Made for running and helping absorb the shock that is generated upon each impact, the Under Armour Primed 2 features a full-length EVA foam midsole that is just the right combination of cushioned and responsive. The outsole is made with non-marking rubber and features outriggers at the forefoot that work to give additional lateral stability, helping prevent any sprains or rolled ankles.

In addition to the breathable mesh upper that allows a good amount of air flow, the Under Armour Primed 2 also features a footbed that’s been treated with an antimicrobial process to prevent the appearance of fungus and bacteria that may lead to the development of odors or infections. For a pair of performance running shoes, the Under Armour Primed 2 comes at a surprisingly affordable price. Sure, it’ll set you back more than a simple canvas sneaker, but considering that it was made for athletic use, you have to consider the technologies that go into making a running shoe such as this. If your little one likes running around, or needs something cushioned for gym class, then these are highly recommended.

These Adidas sneakers have a rubber outsole that offers excellent traction even on slippery surfaces such as hardwood floors or tile. Furthermore, it’s non-marking, which means that it’s appropriate to wear in places which require such footwear. Also, a padded heel collar provides additional support and prevents rubbing and chafing around the ankle, while a rubber shell toe protects the delicate front end of the foot.

The Superstar is iconic streetwear attire that boasts an Adidas signature Originals emblem at the top of the tongue and the recognizable Adidas three stripes on both the inner and outer sides. It’s available in white, but you can also get it in a number of other color variations. Plus, there’s a lace-up and velcro closure option, so you can choose the one that’s most appropriate for your little one. This product is reasonably priced and will last for a long time thanks to its durable construction and quality leather uppers. The Superstar is easy to match and provides a good balance between warmth and breathability, so you can rest assured you’re getting a high quality, protective style that’ll be easy to match with a variety of outfits, and that’ll work well on a number of occasions, from casual to those a bit more formal.

You can purchase the Daphne in over ten variations, from leather to denim to canvas. All versions feature beautifully colored uppers, that are feminine and fun, but never over the top. Plus, the flower embellishment adds a nice touch, making these a good choice even for formal occasions when your little girl wants to show off her most beautiful dress and shoes.

The Daphne features an adjustable hook and loop closure that is perfect for small kids, but that big ones will prefer to laces as well. Allowing your daughter to put her shoes on by herself, this is the perfect pair of footwear for play dates, days with gym class, etc. The Keds Daphne is the cheapest item on this list, making it an excellent investment for anyone looking for something light and versatile. It can be as simple or as colorful as you wish, and the breathable canvas upper is the perfect choice for summer and spring wear where thicker materials would simply be too warm.

One of the main disadvantages of a comfortable outsole is usually the fact that it breaks down easily. However, the Reebok Classic solves this problem with a layer of high abrasion rubber on the bottom of the shoe, ensuring that it can stand up to the test of time, as well as to wear on hard concrete.

The cushioning in the Classic is brought to you by a die-cut EVA foam midsole that is combined with a molded PU sockliner in order to provide the best possible combination of shock absorption and arch support. This means that, despite its appearance as a simple lifestyle shoe, the Reebok Classic will work well for physical activity as well. Reebok products hit the sweet spot when it comes to price and quality. The Classic ranks average on our list, but it offers a high level of quality and comfort most foot shapes will greatly benefit from. It’s available in a limited number of colors, however, which means that you may not be able to find the look that you’re looking for.

This shoe is made with a sock-like bootie construction that has several benefits. For one, it offers a fit snug through the stretch materials used in the upper, eliminating any excess material on the inside that could cause rubbing. Secondly, it features a lacing system, but can easily be put on and off without adjustments, which is great for little ones who are still mastering the bunny ears method.

It’s a breathable model thanks to a mesh insert at the top of the forefoot, and an external heel counter prevents in-shoe slippage that could result in injury. The inside is made with odor resistant materials to prevent bacterial growth, and underfoot comfort is ensured through an EVA sockliner and a slightly curved EVA foam midsole. Weight is kept at a minimum with strategically placed rubber pods for traction, using non-marking rubber that can be worn both inside and outside.

These Vans skateboarding shoes are super-comfortable and feature a breathable suede and canvas upper that allows for good ventilation preventing sweat and odors. It's a low-rise style with plenty of cushioning in the heel, collar, and tongue, which is the perfect addition for those with sensitive feet, seeing that it will prevent excessive rubbing that may cause blisters and pain.

