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If you’re on the hunt for the coolest shoes for kids, we’ve got you and your little ones covered. Whether you’re looking for durable rain boots, sweet summertime sandals, cool crib shoes or the best running shoes for active kids, there’s something here for everyone. We’ve rounded up the best-reviewed, top-selling, and celeb-approved shoes for kids of all ages and with a range of personal styles.
There’s a shoe on our list to solve almost every parenting problem — machine-washable shoes for kids who can’t stay out of puddles, durable play sneakers for little ones who go hard on the jungle gym, Velcro-style closures for children who can’t tie laces yet, light-up tennis shoes that are surprisingly sophisticated, and infant-sized shoes that can’t be kicked off. It turns out the coolest shoes for kids are pretty great for parents, too!
Keep your babies, toddlers and big kids comfortable and stylish with this list of play-ready, kid-friendly and easy-to-clean shoes. We’ve included iconic sneaker styles, slip-on canvas shoes, sandals for toddlers, kid-sized combat boots and everything in-between. From Nike sneakers spotted on a slew of celebrity kids to rave-reviewed waterproof sandals that look like dress shoes, these are some of our favorite selections for 2020.
- Most Durable Kids Shoes: Plae Prospect
- Best with Velcro Closure: Saucony Jazz Riff
- Best Children’s Running Shoes: Nike Experience Flex Running Shoes
- Best Shoes for Toddlers: Liewood Bre Sandals
- Best Light-Up Shoes for Kids: Pop Shoes Fairmount Light Up Tie Dye Sneakers
- Best Sandals: Birkenstock Kids Arizona Sandal
- Best Waterproof Shoes: Native Jefferson Shoes
- Best Summer Shoes: Salt Water Sandals by Hoy
- Best Rain Boots: Hunter Rain Boots
- Best Sneakers: Nike Air Force 1 Kids
- Best Canvas Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor Sneakers
- Best Boots: Dr. Martens
- Best Slip-On Shoes: Vans Classic Slip-On
- Best Machine-Washable Shoes: Sperry Abyss
- Best Crib Shoes: Adidas Superstar
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
1 of 15 Image Credits: Zappos
Most Durable Kids Shoes
Plae Prospect
Plae is designed to hold up to wear and tear. These machine-washable shoes have a flexible rubber outsole that can handle hours of tough play, a breathable cushioned footbed and a lace-catcher that prevents tripping and snagging. This lace-up style is a new option from the kid-friendly shoe company, which has a wide range of hook-and-loop strap shoes for toddlers, little kids and big kids alike.
2 of 15 Image Credits: Zappos
Best with Velcro Style Closure
Saucony Jazz Riff
These retro-looking Saucony sneakers are a “riff” on the brand’s iconic original Jazz shoe. A wide strap with a Velcro-style hook-and-loop closure makes getting these stylish sneaks on and off super easy for little ones — the strap closure even has faux laces! Choose from gray, pink or blue.
3 of 15 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Children’s Running Shoes
Nike Experience Flex Running Shoes
Nike’s Flex running shoes for children come in a range of kid-friendly colors, from solid black to bright fuschia. These running shoes have a flexible rubber sole, lightly padded tongue and collar, and a lace-up body with an adjustable hook-and-loop closure. These stylish running shoes are perfect for active kids.
4 of 15 Image Credits: Scandiborn
Best Shoes for Toddlers
Liewood Bre Sandals
These charming PVC sandals for toddlers are a favorite of influencer moms and celeb parents. The soft, flexible shoes are waterproof and durable enough for playing outside or hitting the beach, but sophisticated and stylish enough to pair with your little one’s prettiest party clothes or a pair of dress pants and a button-up.
5 of 15 Image Credits: Bloomingdale's
Best Light Up Shoes for Kids
Pop Shoes Fairmount Light Up Tie Dye Sneakers
Gwen Stefani’s kids are fans of these fun light-up sneakers. Pop Shoes takes the classic light-up sneaker and gives it a major upgrade with this trendy high-top body and a subtle but stunning LED sole. These tie-dye tennis shoes have a zip-up back for easy on, and the rechargeable lights can be activated by pressing the tongue of the shoe.
6 of 15 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Sandals
Birkenstock Kids Arizona Sandal
The always-stylish Affleck kids are known for rocking Birkenstock sandals, along with tons of stylish adult celebrities. Birkenstocks are durable, well-made sandals that offer comfort and effortless style. These sandals come in tons of colors and patterns and are sure to stand the test of time.
7 of 15 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Waterproof Shoes
Native Jefferson Shoes
Active kids will love these comfortable slip-on shoes from Native. These shoes are made of EPA, which is designed to mold to your child’s feet for comfort, and are waterproof and odor-resistant. These lightweight shoes are easily washable and come in a range of bright and bold colors. They’re also a hit with celeb kids, like Axl Duhamel.
8 of 15 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Summer Shoes
Salt Water Sandals by Hoy
You can pack a lot into summer days — a dressy brunch, a walk through the park, a quick stop at a splash pad. These stylish leather sandals can stand up to all of it. These leather sandals are waterproof with a rust-proof buckle closure, hand-sewn for impressive durability, and have a classic design that will look good with nearly anything.
9 of 15 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Rain Boots
Hunter Rain Boots
Hunter boots are extremely popular with stylish adults, so it’s no surprise the brand's child sizes are a major hit as well. These high-quality water-tight boots come in an impressive range of colors, have a removable insole and a pull-on style that makes it easy for little ones to get themselves ready to go.
10 of 15 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Sneakers
Nike Air Force 1 Kids
These cool kids shoes have a sleek, monochromatic design that looks great with everything from knit joggers to a trendy T-shirt dress. Nike first debuted the Air Force 1 in the ‘80s, and the shoes have been a staple with sneakerheads ever since. These shoes have even been spotted on multiple Kardashian kids, which is a testament to their star power.
11 of 15 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Canvas Shoes
Converse Chuck Taylor Sneakers
What do Blue Ivy Carter, Jack Depp and Mason Disick have in common? They’ve all been spotted in a pair of classic Chuck Taylor sneakers. These Converse shoes are versatile, to say the least. Dress them up or down, choose from tons of colors and prints, and spot clean the canvas fabric with ease.
12 of 15 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Boots
Dr. Martens
These lace-up Dr. Martens leather boots have an air-cushioned sole and a side-zipper for comfort and ease of wear. A one-inch heel and high-top style add extra durability to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. The edgy, classic style is a favorite of the Kardashian and Beckham kids.
13 of 15 Image Credits: Zappos
Best Slip-On Shoes
Vans Classic Slip-On
These comfy classic slip-on shoes are easy for kids to get on themselves and versatile enough to be worn with almost any outfit. Slip-on Vans have seen a surge in popularity recently, and have been spotted on celebrity kids like Penelope and Mason Disick. Choose solid colors, black-and-white check, or a range of other cool patterns and styles.
14 of 15 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Machine Washable Shoes
Sperry Abyss
There is nothing as comforting for parents as knowing you can toss dirty, stained shoes in the washing machine. That’s why we love Sperry’s new Abyss style — the kids shoes have the timeless preppy look of Sperry Top-Siders with an incredibly easy-to-care for design. When these get dirty soles or grass stains, just toss them in the washing machine and let them air dry.
15 of 15 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Crib Shoes
Adidas Superstar
Your baby’s feet deserve to be just as comfy and stylish as the feet of bigger kids. These Adidas Superstar crib shoes have an easy-on strap, a soft sole, and classic cool style that elevates any tiny wardrobe choice. The hook-and-loop strap closure makes it easy to adjust the fit, so you can trust your little one won’t kick these off.
