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Best Shoes for Boys | Cool Sneakers, School Shoes & Athletic Shoes Kids Actually Want
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items The best shoes and sneakers for boys, from everyday school shoes to athletic sneakers, basketball shoes, slip-ons and Crocs. I’ve rounded up popular Nike, adidas, New Balance, Vans, Under Armour, Skechers and other boys’ shoes that combine comfort, d...
Sections
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👟 COOL EVERYDAY SNEAKERS
🏃 BEST ATHLETIC & SCHOOL SNEAKERS
🏀 BASKETBALL & SPORTY SHOES
😎 SLIP-ONS, CROCS & EASY EVERYDAY SHOES
GREAT SHOES WITHOUT THE $100+ PRICE TAG
SPLURGE SNEAKERS OLDER BOYS WILL LOVE
👟 COOL EVERYDAY SNEAKERS
Sneakers for everyday use
There is a reason these never seem to go out of style. Air Force 1s work with basically everything, and boys can wear them to school without looking like they’re wearing an athletic shoe. The white ones definitely require some cleaning, but they’re s...
Low Top Air Force Ones. Nike.com
Sambas are one of my favorite choices when they want a sneaker that feels a little more grown-up. They’re simple, classic and easy to wear with jeans, shorts or joggers. A great option for tween and teen boys who are starting to care more about style...
adidas Samba OG Shoes Kids - White | Kids' Lifestyle
If your kid cares about what shoes everyone else is wearing, Nike Dunks are a pretty safe bet. They have the cool sneaker look boys want but are still practical enough for everyday school wear. I also love how many color combinations there are.
Nike Dunk Shoes. Nike.com
These have that chunkier skate-inspired look that a lot of older kids love right now. I especially like them for boys who want something different from the same Nike sneakers everyone else is wearing.
adidas Kids' Grade School Campus 00s Shoes
These feel like classic Vans with a little more personality. The chunky 90s skate style is really popular with older kids, and they’re an easy way to get that look without spending sneaker-collector prices.
Shop Knu Skool Shoes & Sneakers
Some shoes just don’t need reinventing. Vans Old Skools have been around forever and still look good. They’re especially great for boys who prefer a more casual skate-style sneaker instead of a traditional athletic shoe.
Shop Old Skool Shoes
A Jordan that actually works as an everyday shoe. The Jordan 1 Low has enough sneaker credibility to make kids happy without being so flashy that it only works with certain outfits. Definitely one of my picks for older boys.
Jordan 1 Low Top Shoes. Nike.com
🏃 BEST ATHLETIC & SCHOOL SNEAKERS
The 530 is a great combination of comfortable athletic shoe and trendy everyday sneaker. I especially like these for kids who put serious mileage on their school shoes but still want something that looks cool.
530 Lace - New Balance
These have the retro running-shoe look that’s everywhere right now, but they’re actually comfortable enough for kids who are constantly moving. A really good choice when you need one sneaker that can handle school, walking and everyday wear.
Nike P-6000 Shoes
he 574 is one of those sneakers that just works. Comfortable, durable and classic enough that it doesn’t look dated six months later. I like these for kids who need a dependable everyday school shoe.
New Balance 574 - Men's, Women's, Kids' Shoes
These are definitely more of a splurge, but they’re one of my favorite options for an older kid who wants a really comfortable sneaker that also looks current. The layered retro design makes them feel much cooler than a regular running shoe.
Nike Zoom Vomero 5 Men's Shoes
Another great option if your kid likes the retro runner look. These have plenty of cushioning for all-day school wear but don’t look like something you bought specifically for gym class.
740 - New Balance
If they love the look of Air Force 1s but you don’t love the Air Force 1 price, take a look at these. They have a similar clean basketball-inspired style and are designed to hold up to actual kid wear.
Nike Court Borough Low Recraft Big Kids' Shoes. Nike.com
This is more of a true athletic sneaker than a fashion sneaker, which makes it a great choice for the kid who actually runs everywhere. Lightweight, breathable and comfortable enough for school, gym and after-school activities.
