The most popular Nike shoes for kids heading into the new school year are the Nike Dunk Low and Air Force 1. Both styles remain back-to-school favorites because they combine recognizable designs and versatile colorways with the comfort and durability kids need for everyday wear.
It's not hard to see why kids’ Nike Air Force 1s are a favorite among everyone from preschoolers to pre-teens. The AF1 is one of Nike's most varied shoes when it comes to color, with dozens of hues available to match each kid's unique vibe. The durable leather or premium faux leather upper shrugs off scuffs and scratches, letting kids get the most from their shoes without worrying about cleaning daily. They're also some of the most versatile casual shoes for kids, with a supportive yet low-profile design that pairs with any aesthetic.
To match the clean, fresh vibes of these shoes, try pairing them with light-wash denim or a pastel tracksuit for a casual errand fit. For a more upscale style moment, match a black or white pair of AF1s with dark jeans or slacks and a slim-fit button down.
The Nike Dunk is another back-to-school choice that has reached GOAT status thanks to its iconic silhouette. Beginning as a basketball legend, you can see the athletic roots immediately when you take a look at the padded collar and extra grippy rubber base. Plush interior padding upgrades this athletic favorite to lifestyle champion status, giving kids a shoe they won't complain about wearing all day.
To rock Nike Dunks for back-to-school style, start by picking the right color. Like Air Force 1s, Nike went hard when designing the Dunk colorway lineup, with more than 20 color patterns offered and limited releases dropping seasonally. Use the "toe-to-head" styling method to guide your kid to style success by playing on the strength of the Dunks. For example, if you're styling a pair of bright Nike shoes for kids like the Dunk Low SE in the Pink Blast colorway, try letting the shoes shine with a white linen play set or a tracksuit in a neutral color like beige or grey.
