Best Kids' Shoes for Back to School
Back-to-school season means new outfits, fresh supplies—and, most importantly, shoes that can survive everything from playground sprints to rainy-day puddle stomps. Kids' feet grow fast (the American Academy of Pediatrics notes children can outgrow shoes every few months), so finding the right balance of comfort, durability, support, and value matters more than brand hype. We evaluated dozens of popular styles across four age groups—toddler, elementary, middle school, and teen—focusing on cushioning, fit, outsole grip, ease of on-and-off, and how well each shoe holds up over weeks of real wear. Below you'll find our top picks ranked by age, plus a quick-reference comparison table to help you shop smarter. For even more guidance, check out our Back-to-School shop and our in-depth guide on How to Buy Kids' Shoes.
Best Shoes for Toddlers (Ages 3–5)
Toddlers need shoes that are lightweight, flexible, and easy to get on and off—ideally without parent intervention during a busy preschool day. Pediatric podiatrists recommend flat, flexible soles at this age to allow natural foot development, so we prioritized shoes with minimal heel lift and secure closures.
Skechers Ultra Flex 3.0 (Kids)
Slip-on simplicity meets cloud-like cushioning for little feet.
The Skechers Ultra Flex 3.0 quickly became a favorite among our youngest because they could put it on and take it off without any help. The stretch-knit upper hugs the foot without feeling restrictive, and the memory-foam insole keeps tiny feet comfortable from morning circle time through afternoon recess. The lightweight outsole flexes naturally with each step, which is exactly what developing feet need. After several weeks of daily wear, the upper showed minimal pilling and the tread still gripped well on wet playground surfaces. It's a shoe that respects a toddler's independence—and a parent's sanity. DSW VIP members can save even more on this already wallet-friendly pick.
Crocs Classic Clog (Kids)
The ultimate easy-on, easy-off shoe for warm-weather school days.
There's a reason the Crocs Classic Clog remains a perennial back-to-school staple: it's virtually indestructible, weighs almost nothing, and rinses clean in seconds. For toddlers in warmer climates—or any kid who needs a reliable indoor-outdoor shoe—the ventilated Croslite foam keeps feet cool while providing just enough arch support for short-distance walking. The pivoting heel strap locks the shoe in place during active play, and the Jibbitz-compatible design gives little ones a way to personalize their pair. We found the clog held up remarkably well after weeks of sandbox, sprinkler, and asphalt use. It's not a running shoe, but for versatility and value it's hard to beat. Check for DSW VIP pricing to stretch your dollar further.
Nike Revolution 7 (Kids)
Dependable Nike quality in a lightweight, velcro-strap package.
The Nike Revolution 7 is the workhorse of the toddler sneaker world. A single hook-and-loop strap makes it fast to fasten, while the foam midsole delivers reliable cushioning without adding bulk. We appreciated the reinforced toe cap—toddlers are notorious toe-draggers—and found the rubber outsole gripped well on both indoor gym floors and outdoor blacktop. The breathable mesh upper kept feet from getting too sweaty during warmer test days. It's a no-surprises shoe that does everything well, and DSW VIP members can often grab it at a nice discount.
Best Shoes for Elementary Kids (Ages 6–9)
By elementary school, kids are running harder, playing organized sports at recess, and developing stronger opinions about what looks cool. Shoes at this stage need more structured cushioning and durable outsoles, plus enough style points to pass the lunchroom test.
New Balance 515 (Kids)
Retro-cool looks with the support and cushioning active kids demand.
The New Balance 515 strikes an ideal balance between heritage style and everyday performance. The suede-and-mesh upper feels premium and holds its shape well even after weeks of hard use, while the EVA foam midsole provides noticeably more cushioning than many competitors at this price point. Our elementary-age testers liked the color options, and parents appreciated the reinforced heel counter that keeps the foot stable during lateral playground movements. The traditional lace closure teaches tying skills while keeping the fit snug. It's a shoe that looks good enough for a family dinner and tough enough for kickball. DSW VIP members enjoy additional savings on this already well-priced classic.
adidas Runfalcon 6 (Kids)
Solid athletic performance at a price that won't sting when they outgrow it.
The adidas Runfalcon 6 is proof that a budget-friendly shoe doesn't have to sacrifice comfort. The Cloudfoam midsole delivers responsive cushioning that our testers noticed immediately, and the durable rubber outsole showed minimal wear after weeks of running on concrete and turf. The engineered mesh upper breathes well and dries quickly—a plus for kids who treat water fountains as splash zones. The three-stripe branding gives it instant recognizability, which matters more than we'd like to admit in the elementary hallway. A great value pick, especially with DSW VIP savings applied.
Skechers S-Lights Flex-Glow Elite (Kids)
Light-up shoes that actually deliver on comfort, not just flash.
Kids love light-up shoes, and the Skechers S-Lights Flex-Glow Elite proves the category has grown up. The multi-color LED lights embedded in the midsole activate with every step, but beyond the spectacle, this shoe offers genuinely good cushioning and a flexible outsole that moves with growing feet. The hook-and-loop closure makes it accessible for younger elementary kids still mastering laces, and the synthetic upper wipes clean easily. Our testers wore these daily for weeks, and the lights kept working even after puddle encounters. It's a shoe that makes kids excited to get dressed in the morning—and that's worth something. Look for DSW VIP discounts to make this fun pick even more affordable.
