With the back to school season just around the corner, it’s that time to get your kids prepared with some new shoes to match their attire. Given how many choices are on the market nowadays, picking the best shoes for school is no longer that easy. Since we have quite a bit of expertise in the matter we thought to line up some essential models for you for every level, in preschool, grade school and high school. Many of the sneakers on our list have sizes for all ages and they are for both boys and girls. When we came up with this list we had in mind three aspects: comfort, versatility and durability. Everyone wants their kids to feel comfortable and stylish in school but when you get a pair you also want to last for a while and be able to wear it in class but also for athletic activities. The school shoes we selected meet all that criteria and more; there are at least a few for every budget. While the high top sneakers seem to be more popular during the fall we included many of the low tops, especially since they feature leather upper.
Best Shoes For Boys In Preschool
Nike Court Borough
Retail Price: $69-$75
Age: Preschool
The Nike Court Borough is a retro inspired sneaker that has versions for boys and girls in hi and low tops. It is an affordable shoe that is also very durable. We picked it as perfect shoes for boys in preschool for this reason as boys tend to get “dirty” and kick a ball a lot more than girls. They are easy to take on and off with the upper strap, no need for kids to bother with laces. Bigger sizes are also available so you can even have these for kids in 1st and 2nd grade.
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Best Shoes For Girls In Preschool
Nike Flex Runner 2
Retail Price: $49
Age: Preschool – Grade School
The Flex Runner 2 is a recent sneaker Nike released just a year ago in girls and boys sizes. It is a lightweight, easy shoe to take on and off with a modern, stylish silhouette. They are not as durable as most shoes for school on our list but they are so practical we could not resist adding them on. Wherever classes you’ll go after school your kid will come in very handy.Given their looks and the colorways available we think they are the best shoes for girls in preschool.
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Most Comfortable Shoes For Preschool
On Cloud Play
Retail Price: $100
Age: Preschool
The On Cloud Play is a brand new, unisex shoe for kids in preschool and first and second grade. If you don’t mind paying $100 for a pair of shoes for your schooler these are the ultimate comfort sneakers for this age. They feature the Cloudtec midsole that will add extra cushion and spring to your kid’s every step. They are also built to last so you’ll likely end up having the smaller sibling wear them as well.
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Best Shoes For Girls in Grade School
Nike Court Legacy
Retail Price: $45
Age: Preschool – Grade School – High School
The Nike Court Legacy is another recent model from Nike introduced a couple of years ago. It is catered for both girls and boys of all ages. The regular model features a lacing system but some versions for smaller kids also have a strap for easy on and off. They have a slightly slimmer silhouette and light colorways which made us pick it as the best shoes for girls in grade school. They do work great for boys as well all the way to teenagers in case you’re looking for an affordable shoe.
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Best Shoes For Boys in Grade School
adidas Samba
Retail Price: $100
Age: Grade School – High School
One of the true retros on this list is the adidas Samba which also is the most affordable. It was originally made for indoor soccer and even if they became more of a lifestyle shoe over time they are still one of the most practical retros on the market today. Sizing is available for all ages, boys and girls. We picked them as the best shoes for boys in grade school as they are very solid and versatile for kids who like to play some soccer in school among other things.
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Best Budget Shoes For Grade School & Teens
Nike Air Max SC
Retail Price: $50 -$89
Ages: Grade School – High School
The Nike Air Max SC is a relatively new retro inspired sneaker that is available in all sizes for small kids to teens for boys and girls. They are the most affordable pair of stylish Air Max shoes that you’ll find on the market today. Moreover Nike is making an all leather version of these every fall so this makes it even more durable. They are easy to match with any attire as many colorways are available for both genders.
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Nike Court Vision
Retail Price: $50 -$75
Ages: Grade School – High School
The Nike Court Version is similar in many ways to the Court Legacy model. It is considered to be a cheap alternative to the Nike Air Force 1 which served as inspiration for its design. It is also lighter and more versatile because of its slimmer silhouette. A mid top version is also available if you do not want to get another pair for the coder season. This is one of the best budget friendly shoes for school that you can get for your kids on the market today.
