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22 Best School Shoes for Boys and Girls of All Ages
Including the pair our favorite royals love to wear!
New school shoes are at the top of any back-to-school shopping list. Whether your child is heading to kindergarten or they're finishing out high school, starting the school year with the best shoes makes every year kick off a bit easier. Naturally, when you're on the hunt for school shoes, you're looking for a pair that will hold up the entire year, but how are you supposed to know how durable a shoe is just from an initial glance? Not to mention fitting into preteen's and teen's finicky style choices. Sometimes checking all the boxes seems impossible, but we've done the testing and the research and have narrowed it down to the top shoes for boys and girls of all ages.
What to Look for When Buying School Shoes
Like we mentioned before, the top criteria on many parents' lists is durability. Our editors swear by each and every pair of these shoes not only because they're cute but also because our own children wear them and have put them to the test. From toddlers to teens, these shoes can face kids of just about any age and activity level.
Next up, you'll want to look for variety. Not every child has the same style and you want your kid to feel free to express their creativity, so give them some options with different colors and patterns. Plus, plenty of variety means that even the pickiest of teen shoppers can find what they like.
Laces vs. No Laces
Obviously, for toddlers and other young children, shoes that need to be tied can add precious minutes to your morning routine that you may not have to spare. So, for any children 1st grade or younger, we'd always suggest no lace shoes.
But what about for the older kids? The question really comes down to just how rushed your mornings normally are. If you're speeding out the driveway on two wheels to make it to school, then even teens would appreciate shoes without laces, and there are tons of suitable options. Most parents of teens (looking at you, teenage boys) can attest that anything that they can throw on and look acceptable in is the way to go, and so many no-lace shoes fit the mold perfectly nowadays. Unless your child has any really specific preferences, we'd say skip the laces if you can.
Cienta Girls Mary Jane Shoe
Cienta Girls Mary Jane Shoe
Is there anything sweeter than a little one wearing classic Mary Jane sneakers? Definitely not. We love Cientas because instead of the classic clasp closure, they feature a velcro that is much easier to get a grasp on with wiggly toddler and kid feet. The canvas material is also great for both dressed-up and everyday occasions.
Stride Rite Nell Mary Jane Flat
Stride Rite Nell Mary Jane Flat
If you're looking for a more classic Mary Jane for your little girl, then Stride Rite's is the way to go for durability. The soles allow kids to actually run and play without fear of the shoes being damaged. They come in a variety of colors and have the traditional clasp closure.
Ten Little Everyday Original
Ten Little Everyday Original
These vegan leather velcro shoes are available in 14 different colors. Each pair comes with stickers that allow kids to customize their kicks. Plus they are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association.
See Kai Run Tanner Sneaker
Kids will love rocking a pair of kicks with their favorite book character. Check out the whole line of See Kai Run and Eric Carle shoes here.
Kizik Sneakers
Any child who is craving independence will love the ease of these genius, slip-on shoes. The laces are also frustration-free.
MIA Girl's Alanis
With sizes ranging from 1-12, girls of many ages can rock the halls in style with these sneakers. They come in a few different colors, including the cutest glitter version we've ever seen. We love the sneaky lace detailing that will have her feeling like a big girl no matter her age.
Kane Revive Kids
The recovery sneaker that adults are raving about is now available in kid size. Choose from six colors to satisfy many different styles. Each pair comes with different colored pull tabs on the back as well.
Reebok Club C Sneakers
Reebok Club C Sneakers
Let your little one join in on the Club C craze with a pair of their own Reebok sneakers.
Hampton Canvas Plum Sneaker
Hampton Canvas Plum Sneaker
These no-lace sneakers are made for both girls and boys and are so incredibly versatile. The canvas material is durable and easy to clean, but you could easily Scotchguard it for double the protection. Slip them on and take the kids to school, the park, or church—they're made for just about anywhere. Oh, and did we mention it's what the Duchess of Cambridge puts her own kids in? If it's good enough for the royals, then it's good enough for us.
