Trending Shoes for Kids in 2024 – Stylish and Functional
As a shoe fitter with over a decade of experience fitting children’s shoes I keep a vigilant eye on the evolving world of children’s footwear fashion. In 2024 there has been a fresh array of shoe trends for kids, and I have noticed that many children are more vocal about their likes and dislikes. I am all about fit and functionality, so all of the trending shoe styles I will show you in this resource are made from durable materials and can accommodate different foot shapes.
After having fitted children’s shoes for many years, there is one main thing I want to share: The best shoe for your child is one that they’ll actually enjoy wearing while also fitting their feet and meeting their physical needs. Balancing style and substance doesn’t have to be a trade-off.
Color Their World: The Top Shoe Colors for Boys and Girls in 2024
When it comes to selecting shoes for boys, color plays a significant role. This year, the trend leans towards bold and vibrant shades. At the shoe store where I work, I have noticed that most boys go with electric blues, vivid greens, and even eye-catching oranges. I have also noticed an increase in colors traditionally not associated with boys, such as purples and pinks.
The most popular colors for girls’ shoes this year are pink and purple, but there’s been an exciting addition of iridescent materials and metallic finishes that catch the eye. Aqua blues and sunny yellows are making waves too, offering a fresh twist on traditional color selections for girls.
Always remember that comfort shouldn’t take a backseat to color: so we must make sure the shoes fit well and support your child’s active lifestyle.
Most Popular Shoe Brands for Kids
Top brands such as Nike, Adidas, Vans, and Converse, are setting the agenda, but New Balance is also blending innovative designs with comfort and durability. The advantage of New Balance shoes over the other shoe brands I mentioned is that they are capable of accommodating different foot shapes such as wide or extra wide feet.
Collaborations with popular characters or young influencers are also making certain brands particularly resonant with kids today. Now, it’s important to understand that not all shoes made by the shoe brands I recommended are going to be suitable for your child’s feet. There are specific shoe styles among each shoe brand that work a lot better than others.
And Now to the Specific Shoe Recommendations
Please read the description below of each the shoes that I recommend so you can find out whether they can accommodate your child’s foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide). The shoes below all have non-slip outsoles, are made from flexible materials, and provide good ventilation to allow your child’s feet to breathe.
Trending Shoe Styles by Nike
The Air Zoom Pegasus (images and links below) and Little Posite One are shoes that combine function and the ever-important cool factor. Both of these models can accommodate children with medium or wide feet. If your child has wide feet and high insteps then I suggest skipping these styles and looking into the New Balance ones. These two Nike shoes won’t work for children with extra wide feet.
The Air Zoom Pegasus
The Air Zoom Pegasus
Trending Shoe Styles by New Balance
New Balance has been doubling down on comfort and support, which are crucial for growing feet. Their two most popular styles this year are the 9060 and the Coco utility sport. These shoes can fit children with medium or wide feet, and they can accommodate children with high insteps.
New Balance 9060
New Balance Coco Unity Sport
Trending Shoe Styles by Adidas
Adidas strikes a balance between classic looks and cutting-edge technology. Their most popular shoe is the Superstar and they also have the performance-oriented Ultraboost. I am sure you might have heard or seen these shoes before. The Adidas shoes below can fit children with medium or wide feet.
Adidas Kids Grand Court
Adidas Kids Superstar
Trending Shoe Styles by Converse and Vans
Converse Chuck Taylors are a durable and fashionable choice that kids and parents love. Just make sure you order a half size smaller than your child’s current foot size as this particular shoe style fits really long.
Converse Unisex-Child Chuck Taylor All Star
Vans remains a staple in the skater and casual shoe scene. Their slip-ons and Old Skool designs have seen a resurgence, now meshed with improved comfort technology, ensuring that kids can play just as hard as they rest.
Vans Classic Slip-On
Are You Looking for Personalized Shoe Recommendations for Your Child?
Your child’s shoe needs can vary depending on their age, activity level, and any specific foot conditions they may have. If you have any questions or need any further assistance, you can also contact me via email and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I am happy to help you find a different pair of stylish shoes for your child.
If you are looking into toddler shoe sizes there is a different resource that I created that has a list of cute and stylish shoes for toddlers.
Ensuring Proper Fit and Functionality in Kids’ Shoes
I am all about functionality and fit when it comes to kids’ shoes. It’s important that your child wears shoes that he/she likes, but the shoes must fit properly and provide the correct structure to support your child’s growing feet, reducing the risk of developing foot problems later in life. For that reason, I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home.
Meanwhile, shoes that balance style with functionality ensure that your children can run, jump, and play without hindrance. And, of course, if the shoes are both comfortable and cool, your kids are more likely to wear them without a fuss.
Style Meets Savings: Popular and Affordable Kids’ Shoe Options
Depending on their age, children can grow up to three shoe sizes per year., so I will show you some strategies to share that involve tracking down fashionable yet cost-effective footwear for your younger ones. Most families I speak to expect to pay somewhere between $40 and $60 for a high-quality pair of kids’ shoes. The price will vary depending on your child’s age and shoe size.
One strategy is to consider the materials the shoes are made of. With advancements in textile technology, it’s now possible to have durable, lightweight shoes made from materials that are less expensive than traditional leather or suede. Another strategy is to join loyalty programs as many reputable stores offer discounts throughout the year, or look for the shoes on Amazon as they are usually cheaper than going through the official website.
Wrapping Up!
What’s influencing these choices? Partly, it comes down to today’s media-saturated environment, where kids are influenced by characters from their favorite shows and by influencers who set the pace for what’s cool and what’s not. Movies, TV shows, and social media personalities all have a hand in shaping the hottest hues in the playground.
I know for a fact that most parents prioritize their child’s foot health and comfort as much as their style. That’s why when you’re buying your kids’ shoes, it’s crucial to remember that the right fit and functionality of their shoes can have lasting effects on your child’s foot development and overall well-being. I have created many resources over the years that help families make sure their children wear the correct shoes in the correct size.
Let me know if you have any questions in the section below. I am happy to help in any way I can!
