The 6 Boys’ and Girls’ Shoes Every Kid’s Closet Should Have

Maybe your son hit a growth spurt over Spring Break, or your soon-to-be-third grader has decided she needs an entirely new wardrobe for summer vacation. Perhaps your chubby little cherub’s crib booties have gotten too tight.

No matter your reason for shopping, one thing is clear: your kiddos need new shoes. The question is, how many pairs and what types of shoes do they need?

There are six styles of boys’ and girls’ shoes every kid’s closet should be stocked with, and you can find them all at Hibbett | City Gear!

A School Shoe

No closet is complete without a pair of sneakers your kids can wear in the classroom, at daycare, or on field trips to the science center or children’s museum.

Nike’s classic Air Force one low-top kids’ shoe offers both style and versatility with its smooth leather upper, durable no-mark rubber outsole and concentric outsole traction pattern.

Available in infant, toddler kids’, preschool kids’, and grade school kids’ sizes, these heritage basketball-shoes-turned-lifestyle sneakers are easy to clean and can be paired with virtually any outfit, whether its a pair of jeans and a school spirit tee or tiny overalls for little man’s first picture day. For ultimate versatility, shop white-white and all-black colorways, but if you’re looking for a school shoe with a little more pop, the Air Force One comes in colors like bright yellow, red and white, iridescent blues and orange and black, too.

Another timeless sneaker that’s perfect as a kids’ school shoe is the adidas Originals Superstar. Much like the Air Force 1, adidas’ old-school-cool Superstar is made from smooth coated leather designed to withstand the rigors of play, an ultra-grippy rubber outsole and the line’s trademark shell-toe. These wear-ready sneakers feature adidas’ iconic Three-Stripes along the medial and lateral sides of the sneaker and signature adidas Originals Trefoil branding at the heel. Available in dozens of colorways — from black and white to red, white and blue — the Superstar comes in a full range of kids’ sizes.

An Athletic Shoe

Whether your first grader is trekking through the backyard on a storybook adventure or your PreK princess is chasing the family dog, their school shoes need not be sacrificed in the name of play. That’s why all kids should own a solid pair of athletic shoes, like Nike’s Air Max 270 or Air Max 90, or adidas’ Swift Run sneaker.

The Air Max 270’s webbed lacing system promises a secure fit on little feet, and lightweight construction materials ensure nothing can slow your Indiana Jones Jr. down. The Air Max 270 also features responsive Air Max cushioning that bounces back as quickly as kids do and an ultra-durable upper designed to embrace every scuff mark, puddle, and step your child takes.

Also geared for the kids’ on the go, the adidas Swift Run athletic shoe helps kids hit the ground running with its mix of vintage adidas running style and modern construction materials. The Swift Run series, which includes the classic Swift Run and the Swift Run X, incorporates best-in-class performance tech like OrthoLite sockliners, EVA midsoles and breathable mesh and textile uppers to ensure a comfortable ride for your kids. Paired with the sneakers’ next-level aesthetic, these shoes beg budding astronauts, terrestrial adventurers and the most curious little minds to turn everyday steps into all-day explorations.

A Slip-On Shoe

Sometimes little piggies get tired of going to the market, and they just want to be free! Slip-on shoes like Birkenstock sandals, UGG Slides and Crocs clogs offer the perfect reprieve from sock jail.

Not only are these kids’ shoes great for hot summer days at the splash pad, but they’re also ideal for get-ready-quick mornings and “dress yourself” days.

Headed to the pool for the day? Pair your sweet little swimmer’s ruffle-bottomed bathing suit with some kids’ Birkenstock Arizona EVA or Birkenstock Rio EVA sandals.

Dashing to the store for some arts and craft supplies? Have Junior slip into his classic Crocs clogs and get going!

Is your threenager unimpressed with the 30 outfits you’ve tried to put her in for the day? Slip-on shoes like UGG Fluff Yeah and UGG Beach slides go great with tutus, too.

A Casual Shoe

Weekend lunch at Grandma’s house can be a sticky sneaker situation if your kids’ closets aren’t equipped with a versatile casual shoe.

Little sister’s Sunday school shoes aren’t exactly made for running around in Nana’s garden, but she can’t necessarily wear her athletic sneakers to church.

And you wouldn’t want big brother’s school shoes to get scuffed up while he wrestled with his cousins, but slides don’t really go with dressier clothes.

Casual sneakers like the timeless Reebok Club C and the reimagined Puma Rider present the perfect combination of class and cool, which allows them to pair well with your children’s Sunday best and their afternoon attire.

Available in toddler kids’ to grade school kids’ sizes, the Reebok Club C is a true classic. Released in 1985 as the Club Champion, the Reebok Club C is the OG tennis shoe. Its low-top silhouette, uncomplicated design and simple colorways make this retro performance sneaker an ideal casual shoe for kids.

Another heritage sneaker that’s transcended the sports arena and cemented itself as a must-have lifestyle shoe is the Puma Rider. The Puma Future Rider and Style Rider feature the original Puma Fast Rider’s iconic super grippy Federbein gum soles, though thinner than seen on the OG Rider, streamlined silhouette and eyecatching color blocking in sizes infant to grade school.

A High Top Shoe

For a little bit of variety, it’s great to keep a pair of high top sneakers in your kids’ closets, too. These kicks are a great alternative to your kiddos’ favorite casual shoes and school shoes for how easily they can be dressed up for family portraits or dressed down for shooting free-throws in the driveway.

Pint-sized, preschool and pre-teen ballers alike can take flight when they jump into a pair of high top Jordans for a neighborhood game of H.O.R.S.E. Or they can let their sink their feet into a pair of uber durable Nike Dunks. Starting their sneaker collection early? You can’t go wrong with a Nike Blazer high top either.

A Sports Shoe

Finally, every kid that plays sports should have the best performance footwear at his or her toe tips. From baseball to soccer, make sure your future All-Stars and All American players have a pair of these game-changing sports shoes in their equipment closets.

• Baseball Cleats: Whether he’s a first baseman or an outfielder, have your Little Leaguer pop on a pair of the Nike Force Trout 7, adidas Afterburner or Nike Vapor Ultrafly cleats!
• Softball Cleats: Your kid can own the diamond in a pair of all-white Nike Hyperdiamond 3 softball shoes, available in preschool and grade school girls’ sizes.
• Football Cleats: Help him show off his fierce side with adidas Freak MD football cleats. Built with a synthetic upper for stability, these football cleats feature a flexible Bounce midsole for cushioned comfort all game long and an extra grippy rubber outsole for stop-on-a-dime plays.
• Soccer Cleats: Soccer turf meets its match against adidas Predator soccer cleats and Nike’s Jr. Mercurial Vapor soccer shoes.
• Basketball Shoes: Let your budding baller unleash their inner All-Star with Nike LeBron, adidas D.O.N Issue, Nike Kyrie and Under Armour Curry basketball shoes.