If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Footwear News may receive an affiliate commission.
Back to school season is right around the corner, so it’s time to strap your kids into some fresh kicks for a new year ahead. Everyday shoes for kids are just as essential as any school supply, and adidas offers so many sneakers that can take them from class to recess and to after school activities in comfort and style.
The best back-to-school kids’ shoes should first and foremost prioritize function. adidas’ convenient slip-on sneaker designs and lace-free hook-and-loop closures relieve you and your child of complicated fastenings, which comes in handy when they’re dashing to catch the bus or changing their shoes alone at gym class. You’ll also find unique features in adidas’ kids selection such as elastic laces and additional upper straps that provide foot flexibility and security, coupled with durable leather and mesh uppers that withstand playful wear and tear. Plus, adidas’ beloved sneaker technology carries on through youth shoes, including special features like Cloudfoam midsoles, Ortholite sockliners, and rubber cupsoles, which all work to cradle their feet with plush cushioning through walking, running, and all kinds of activity during a long day at school.
For the new school year, adidas is coming in hot with a wide range of new shoes that both you and your little one will love. From kids’ versions of classic adidas Samba, Gazelle, and Stan Smith shoes to exciting new collections that front Mickey Mouse characters, Marvel heroes, and Hello Kitty, you’re bound to find a pair or two they’ll love to wear well through the spring.
Watch on FN
Below, discover the best adidas kids’ shoes for the 2024 back to school season, along with adidas kids’ outfit inspiration for the first day of school and beyond.
Colorways: White, navy, red, purple, and black
Materials: Leather upper, gum rubber outsole
Special features: Ortholite sockliner
What testers say: “Great fit! My son loves them and they go with so many outfits.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $80
Colorways: White and Pink
Materials: Recycled Primegreen material and rubber
Special features: Ortholite sockliner, rubber cupsole, hook-and-loop strap closure
What testers say: “Awesome buy! These are easy to wear for young kids who are active and it’s perfect footwear for school too.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $60 $60
Colorways: White and silver, black and gray, and white and aqua
Materials: Knit upper, synthetic outsole
Special features: Cloudfoam midsole
What testers say: “Perfect for an eight year old! My granddaughter loved these shoes. They fit perfectly and she says they’re super comfortable.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $26
Colorways: White and blue
Materials: Elastane upper
Special features: Ortholite sockliner, Adifit length-measuring insole, EVA outsole, slip-on style
Price upon publish date of this article: $65
Colorways: Green and pink
Materials: Pigskin suede upper, rubber cupsole
Special features: Ortholite sockliner
What testers say: “Very stylish. These are such a lovely shade of green. My daughter loves wearing them all day.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $80
Colorways: White and royal blue
Materials: Synthetic upper, rubber outsole
Special features: Elastic laces with hook-and-loop top strap
What testers say: “Absolutely brilliant! All the design of an older child’s trainer with a subtle Spider-Man emblem for my Spider-Man obsessed son.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $52
Colorways: White and blue
Materials: Leather and synthetic upper, rubber sole
Special features: Lace closure with hook-and-loop strap
What testers say: “My grandson loves them. He stated they were trendy and very comfortable.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $64
Colorways: Black
Materials: Sandwich mesh upper, rubber outsole
Special features: Elastic laces with hook-and-loop top strap, Lightmotion cushioning
Price upon publish date of this article: $58
Colorways: Royal blue, black, white, red, and more
Materials: Mesh upper
Special features: Cloudfoam midsole, elastic laces
What testers say: “My son has special needs, so no laces are a great go-to. He says they are comfy!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $60
Colorways: Cloud white, off white, black, and navy
Materials: Nylon upper, synthetic outsole
Special features: Cloudfoam midsole, hook-and-loop strap closure
Price upon publish date of this article: $50
Back-to-School adidas Kids’ Shoes Outfit Ideas
adidas Kids Unisex Gazelle Shoes
adidas Kids Unisex Gazelle Shoes
Shown with: adidas Kids Unisex Tie-Dyed Shorts Tee Set ($50), adidas Kids Unisex Anti-Slip Socks ($11,) adidas Excel Lunch Bag ($32)
adidas Kids Unisex Disney Mickey And Friends Duramo SL Shoes
adidas Kids Unisex Disney Mickey And Friends Duramo SL Shoes
Shown with: adidas X Mickey Mouse Kids Unisex Crew Set ($60), adidas Disney’s Mickey Mouse Socks ($24), adidas Kids Unisex Baseball Hat ($26)
adidas Kids Unisex Samba Og Shoes
adidas Kids Unisex Samba Og Shoes
Shown with: adidas Kids Unisex Cozy Fleece Half-Zip Popover ($30), adidas Kids Unisex Graphics Tee ($20), adidas Kids Unisex Tiro Nations Pack Pants ($55), adidas Creator Backpack ($45)
Why Trust Footwear News
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes and edits shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. At Footwear News, she regularly reports on exciting new releases for various needs and activities from top brands like adidas.
