You Can Buy The Shoes Princess Charlotte and Prince George Wear for Under $50

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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.

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.

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.

Kizik Sneakers

Any child who is craving independence will love the ease of these genius, slip-on shoes. The laces are also frustration-free.

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.

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.

Club C Sneakers

Let your little one join in on the Club C craze with a pair of their own Reebok sneakers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 continue to be trendy for teenagers, and they're reliable and supportive, so parents can't complain!

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.

Cloudeasy

Whether you've got a guy or a gal, they're sure to love On Cloud's sneakers. Great for both everyday use and for activity, these sneakers support their arches so you don't have to worry about any unnecessary aches or pains now or later in their life. While they don't make children's sizes, the adult sizing is fairly inclusive, so your older preteens and teens should find a sneaker that fits.

adidas Men's Lite Racer Adapt 3.0 Running Shoe

Remember when we said attractive no-lace shoes exist for any age group now? This is exactly what we meant. Your teenage boy can still walk the halls in style with these sneakers but with the ease of sliding them on if he's running late for school. They come in three colors, but we prefer the black and olive so they'll last as long as possible without being stained.

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