Another impressive technology from the researchers are Nike, Phylon is a lightweight and low-profile midsole. It's made using EVA foam pellets- EVA foam is the most common midsole material- that have been compressed and molded in a specific way. These can be shaped in any manner, allowing them to shape to the unique contours of your child's feet.

Children are very particular when it comes to comfort, and have no problem voicing their concerns if something doesn't meet their expectations. The padded collar and tongue on the Downshifter 8 provide a comfortable fit in an area often overlooked by other companies, so even the most finicky of kids will enjoy this shoe.

Our favorite Air Max 90s are the ones made with a leather upper. This is simply because the material is so durable and comfortable to wear, all while offering added protection to little feet. If you decide to go with leather, you’ll find that it works best for colder months when a bit more temperature control is required. Plus, it will need breaking in, but it will mold to your child’s foot, ensuring it has plenty of space all around.

The inside of the Air Max 90 is lined with mesh for maximum breathability. Even little feet get to benefit from the Air cushion in the heel, and the rubber outsole grips surface well, allowing for uninterrupted exploration. The one downside to this model is the lace-up closure, which may not be every parent’s favorite, but it will keep the shoes securely on your child’s feet, so if they tend to take velcro off, this may be a good alternative.

Seeing that the Air Max 90 is a classic design with plenty of tradition behind it, it comes as no surprise that it features quite a hefty price tag. Nonetheless, if you want to invest in something high-quality, with a great look and that’s surely comfortable, these sneakers are the way to go.

Foam is the most common midsole material, and for good reason. Foam is lightweight, efficient with energy return, and flexible. This lightweight flexibility allows it to comfortably shape to your child’s feet without being bulky or cumbersome. Energy return, like shock absorption, is important as they both work to reduce fatigue.

Kids have a lot of energy, and it’s adorable watching them run around and play. Of course, this energy generates heat, which can be a problem if their shoes lack proper ventilation. Sweaty feet can quickly become uncomfortable, and the last thing you want in your house is smelly shoes. Like most Nike shoes, the Revolution 4 has a mesh upper to accommodate for proper temperature management, keeping your child’s feet cool and dry.

When you first look at this sneaker, you will notice that the upper region of the product appears to have a perforated material. It is actually made of a higher-quality mesh and has those little holes to help promote breathability throughout the entire model. If you are new to purchasing children's footwear, this is very useful as it can minimize any build-up of sweat or moisture in the shoe, which can lead to hot spots or rashes.

At a young age, learning to tie up laces can be quite a challenge and take little ones quite a while to get down pat. During that transition, parents will need a pair of quality sneakers to keep their child running around and comfortable. These are designed with a simple hook-and-loop system, making it easy to put-on and take-off.

“Air in a box” was the slogan for the AF1 campaign ads when they were first released in 1982. These were the first basketball shoe with an air pocket in the heel for extra support. In fact, Nike went all out with these shoes, signing six NBA players to wear them on the court. While the Air Force One was discontinued in 1984, Nike brought them back two years later because of the overwhelming demand. Even today the AF1 is one of Nike's Most iconic products. Fun fact: in 2007, Kanye West, Nas, Rakim, and KRS-One collaborated on an official song for the AF1, aptly titled “Classic (Better Than I’ve Ever Been).” Talk about star appeal!

While the original AF1 was designed for the basketball court, the toddler’s version is designed for the playground. The toddler version of this shoe features the same iconic design and air pockets in the heel section, with a softer construction overall to better accommodate developing feet. The rubber outsole provides solid traction, while the interior is soft and well-cushioned for a comfortable fit.

The main benefit of the Free RN 5.0 is the fact that it’s made to be easily put on and off. It features a hook and loop closure on the top of the foot, and the foot entrance is roomy enough to remove any difficulty on busy mornings when you need to be out the door as fast as possible. Another benefit of this closure system is that children can learn to put their shoes on on their won, encouraging independence and developing their fine motor skills.

The synthetic upper of this model is very durable, and even more importantly, easy to clean. There are no prominent stitches that would rub sensitive feet, and breathability panels ensure proper airflow even for more active tykes. The rubber sole encourages natural movement, without limiting the foot, all while gripping surfaces well. This model is ideal for spring and summer where you want a protective sneaker style, but still, prefer something lightweight and breathable.

The price of the Free RN 5.0 ranks average for Nike children’s styles, which makes it a great option for those looking for a pair of sneakers that’ll work well in any situation.

The upper for the Cour Borough is made with synthetic suede which has perforations in the toe area for increased breathability. What this ensures is a long-wearing product that won’t deteriorate due to rough play and use, that’ll be easy to care for and will look great from the first wear until the last. The closure system includes both laces and a hook and loop strap, which ensures maximum security, and which is ideal for those children who have a tendency to lose or intentionally take off their shoes.

The rubber outsole of the Court Borough has a circular traction pattern that has been shown as extremely effective on many a basketball court, which means that you can rest assured your child will have the surface grip they need. It works equally well indoors and outdoors, and will even provide traction on highly polished and wet surfaces.

As for cost association, this model goes for a price that’s quite affordable, making it one of the more budget-friendly options on our list.

These summer beach shoes are the ideal choice for hot days, whether in the garden, at the park, on a hike or a sandy shore. Made to be worn near water, the Sunray Protect 2 works just as well for infants as it does for little and big children. It comes in several color options, and it will definitely become your child’s new favorite summer shoe, seeing that it’s easy to put on, and feels great on the feet.

The materials used in the Sunray Protect 2 are water-friendly synthetics that offer a good balance between comfort and durability. There are plenty of perforations and openings, and these serve a dual purpose. For one, they allow water drainage and moisture management. Secondly, they let fresh air into the foot chamber, ensuring a dry wearing experience that will prevent sweaty feet and bad odors.

The closure is hook and loop for easy on and off, along with a pull tab on the front of the sandal. You’ll also find that the protective toe area works well to prevent bumps and scrapes, and the rubber sole works well on a multitude of surfaces. The inside of the sandal has a non-slip insole that prevents the foot from moving around, ensuring proper support and minimizing the likelihood of blisters and rubbing.

In terms of cost, this is another affordable option by Nike and is a great purchase for anyone looking for a great style that will work for summer.

Flywire technology first became available in Nike shoes in 2008 but was initially pioneered by the founder of Adidas in 1949. The goal of these cables is to maximize support while minimizing the impact on the weight of the shoe. The initial research done by Nike involved using a last (a foot-shaped object used for the designing of shoes) and marking key points of support. These areas of support were then made using long stitches, as opposed to entire panels. Flywire technology first made its debut at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and has since become a staple of many Nike shoes.

The Zoom Air technology first made its debut over 20 years ago, and to this day is still a highly sought-after feature in Nike shoes. It involves using tight tensile fibers that respond to your feet upon impact. The high tension allows these fibers to snap back very quickly- we’re talking a response time of mere milliseconds- improving energy return and cushioning.

Let’s talk about one of the most important factors: the style. This shoe, as you can see from the above picture, it’s stylish, adorable, and cute. This is the type of sneaker that, when walking on the street, friends and family members will coo over how adorable these little sneakers look. They model the adult version, making it easy to match the whole family.

Whether you are getting a pair from this brand for sports or maybe even school, it’s important to get a pair that is made from mesh materials. The reason being that the mesh material is great for ventilation, allowing the interior part of the sneaker to stay dry and cool while playing or walking outside. Additionally, this could help reduce any odors in shoes as well.