Native Shoes Jefferson Child
Native Shoes Jefferson Child
You're sure to have seen many kids wearing these shoes around, and if you're wondering if they're worth the money, the answer is a resounding yes from parents. Made of rubber, these shoes are extremely durable, with a thick sole that allows for all the running and jumping your little one can throw at them. Rubber also means that these shoes are incredibly easy to clean—just throw them in the sink. We also love the holes for breathability because, as we all know, kids feet somehow always stink.
Skechers Kids Boy's Ultra Flex 2.0 Sneaker
Skechers Kids Boy's Ultra Flex 2.0 Sneaker
No laces for the win, again! Skechers makes these fashion-forward shoes in a variety of colors and sizes, making them perfect for plenty of age groups. They're easy enough to wear for elementary aged little ones but still stylish enough for your older boys to wear them and still look cool. We also love the cloud-like sole they provide.
Converse Lo Top
Wearing Converse Chuck Taylors is basically a rite of passage for middle and high schoolers, right? These classics will never get old and are great to wear to class or shoot some basketball after school. Let your kids express their creativity with different styles like leopard and snake print or the OG way of drawing on them with Sharpies.
Beachcomber Espadrille Water Shoes
If you've got a puddle jumper on your hands look no further! The Seastar espadrilles dry within 15 minutes. The striped version is from their new collaboration with Minnow. The muted stripes will compliment a variety of outfits.
Native Kids Shoes Juniper Bling
Native Kids Shoes Juniper Bling
For warmer months, try these sparkly mary jane shoes. The rubber is stretchy to pull on and they fit snuggly so they don't fall off while playing.
Little Kids' Newport H2
Little Kids' Newport H2
If you've got a little one on the go, then no shoe will keep up with them quite as well as this KEEN slip on. The durable soles are meant for everything your kid can put them through, from climbing over rocks to jumping around on the playground. They come in many different colors and sizes.
Floafers Footwear Prodigy Driver
While we think the Native sneakers are totally fine to be worn dressed up or more casually, if you're looking for a shoe that'll really have your little guy styling, look no further than Floafers. These shoes combine the practicality we love from Natives with a more upscale look that match dad's favorite going-out shoes.
Crocs Unisex Classic Clogs
The OGs of ease and comfort. You knew we couldn't leave Crocs off this list, right? Nothing beats how quick the classic clogs are to slip on when you're in a rush to make it to the bus stop. They're a popular choice for any age group, from toddlers to teens. The best part? They're incredibly easy to wash—just toss them in the sink with soap and water and do a little light scrubbing. Kids also love expressing their creativity with the Jibbitz charms.
Cariuma Off-White Canvas
If they want something a little edgier than Rothy's then we're sure they'll love these Cariuma canvas sneakers. They come in a variety of colors and have interchangeable laces so your girl can express her creativity any way she wants. We're sure she'll also love that they're sustainably made, planting two trees for every pair bought. And if you're looking for your stylish guy, instead, no worries: they come in a men's version as well.
New Balance Men's 574 Core Sneaker
New Balance Men's 574 Core Sneaker
New Balance continue to be trendy for teenagers, and they're reliable and supportive, so parents can't complain!
Rothy's The Sneaker
For the older girls, Rothy's take the cake for being the comfiest and easiest to clean shoes that still manage to look incredibly stylish. We love their sneaker for high school-aged girls because it's more age appropriate than their classic flat but still chic enough to wear with any outfit. They come in a variety of colors and in case you're worried about the price, just buy them a neutral color and watch them wear these comfy slip-on shoes all. the. time.
Hannah Jones is the Commerce Editor for Country Living. Her eye is always on the next up-and-coming products to include in gift guides and she's ready to test everything from dog beds to garden tools for product reviews. When she’s not scoping out the latest and greatest items on the market, you can find her hanging with her two rescue dogs.
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