upper/Sole): Synthetic textile upper/rubber sole
Pros
- Come in several popular colors
- Very comfortable sneakers
Cons
- A bit pricey
Why We Chose It
These best-selling low-top sneakers from Nike are a great pair to add to your kid’s rotation of school shoes. They go with just about anything, have super plush insoles, and have been re-designed to be a little roomier for the midfoot and toes. Both kids and adults appreciate how comfy they are to wear and the number of colors they come in.
Adidas Originals Samba Sneaker
Key Specs
- Available Sizes: Toddlers, little kids, big kids
- Material (Upper/Sole): Leather/rubber
Pros
- Premium and durable leather construction
- Cool and classic Adidas OG design
Cons
- Sizing can be tricky to get right
Why We Chose It
Adidas’ stylish and comfy Original Sambas are nearly always sold out for a reason. The vintage-inspired design, array of color options and durable leather upper make it a cool choice for any school outfit. We’ll note that some reviewers mention that the sneakers can run smaller in size, and the leather can take a few days to break in. Otherwise, they’re a top choice.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top
Key Specs
- Available Sizes: Toddlers, little kids, big kids
- Material (Upper/Sole): Textile/rubber
Pros
- Easy to style with any outfit
- Classic high-top sneakers
Cons
- Sizing can run big
Why We Chose It
The Chuck Taylor All Stars are definite OG sneakers to have for back to school. They’re just about the easiest sneakers to style, no matter what outfit your kid wants to wear. And if you have older kids who aren’t likely to grow out of them, these sneakers are unlikely to go out of style next year.
The Best Kids Boots’
UGG Classic Ultra Mini Boot
Key Specs
- Available Sizes: Toddlers, little kids, big kids
- Material (Upper/Sole): Sheepskin/EVA outsole
Pros
- Water-resistant and ultra cozy
- Easy for kids to slip on and go
Cons
- Not the easiest to keep clean
Why We Chose It
UGG boots are a go-to for keeping your kiddo’s toes cozy in the cooler months of the school year. These kid-sized UGGs have all the trappings of usual UGG boots, including shearling linings and sheepskin uppers, and they come pre-treated for repelling water. If your kids want to stay warm without the fuss of lacing up boots, these are a winning choice.
Dr. Martens 1460 Boot
Key Specs
- Available Sizes: Toddlers, little kids, big kids
- Material (Upper/Sole): Patent/synthetic sole
Pros
- Fun choice of glittery and bright colors
- Very durable boots that last
- Can be dressed up or down
Cons
- Can be stiff and need to be broken in
Why We Chose It
A pair of Dr. Martens boots are a fun addition to your kid’s school wardrobe with their tough-yet-cool patent leather look. They come in glittery finishes, bright colors, and matte black for those who shy away from too much glam. They’re praised for being durable, thanks to strong stitching and cemented soles, so you know they’ll keep up with your kid’s activities.
Timberland 6-Inch Boot
Key Specs
- Available Sizes: Toddlers, little kids, big kids
- Material (Upper/Sole): Leather/synthetic
Pros
- Waterproof leather boots
- Great for kids with wider feet
Cons
- On the pricey side
Why We Chose It
If your kids are looking to switch it up from sneakers every day, Timberland’s premium boots are a great look and very comfy to wear. And with waterproof leather uppers, they don’t have to be just for school — kids can wear them on scout camping trips and hiking excursions, too. They’re also roomy and great for kids with wider feet; those with narrower feet may want to wear them with thicker socks.
The Best Formal Shoes for Kids
Apakowa Oxford School Uniform Loafer Shoe
Key Specs
- Available Sizes: Toddlers, little kids, big kids
- Material (Upper/Sole): Synthetic
Pros
- Quality shoes that hold up during the school year
- Affordable price point
- Machine washable
Cons
- Aren’t super sleek in design
Why We Chose It
When you need smart and affordable shoes that will last, these oxfords are up to the challenge. The Velcro tabs are perfect for younger grade schoolers who are now dressing themselves, and their durability is almost unmatched, according to many parents who have reviewed them.
