Expert Advice

Must-Have Kids’ Sneakers for 2026

Jan 27, 2026

When shopping for kids' shoes, it can be hard to know where to start, whether you’re hoping to enhance a young athlete’s performance or keep your kid comfortable throughout the school day. We’ll highlight the top styles of 2026, with an emphasis on the durability, comfort, and style your kids need for their growing feet.

New Balance 9060

Top Kids’ Sneakers Combining Style and Durability

Kids are hard on shoes, so you need kicks durable enough to put up with everything kids put them through. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish. For kids’ sneakers that’ll survive the semester without falling apart or falling out of fashion, these 2026 kid shoes are the perfect combination of comfort, support, and durability for school, play or casual daily wear.

 

Starting off with a bold style choice, Nike Deion Sanders shoes take classic sports silhouettes and give them a modern makeover. With creative colorways and design elements paired with Nike’s well-known performance and comfort, these are a statement shoe that will turn heads in the hallway. 

 

The Nike Air Griffey Max 1 has a bold new colorway premiering this season, with emerald green hues that emphasize a futuristic, sporty silhouette.

 

For a more classic silhouette with a timeless style that goes with anything, grab some New Balance 9060 children’s sneakers, or check out the adidas Gazelle lineup for a wide selection of colors to make morning fit checks a breeze.

 

Even the littlest ones can get in on the spring sneaker surge. The Nike Swoosh 1 is the perfect infant-size starter shoe to protect your baby’s feet while they’re taking their first steps.

Nike Air Force 1

Everyday Sneakers for Active Kids

For young athletes and other particularly active kids, you need sneakers that are more than durable and stylish. Kids’ athletic shoes need the right performance features to aid developing footwork while remaining adaptable for street and casual use. Among these, the stars of the spring lineup include a combination of classic athletic styles and modern performance silhouettes.

 

First, you can’t get much more classic than Saucony kids’ shoes. Founded in 1898, this iconic running shoe brand is perfect for kids who are always on the go. 

 

The Nike Air Force 1 youth’s sneakers are also guaranteed to turn heads. This silhouette is the one that made Nike into a basketball shoe icon and has stayed on top of the athletic shoes roster ever since.

 

For a more technical look, try Asics kids shoes. This Japanese brand has long been known for its running shoes, with its distinct wavy lines and bold colors making it instantly recognizable even today.

 

And if you’re looking to capture the nostalgia of early 00s skater culture, look no further than the chunky silhouette of classic Vans kids shoes, or the all-American high-top sneakers, Converse kids shoes. Both of these styles are seeing a comeback for their retro flair and all-day comfort.

Shop the Best Kids’ Sneakers for 2026 on Hibbett Kids

Whether you’re shopping for performance sneakers for a young athlete or everyday pairs built to last, Hibbett makes it easy with a dedicated site just for kids. Kidshibbett.com is your one-stop destination for kids’ sneakers, apparel, and accessories, all curated with comfort, durability, and style in mind—so you can find everything they need in one place.

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