10 kids’ shoes that will last the whole school year

Buying children’s shoes comes every year at the start of school, with growing feet and new friends to impress. Your kid will want something that’s comfortable from the morning bus ride through afternoon gym class — and stylish, too.

Plus, finding footwear that can work in multiple settings, match different outfits and be easy to clean is important, especially with how fast children grow out shoes.

Here are some shopping tips for kids’ footwear, plus 10 of the best shoes that pass the test both out at recess and in the classroom all year round.

Durable footwear

Most shoes are made of synthetic materials that don’t break down as easily from general wear and tear. But shoes with synthetic mesh, while more breathable, are less durable.

Kids’ shoes tend to break down at the laces. Though laces allow a shoe to fit more securely, many kids ignore them and just slip their shoes on and off. Shoes without working laces may be a pragmatic choice, simply because you’re bypassing the need to replace laces.

Year-round shoes

Breathable shoes for warmer months might not hold up against moisture, and winter-hardy shoes can feel heavy come spring. These features make for good year-round shoes (depending on climate):

• Lightweight materials used in athletic shoes are usually durable in order to endure sweat and the elements.
• High-top shoes give a little extra coverage for colder months without being too heavy in the warmer ones.