Slow down there friend
New Shoes for Kindergarten: Our Top Picks
Mini backpacks, little lunch boxes, and fun new pairs of tiny sneakers and shoes—the kindergarten checklist for the first day of school marks the start of a joyous back-to-school shopping ritual that will last for years.
Though tiny in size, they're mighty in spirit when it comes to their favorites for the first day. Point kiddos with strong style opinions in the right direction when choosing new school shoes. (This may mean steering them away from astronaut boots and ballerina slippers for everyday wear!)
Our style roundup for new kindergarten shoes can help.
Shoe-Shopping Success with Kindergarteners
Fit to be tied? For little ones just learning, tying kicks on their own can be tricky at this age so velcro and bungee closures will be welcomed. If your kid’s ahead of the curve on this one, go ahead and get a lace-up style! Just make sure your child is truly at ease with tying so it’s part of the fun — not a source of stress.
Room to wiggle. Fact: your kid’s feet are going to grow faster than you can fit them. A good rule of shoes is to leave some width — about the size of your child’s thumb — between the end of the shoe and the longest toe.
Built to move. As you well know (and any teacher will verify), kindergarten kids do. not. sit. still. So whatever style you choose, make sure it’s got a sturdy traction sole and a secure fit that holds the foot firmly without pinching or squeezing.
Fila Morales NMS Repeat Girls’ Sneaker
It doesn't get easier than slide-on shoes for the first day of school. Fila delivers with colorful canvas for your kindergartener. Cushioned insoles bring comfort for extended play days, while vibrant lettering piques their interests in all things alphabet.
Skechers Vortex Flash Boys’ Running Shoe
They don't call these Skechers "Flash" for nothing. Your young one will take off for the playground so fast in these boys running shoes, teachers will need some new runners, too, just to keep up. With a fuss-free hook-and-loop velcro closure, kids can get these on independently — and properly — in a hurry. Heavy treads on the rubber outsole provide reliable traction, and the dark blue styling will hide weeks of dirt.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
If your kiddo’s ready for a lace-up shoe, you can’t beat the style cred of a classic Chuck Taylor. And when it comes to durability, these kicks provide solid value at a friendly price. The reinforced rubber toe cap reduces signs of wear, and the whole shoe cleans up like new with a simple swipe of a sponge. Pro tip: choose the high-top style for fast-growing kids, because it’ll hold the foot securely, even if you buy a half size up.
Adidas Cloudfoam Pure K Girls’ Running Shoe
Breathable support is the name of the game for this comfy, sporty pick. Cute styling with pink accents gives the look of a lace-up trainer, but bungee “laces” mean it’s actually a cinch to put on. With classic Cloudfoam technology, a breathable upper, and lightweight outsole her feet will stay cushioned and cool all-day long.
Parents know HEYDUDE for casual shoes that are a treat for the feet. Kids will love them for the same reasons and more — think rainbow motifs, all-over hearts, camo, sharks, and stars. HEYDUDE makes girls' and boys' styles for the promise of a new adventure, which is perfect for little ones discovering a big world. Parents find them perfect because HEYDUDE shoes go right in the washing machine.
Skechers Guzman Steps Unicorn Girls’ Outdoor Shoe
We get it, some kids just gotta have a little extra with playful prints. Thanks to Skechers slip-ons, hearts and unicorns don't come at the cost of support, comfort, and durability. This cute pair delivers it all starting with neoprene fabric heel makes for an easy entry, while the cushioned footbed gives endless comfort.
Under Armour PS Asser 8 Boys' Running Shoe
High-energy kid? Here’s a high-energy shoe, at a price point worth jumping for. The Under Armour PS Asser 8 Boys' Running Shoe features the hook-and-loop velcro closure most popular with the kindergarten crowd, plus mesh panels in the upper to keep feet feeling (and smelling!) nice and fresh. Kids flip for the unique patterned styling on the outsole, but parents love it because it actually conceals dirt and wear.
Fila Wanderun Strap Girls’ Running Shoe
Another top style pick comes with painterly hints in hyper hues from Fila. And thanks to breathable, lightweight construction and a cushy padded collar and tongue, this easy-to-get-on girls’ sneaker is just as comfortable as it is artsy.
Vans Asher Glow Shark Boys’ Sneaker
Confession: we can't resist the cuteness of classic Vans in small sizes. And neither will your shark-loving kid. Best of all, this adorable styling comes with the quality and comfort features you’d expect from Vans, like a fully cushioned insole with lightweight rubber outsole.
Watching your little one head off to school can be emotional for everyone. They do indeed grow up so fast. At least with these top picks, you can relax knowing that you’ve got at least one thing covered. Now on to the rest of the list.
