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Whether your child is going back to elementary school or you’re a sophomore returning to campus, there’s one thing everyone is looking for before heading back to school: the perfect pair of shoes. We’ve rounded up some of the top-rated shoes and shoe brands to help you choose the best back-to-school shoes. Since many of these retailers run back-to-school sales, you can get the top-rated styles at a lower price. Shop styles for every taste, from kids’ loafers to trendy tennis shoes trending on social media.

The best shoes for the start of school

Adidas

Adidas VL Court 3.0 women’s shoes

Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes

Adidas x Disney Mickey and Friends Monofit Trainer Shoes Kids

Adidas Runfalcon 5 Shoes – Kids

Right now, you can shop Adidas’ back-to-school sale and purchase select items for up to 50% off. Some of their most popular bestsellers, like the women’s VL Court 3.0, are currently on sale, with models starting at 20% off. If you’re looking for a masculine shoe at a great price, Adidas’ best-selling Ultraboost 1.0 is on sale for 25% off. For those little ones who are going back to school and aren’t so keen on laces, the Adidas x Disney collaboration has several super-cute slip-on styles featuring Mickey Mouse and friends for just over $20.

Transporters

Vans Classic Slip-On Checkerboard

Vans Kids Classic Slip-On

Vans has tons of great styles to suit your preferences. One of their most popular shoes, the Old Skool, comes in a variety of colors, and retailers like Zappos are currently offering some of the lowest prices. If you prefer slip-ons over lace-ups, Vans has those too. You can get slip-ons in their traditional check pattern, as well as plain and structured styles. There are also plenty of great styles for younger, budding students, with several of their regular and special kids’ designs currently on sale. Additionally, many adult Vans are unisex, so you have a wide range of shoes to choose from, regardless of your style preferences.

New balance

New Balance 408 women’s sneakers

New Balance 997H men’s sneakers

New Balance Fresh Foam Roav Running Shoe – Kids

New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4 Sneaker – Kids

New Balance makes shoes for everyone—in fact, one of their advertising slogans was once “Worn by supermodels in London and dads in Ohio,” so these shoes are great shoes both in terms of being trendy and functional. Their women’s 408 sneakers are super stylish and one of New Balance’s best sellers; you can get them for under $100 right now. As for men’s shoes, one of their most popular models, the 997H sneaker, is on sale starting at $59.98, so you can snag these at a great discount. Retailers like DSW also have tons of styles for kids, including options like their top-rated foam running shoe on sale, so you can rest assured your little ones will have support whether they’re sitting in math class or running around the playground.

Hey dude

Hey Dude Wendy Chambray Women’s Shoes

Hey Dude Women’s Wendy Funk Shoe

Hey Dude Wally Stretch, Unisex, Adult

Hey Dude Boys Wally Sport Mesh

Hey Dude Girls Wendy Youth Shoes

If you like lace-up shoes but sneakers aren’t your thing, it might be worth giving Hey Dude a try. They offer plenty of casual lace-up loafers with styles to suit all tastes. Hey Dude’s Wendy Chambray women’s shoes come in a variety of colors and have over 48,000 five-star reviews, many of which praise the Wendys’ comfort and durability. Hey Dude also offers unisex styles, with their unisex adult Wally Stretch reaching number one best-seller status on Amazon. Many of their styles, including the Wendy and Wally, are also available in kids’ sizes. Hey Dude shoes are also particularly great for younger kids, as the slip-on style makes them easy to get on and off while still keeping them secure thanks to the laces. These shoes are also machine washable, which is great if you prefer lighter color styles and want to keep them looking clean. You can buy Hey Dude shoes on Amazon, where many models are currently on sale.

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