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Best Shoes For Boys in High School
Nike Dunk Low
Retail Price: $110
Age: Preschool – Grade School – High School
Nike Dunk Low are undoubtedly one of the most popular retros on the market today, especially among teens. There is a lot of hype around them but they also represent a great pair of shoes for school as they are solid built, comfortable and quite versatile. Both girls and boys love them but we find them as a better fit for the latter. The good news is that they do not sell out as much lately so you may be able to get them very close to their retail price on eBay.
Best Shoes For Girls in High School
New Balance 327
Retail Price: $110
Ages: Preschool – Grade School – High School
For the past 3 years, the most popular shoes for girls have been the New Balance 327. Even if guys have their own models and sizes available, these are very feminine in my opinion. They are built with both leather and mesh and they are not that versatile as the others on this list but they compensate with some cool looks that are easy to match with any attire. Your daughters will thank you if you score one of these for them.
Nike Gamma Force
Retail Price: $89.99
Ages: High School
One of the latest models on this list of best shoes for school is the Nike Gamma Force, a 2023 release. This is a sneaker designed only for teen girls. It is in essence a more feminine version of the Air Force 1, having a more elevated unit. The upper is made of all leather materials which makes it very durable and protective for the feet. It is a comfortable sneaker that is available in several colors to match with any attire.
Best All Around Shoes For Teens
Air Jordan 1
Retail Price: $125
Ages: Preschool – Grade School – High School
The Air Jordan 1 remains one of the most popular shoes among teens and not only. Decades after their release they are as sought for as ever. They are available in low, mid and hi tops for boys and girls of pretty much all ages. They feature all leather upper with a durable sole unit. This is the type of shoe that lasts and gets compliments, one that is passed one from one kid to another. This is another model that you can often get at its retail price which was very hard not long ago.
Nike Air Max 90
Retail Price: $65 -$130
Ages: Preschool – Grade School – High School
With new colorways released almost monthly, the Nike Air Max 90 remains one of the most popular retros on the market. This is a stylish, retro pair of shoes that is built to last. They are available in all sizes for both genders but boys in their teens are likely the ones to appreciate them more. This is another model that can be passed on in the family, they are solid enough to last for years.
Nike Air Force 1
Retail Price: $89.99- $120
Ages: Grade School – High School
The best selling sneaker in Nike’s history could not miss from this list. It’s simple design and solid construction makes them the perfect shoes for school. The Nike Air Force 1 is available in all sizes, for all ages, boys and girls. This is a model that you cannot go wrong with, it is versatile, comfortable and very durable. They will last for at least one year of wearing them so even if you spend a bit to get a new pair they provide some real value.
New Balance 550
Retail Price: $90 -$110
Ages: Grade School – High School
The New Balance 550 is another great pair of shoes for school kids in grade school or high school. This model was brought back just a few years ago and they have been one of the hottest models on the market since. They are made of leather materials which makes them very solid. They were originally designed for basketball so they still hold some versatility when it comes to sports. If not convinced New Balance brought back last year the hi top version of this shoe, the 650 which comes even handier when the weather gets cold.
Jordan Stay Loyal 2
Retail Price: $50 -$110
Ages: Grade School – High School
The Jordan Stay Loyal 2 is a hybrid retro sneaker from the Jumpman brand that offers the looks and feel of the classic sneakers at an affordable price. If you have a kid that is into sports this shoe will come in handy, on the basketball court and beyond. Another similar model is the Jordan Aura 4. Both of them are available for grade school and teens and they are available in several colorways.
adidas Top Ten
Retail Price: $89 -$100
Ages: Grade School – High School
The Adidas Top Ten has been a top choice for back to school shoes season for decades. Originally designed for the basketball court, this sneaker still carries some serious swagger. Not to mention that they are still excellent for occasional basketball play and they’ll keep your kids feet warm when the cold weather hits. There are new colorways introduced each year so you should be able to find your kid’s favorite ones, especially on eBay.
By Marc Andrews|2023-11-11T12:18:04-06:00August 1st, 2023|Featured|Comments Off on Best Back To School Shoes For All Ages In 2023 – Parent’s Guide
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About the Author: Marc Andrews
Meet Marc Andrews, the visionary behind Soleracks.com, where a lifelong passion for sneakers converges with an avid interest in media. As the founder and dedicated reviewer, Marc curates collections that go beyond traditional retail, reflecting his discerning eye for design and trends.
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