9 pairs of budget-friendly kids' shoes for back-to-school

These well-structured shoes are podiatrist-approved and budget-friendly.
These well-structured shoes are podiatrist-approved and budget-friendly.

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Kids grow fast. It’s hard to keep up with their growth spurts, and one area where it’s particularly problematic is with shoes. Chances are last season’s favorites can’t even get past their toes and are already on top of your donation pile. Pinching, squeezing, and callous-causing shoes are no fun—but kids’ shoes are expensive and when you have to replace them as fast as they wear them it can be pretty frustrating. Thankfully, there are some durable and affordable shoes on the market.

What to look for when you're buying kids' shoes

When it comes to finding shoes that are the right fit, the American Podiatric Medical Association has the following tips:

  • Look for breathable shoes with good ventilation. Natural fibers and shoes with mesh portions allow for good airflow.

  • Find shoes with a good grip that are sturdy through the middle—shoes that can bend and twist around the arch will lack support and will fall apart quickly.

  • When shopping for shoes, look for mobility in the toes, which will allow the shoes to bend and move with the natural motion of a child’s foot.

Here are some of our favorite shoes that not only meet these guidelines, they are guaranteed durable and all come in at under $40. They’ll keep your kids’ feet comfortable, stable, stylish, and well-supported—until the next growth spurt.

1. Natives

Natives comes in such a fun array of bright colors that there is certain to be a pair your kid likes.
Natives comes in such a fun array of bright colors that there is certain to be a pair your kid likes.

Sizes: 4 toddler and up

Natives have a cult following and we can see why. These versatile shoes are just as good for the beach, the splash pad, and summer storms, as they are for the first day of school. They are sturdy and breathable, and their close-toed style makes them schoolyard-friendly. We like that the comfy design lets them conform to your kiddo’s feet for callous-free wearability. They are also super durable and will last through numerous siblings.

Get the Natives unisex Jefferson shoes at Amazon starting at $16.88

2. Toms

The structure of Toms shoes is simple, but they aren't afraid to get really fun with their styles.
The structure of Toms shoes is simple, but they aren't afraid to get really fun with their styles.

Sizes: 4 toddler and up

Moveable toes with a sturdy heel and a solid arch ensures these classic slip-ons hit on all the major points that podiatrists say are important when selecting a good kids’ shoe. Nice thick soles make for a super comfy fit for these well-priced slip ons, and their wide array of colors and prints lets kids express their personal style while keeping their feet well-supported.

As always with Toms, for every pair you buy another pair will go to a child in need, so your kids will look good while doing good.

Shop Toms kids' shoes on Zappos starting at $24.99

3. Keds

Kids will have no idea that they are wearing podiatrist-approved shoes when they look this cool.
Kids will have no idea that they are wearing podiatrist-approved shoes when they look this cool.

Sizes: 1 toddler and up

Keds are a classic for good reason. Not only do they have a cool throwback style, they are good for your feet. They get the APMA seal of approval for being well-structured shoes, and they come in a wide array of cool styles—so your child won’t even know that their fun new shoes are considered “sensible” by doctors. They are durable, flexible, washable, and—with most styles coming in at under $35—affordable.

Shop Keds kids’ shoes on Amazon starting at $17.49

4. Skechers

Skechers makes fun, flashy shoes that are well-structured.
Skechers makes fun, flashy shoes that are well-structured.

Sizes: 4 toddler and up

Well-cushioned and well-structured, Skechers are a just-right lifestyle sneaker that come in fun, flashy colors covered in sparkles, glitter, and light-up soles. Their whole range of sneakers get high ranks for being sturdy and comfortable and having excellent traction to guard against slipping. And, coming in at $29.99, typically—with the more expensive options barely reaching $35—these strike the perfect balance of durable yet affordable.

Shop Skechers at Target starting at $24.99

5. Stride Rite

Stride Rite's high traction shoes are sturdy and durable and very lightweight.
Stride Rite's high traction shoes are sturdy and durable and very lightweight.

Sizes: 3 infant to 8.5 youth

Whether your child is learning to walk, or they are heading off to kindergarten, Stride Rite makes shoes that truly have a structure of a child’s foot in mind. For early walkers these shoes are build with “sensory pods” that allow them to better feel the ground beneath their feet. For older kids they make lightweight, high traction shoes that are sturdy and durable and last through years of play.

Shop Stride Rite on Amazon starting at $19.87

6. Ten Little

Ten Little shoes were developed with the help of a pediatrician and a podiatrist.
Ten Little shoes were developed with the help of a pediatrician and a podiatrist.

Sizes: 4 toddler to 13 toddler

Developed by moms who sought out the insight and expertise from podiatrists and pediatricians, Ten Little makes shoes that promote healthy foot growth, and help parents choose the right fit with ease.

Flat, flexible soles and printable Fit Finder, which shows you exactly where a child’s toes should hit when wearing a well-fitting pair of shoes, help make for the best and most comfortable fit that is geared towards healthy food development.

Shop Ten Little shoes starting at $36

7. Saucony

Saucony shoes are American-made and podiatrist-approved.
Saucony shoes are American-made and podiatrist-approved.

Sizes: 4 toddler to 10 youth

Another brand that gets the endorsement of APMA, Saucony is known for being supportive, lightweight, and flexible—making them an ideal running and playground shoe for kids. They have a wide array of colorful patterns and colors and are made with a leather and mesh upper for breathability. Their EVA midsoles help distribute weight while giving plenty of cushioning, and they are made with stability and durability in mind.

Shop Saucony Easy On & Off sneakers starting at $40

8. See Kai Run

See Kai Run changes the design of each shoe with every size change to make sure it's well-made for a child's foot development at that time.
See Kai Run changes the design of each shoe with every size change to make sure it's well-made for a child's foot development at that time.

Sizes: 1 infant to 3.5 youth

See Kai Run shoes are basically overrun (excuse the pun) with awards from parenting and medical groups alike. As an APMA-approved brand, they are notable for changing the engineering of their shoes as the sizes increase, so each stage of your child’s rapidly growing feet are supported for healthy food development.

This brand makes shoes that easily transition from play to dress up out of high quality fabrics and leathers, always making sure that there is plenty of grip for exploring feet and lots of room for wiggly toes.

Shop See Kai Run on Amazon starting at $20.61

9. Sperry

Sperry has come a long way with their designs, and they are great for kids with wider feet.
Sperry has come a long way with their designs, and they are great for kids with wider feet.

Sizes: 1 infant to 3.5 youth

A little bit preppy with a whole lot of support, this APMA-approved brand makes comfortable and functional kids' shoes that perform well even when their nautical-themed summer outfits have long been stowed away. These shoes are well-reviewed as being a great choice for kids with wide feet, and their substantial outsole helps protect and support kids’ feet anywhere they may run or play.

Shop Sperry kids’ shoes starting at $25.17

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

This article originally appeared on Reviewed: Budget-friendly kids' shoes everyone will love