UA Surge 5 Boys' Grade School Running Shoes
These are especially good for younger boys who would rather do almost anything than tie their shoes. They’re easy to pull on, flexible and comfortable, so kids can actually get themselves ready without needing help.
Nike Flex Runner 4 Big Kids' Running Shoes. Nike.com
A really practical everyday option, especially for younger boys. They’re lightweight, comfortable and easy to get on and off. I also appreciate that Skechers usually gives you plenty of fun colors without making the shoes ridiculously expensive.
Microspec Tread
🏀 BASKETBALL & SPORTY SHOES
A basketball shoe that doesn’t require spending well over $100 is always worth a look. These have the sporty Nike look kids want and work for the kid who is playing basketball at recess, after school and everywhere in between.
Nike S.T. Dynamite Little Kids' Basketball Shoe
For the basketball kid who wants Jordans but also needs an actual performance shoe. The Tatum line is lightweight and sporty without feeling ridiculously bulky. A great birthday or back-to-school splurge.
Jordan Jayson Tatum Shoes. Nike.com
This is the kind of shoe I like for the kid who needs sneakers to do everything. They’re breathable and cushioned enough for running and sports but still simple enough to wear as an everyday school sneaker.
Under Armour Men's Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe
These are a great compromise between an athletic sneaker and a slip-on. They’re easy to get on, comfortable enough for everyday wear and perfect for the kid who somehow never has time to tie his shoes.
adidas Lite Racer Adapt 7.0 Kids' Shoes
😎 SLIP-ONS, CROCS & EASY EVERYDAY SHOES
These are 3 season shoes in our house!
Big Kids' Blue Water Hiking Sandals - Newport H2
Fuzzy lined for the winter
Kids' Classic Lined Clog
The checkerboard Vans are one of those shoes that somehow keep coming back around. They’re fun without being too crazy, and the slip-on design makes them especially easy for school and everyday wear.
Classic Checkerboard Slip-On Black/White Shoe
So fun!
Kids' Classic Glow-in-the-Dark Marbled Clog
Perfect for 4th of July!
Kids’ Classic American Flag Clog
Cool colors and good for cool weather!
Kids' Classic Lined Out of This World Clog
So they can customize their crocs
Shop Jibbitz™: Customize Your Crocs with Shoe Charms
April showers and mud season
Kids’ Handle It Rain Boot
These are perfect for the kid who immediately kicks off his sneakers after practice. They’re easy to slip on, cushioned and comfortable for recovery, vacations or just running around when a full sneaker feels unnecessary.
Nike ReactX Rejuven8 Men's Shoes
GREAT SHOES WITHOUT THE $100+ PRICE TAG
I really like these as an affordable everyday sneaker because they have that clean adidas look without the Samba price. Easy to wear with almost anything and nice enough for school without being precious.
adidas VL Court 3.0 Kids' Tennis Shoes
Another really good Nike option when you want the classic sneaker look without spending close to $100. They have a simple retro tennis style that works with basically everything.
Nike Court Legacy Big Kids' Shoes. Nike.com
If you have a younger boy who loves anything Minecraft-looking, these are going to get his attention. I like that they’re fun enough for kids but still practical enough to be an everyday sneaker.
Mega-Craft 4K
SPLURGE SNEAKERS OLDER BOYS WILL LOVE
These aren’t cheap, but they’re one of those sneakers older boys actually get excited about. The big Air unit gives them a distinctive look and plenty of cushioning for kids who are on their feet all day.
Air Max 270 Shoes. Nike.com
Definitely more of a statement sneaker and priced accordingly. I would put these in the birthday or special-gift category rather than everyday shoe shopping, but sneaker-loving tweens and teens will absolutely notice them.
Nike Air Max 95
If your kid has moved into the phase where sneakers are part of the outfit, the 2002R is worth looking at. They have the retro style that’s popular right now with a lot more cushioning than most fashion sneakers.
New Balance 2002
A great pick for the kid who loves Jordans but wants something a little different from everyone wearing Jordan 1s. They’re sporty, substantial and definitely feel like a special pair of sneakers.
Air Jordan 4 RM Men's Shoes