Complete with the Vans signature waffle outsole, the Old Skool V provides a solid grip on any surface. It’ll work great at school, in the home, and at the playground. It will even perform well on wet surfaces, which can come in handy on rainy days. And another thing, seeing that it was made to be used on the rough surface of a skateboard, it will be able to take a beating, which means that it won’t easily wear out. The price for the Vans Old Skool V will vary depending on the version you choose, however, all models are budget-friendly, ranking low on this list when it comes to cost. This shoe is an excellent investment thanks to its comfort levels and durability, and the fact that it features a hook and loop closure makes it an appropriate option for all ages.

Originally designed in 1982 for basketball players, the Air Force 1 makes use of a Nike Air cushion in the heel area that allows for a great level of shock absorption, making this the ideal pair of footwear for running around, jumping, playing, and general frolicking. The non-marking rubber outsole offers a secure grip on both inside and outside surfaces, so you can rest assured your little one is going to remain slip-free in all weather conditions.

The classic model of the AF1 is made with a premium leather upper that’s soft to the touch, breathable, and easily molds to the feet. Nonetheless, you can get this pair of basketball shoes in different upper materials as well, one of our favorites being the suede version which comes in a vast variety of colors, and can even be customized. Nike footwear is anything but cheap, and the Air Force 1 is no exception. On this list, it ranks as the most expensive pair of sneakers, and this is mainly due to its use of high-quality materials, as well as its status as an iconic pair of footwear. If, however, you decide to splurge, then it’s sure to provide with a good life span, plenty of comfort, and a great level of protection from the elements.

The standard Converse Chuck Taylor is made with a canvas upper that’s perfect for summer, spring and even fall wear. Nonetheless, if you want something a bit more protective and warmer, you can get one of the leather options, including some that are completely waterproof. No matter which version you go with, you can rest assured that your kid will be wearing a pair of shoes that are lightweight, and that will feel good across the tops of their feet.

One of the things that originally made these shoes so famous was the rubber outsole made for slick basketball courts. It’s made from hard-wearing rubber that won’t easily break down, no matter where your child decides to wear these, and it has the additional benefit of being slip-resistant, giving you an ease of mind that any injury or sprain due to a slip will be easily avoided. This is one of the lowest priced sneakers on the list. When purchasing Converse, you are receiving a shoe that won’t easily fall apart and will look good while remaining comfortable. It has the fit of a traditional canvas shoe and the benefits of an athletic sneaker that come in the form of the cushioned rubber outsole. Additionally, you can choose between a low top and high top version, depending on your child’s preferences.

The Phibian is the only pair of footwear on this list which is declared by the manufacturer to be machine washable, a factor that has made it immensely popular among parents. They simply love being able to toss sneakers into the washer. Even if you prefer not to put heavy rubbery objects in washing machines, rest in comfort knowing they can be easily sprayed clean in the shower or outside patio.

Rubber footwear is not the best option when it comes to health. It will often lack in breathability, trapping moisture inside the shoe, allowing for bacterial or fungal overgrowth that can lead to an infection or smelly feet. However, the Phibian is quite different, seeing that it’s a perforated shoe with lots of breathability. To top it all off, its treated with an “anti-stink” treatment to prevent the appearance of harmful bacteria in your child’s shoes. You may think this sneaker costs a bit too much for a rubber shoe, but you’ll find that it still ranks quite low compared to other styles on this list. It’s an excellent investment for those living in hotter climates and will be a stylish addition to your child’s wardrobe. Plus, with the company’s almost 100-year tradition, you can rest assured you’re getting a quality product made to last.

The New Balance 574 comes in two widths: Standard and Wide, which is a great option for those parents trying to find a solution to chubby or flat feet. Additionally, the closure system comes both in a lace and a hook and loop option, which further accommodates a variety of foot shapes, meaning that the 574 may just be the perfect sneaker for your girl.

Although when it comes to purchasing kid’s shoes, you may not be thinking about shock absorption, cushioning and alignment, it is still important to keep in mind that these performance features can greatly impact your child’s development and activity levels. The New Balance 574 comes with a rubber outsole that offers good grip of the ground, an EVA foam midsole that absorbs shock and supports the arch, and a heel that is cushioned so that any rubbing is prevented. The New Balance 574 comes at a price that’s slightly above average, which means that if you’re after this type of performance features, it’s going to cost you more than a standard pair of canvas or rubber sneakers. However, if you’re looking for something that will work well even through some athletic activity such as running around the playground, these are a good choice that just so happens also to be fashionable.