FootMates Sherry Mary Jane Flat
Key Specs
- Available Sizes: Toddlers, little kids
- Material (Upper/Sole): Leather/synthetic
Pros
- A smart style for school uniforms
- Removable insoles for medium and wide widths
Cons
- Less ideal for narrow feet
Why We Chose It
For younger girls who wear school uniforms, these adorable T-strap Mary Janes are perfect for everyday wear. They’ve got smooth leather uppers and textured rubber soles, so there won’t be a problem with them being too slippery on the playground. An interchangeable insole is also a great feature for kids who have wider feet and need the extra room.
Bottom Line
The best shoes for back to school are the ones that kids will happily put on daily without wearing them out too quickly. Enlist your kid’s help in choosing the style so that they truly love their new kicks. We’ve taken care to pick styles that are good for both casual, everyday outfits and that can be styled with uniforms and more formal occasions like holiday performances. The most popular school shoes for kids are sneakers, with the Nike Court Borough Low coming in first as a best-selling option.
How to Choose Shoes for Back to School
Durability and Support
Kids’ activity levels are generally high, and between running around on the playground or walking to and from the bus stop, the shoes you buy will need to hold up over time. Giving them shoes with good cushioning and support in the arch of the foot is especially important if they will be engaged in lots of athletic activities. And making sure both their socks and shoes are breathable will help prevent things like foot odor from too much sweat.
Fit and Comfort
Unlike shopping for adult shoes, buying kids’ shoes comes with the knowledge that they’ll grow out of their current pairs and will need new ones in a few months. Also, if the shoes aren’t comfortable, kids will complain that their feet hurt and won’t wear them. It’s best to choose a brand your kids love, that’s in your budget, and that fits their feet well. Some brands are known for having a particular fit, and your kid may have feet that fit into some brands better than others. When it comes to trying on shoes, bring along the socks they plan to wear with the shoes, as different socks are thicker than others and can influence how shoes feel on your child’s foot.
School Regulations
The back-to-school season is already hectic enough without having to find out that your child can’t wear the shoes you’ve bought them. Check the school guidelines to make sure that the shoes you’ve purchased are approved, particularly if they are attending a school that requires uniforms or has stricter guidelines for what students can and cannot wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What school shoes are in fashion in 2024?
Depending on their age, kids can be very particular about their school outfits; their shoes are a big part of what makes an outfit “cool.” There are several brands that are classics by now, and are still popular, including Nike, Adidas, Converse and Vans. (If you’re a parent of school-aged kids right now, you may remember asking for these brands for back to school.) Newer classics like Crocs clogs and UGG boots are also TikTok-approved right now.
How far in advance should you buy school shoes?
There are a few schools of thought, one of which is to buy shoes as late in the season as possible since little feet are still growing. This would also mean holding off on buying items like heavy boots until it’s cool enough for them to begin wearing them. However, it can be hard to pass up a good sale, and if you’re confident they will still have the same size when the right weather comes to wear them, you can get a good deal on back-to-school sales.
How many pairs of shoes do you need for back to school?
You probably don’t want to spend a ton of money on new shoes, and kids really only need a few pairs to get them through the school year. In addition to two or three basic pairs that would be in their daily rotation, consider what activities your kids will be engaged in. For instance, do they need specific dress shoes for band or choir performances? Also, take into consideration the climate, with kids who go to school in the snow requiring snow boots and shoes to change into after taking their boots off. They may want, but will not likely need, more than one pair of shoes per activity or weather situation.
Methodology
In choosing the best shoes for school, we started with the knowledge that kids will need more than one kind of shoe to get them through the school year and chose not only sneakers (the most popular type of shoe), but also cool-weather boots, formal shoes and easy slip-ons for younger kids. It was also important to choose styles that are popular with kids of all ages this season and narrow our picks from there. We went with styles that are classic and aren’t likely to fall out of trend in the short term. Those who are looking for back-to-school shoes will appreciate how each shoe was vetted for comfort and durability on kids’ feet by the many parents who left advice and reviews on all of the shoes on this list.