Best Shoes for Middle Schoolers (Ages 10–12)
Middle school is where personal style becomes non-negotiable. Kids at this age want shoes that look like what their friends are wearing, or better. The good news: many of the most popular silhouettes also happen to be well-built.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star (Kids)
The timeless canvas sneaker that never goes out of style.
Few shoes carry as much cultural weight as the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star. For middle schoolers exploring their personal style, the Chuck Taylor is a blank canvas. The vulcanized rubber sole provides solid grip, and the canvas upper breaks in quickly to mold to the foot. It's not the most cushioned option on this list, but the OrthoLite insole adds enough comfort for a full school day. Available in an enormous range of colors and prints, it's the kind of shoe that lets kids express themselves. At its price point, especially with DSW VIP savings, it's easy to grab more than one colorway.
Vans Brooklyn (Kids)
Skate-culture cool in a slip-on that's effortlessly easy to wear.
The Vans Brooklyn captures the laid-back skate aesthetic that middle schoolers gravitate toward, wrapped in a convenient slip-on format. The padded collar provides comfort around the ankle, and the signature waffle rubber outsole delivers reliable grip on school floors and sidewalks alike. The canvas upper is durable and available in a variety of prints and colorways, so kids can express their personal style. It's a shoe that earns genuine peer approval.
Best Shoes for Teens (Ages 13–14)
By the teen years, kids often wear adult-adjacent sizes and have fully formed style preferences. Comfort still matters as teens are on their feet for long school days, sports, and social activities, but aesthetics are non-negotiable. These picks balance both.
Nike Court Vision (Kids)
Clean court-style lines that tweens love, with Nike comfort underneath.
The Nike Court Vision brings the classic court aesthetic into a more accessible, kid-friendly package. The leather upper looks premium and cleans up easily, while the cupsole construction provides stability and cushioning for walking-heavy school days. It's a shoe that transitions seamlessly from the classroom to a weekend hangout. The low-profile silhouette works with jeans, joggers, or shorts. This is one of the most-requested styles in the age group.
adidas Grand Court 2.0 (Kids)
Clean, court-inspired style at a teen-friendly price.
Not every teen wants to spend top dollar on sneakers, and the adidas Grand Court 2.0 proves they don't have to. Inspired by classic tennis shoes, the Grand Court 2.0 features a smooth synthetic leather upper that looks polished and cleans up easily. The Cloudfoam Comfort insole provides cushioning that holds up through a full day of classes and after-school activities. Our testers appreciated the minimalist three-stripe design, which pairs well with both casual and slightly dressier outfits. The durable rubber outsole showed almost no wear after weeks of daily use. With DSW VIP pricing, this shoe is an outstanding value for budget-conscious families.
Tips for Buying Back-to-School Shoes
Getting the right shoe is only half the battle, but getting the right fit matters just as much. Here are a few expert-backed tips:
- Measure both feet. One foot is often slightly larger; always fit to the bigger foot.
- Shop in the afternoon. Feet swell throughout the day, so afternoon measurements give you the most accurate fit.
- Leave a thumb's width. There should be about a half-inch of space between the longest toe and the front of the shoe to allow for growth.
- Replace shoes when the tread wears smooth. Worn outsoles lose grip and can contribute to slips and falls.
- Let kids walk around. If shopping in-store, have your child walk, jump, and run a few steps to test comfort and stability.
For a deeper dive into sizing, width options, and what to look for at every stage, read our complete guide on How to Buy Kids' Shoes.
Related Reading
Kids' Shoes at DSW — Browse the full selection of kids' sneakers, sandals, boots, and more.
How to Buy Kids' Shoes — Our complete guide to sizing, fit, and features for every age group.
FAQs
Q: How often should I replace my child's shoes?
A: Children’s feet can grow quickly, so check fit every two to three months and replace shoes sooner if they feel tight or the child complains of discomfort. Also replace shoes when the tread wears smooth, seams split, or the sole no longer provides grip.
Q: What size does a first grader wear?
A: There isn’t a single size for first grader. Kids in elementary school cover a range of sizes. Measure both feet in the afternoon and fit to the larger foot, leaving about a thumb’s width (roughly ½ inch) of room at the toe. If you’re unsure, have your child try shoes on and walk or run a few steps to confirm comfort and stability.
Q: How should I check fit when trying on school shoes?
A: Measure both feet in the afternoon when feet are slightly swollen, and fit to the bigger foot. Leave about a thumb’s width of space at the toe, ensure the heel stays put, and have your child walk, jump and run a few steps to test comfort and stability. Try on the socks they’ll wear to school for a realistic fit.
Q: How can I tell if a shoe will hold up through the school year?
A: Look for reinforced toes, durable rubber outsoles, solid stitching, and materials suited to your child’s activities. Balancing durability with value is key, and DSW VIP savings can help when you want backup pairs.
Q: Are breathable shoes better for school?
A: Breathable mesh and ventilated designs help keep feet cool, reduce sweat and odor, and dry faster after water exposure. For warm climates or active kids, choose shoes with good ventilation; in rainy areas, consider quick-drying or water-resistant options instead. Picks like mesh athletic sneakers or ventilated clogs offer a good balance of breathability and performance.
Q: When is the best time to shop for back-to-school shoes?
A: Shop in the afternoon when feet are naturally a bit larger to get the most accurate fit, and bring the socks your child will wear to school. Try shoes on and have your child move around to confirm comfort, and leave the recommended growth room at the toe. DSW’s selections and VIP savings can make it easier to buy properly fitting pairs and backups without overspending.