26 Cool Back-to-School Sneakers Your Kids Won't Ever Want to Take Off

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The first day of school is rapidly approaching, and while you're gathering school supplies, picking up new backpacks and lunchboxes, and generally freaking out that Summer is coming to a close, don't forget one very important essential: a new pair of sneakers! The footwear power player is a must have for every child age 3 and up who's attending school, and we can pretty much guarantee that last year's versions are super snug (even if you haven't noticed yet). We've tracked down 26 pairs of the coolest sneakers around for every kind of kid. Keep reading to shop them all now, because these kicks put the "fun" in functional.

01
New Balance For Crewcuts 24/7 Sneakers

New Balance For Crewcuts 24/7 Sneakers

New Balance for Crewcuts' 24/7 Sneakers ($65) have no-tie laces and a cool camo print.

02
Steve Madden JWISH Rainbow Slip-On Sneakers

Steve Madden JWISH Rainbow Slip-On Sneakers

Steve Madden's JWISH Rainbow Slip-On Sneakers ($50) have a glittering rainbow of stripes on the front of a classic slip-on with a denim-like backing.

03
Vans Sk8-Mid Reissue V Sneakers

Vans Sk8-Mid Reissue V Sneakers

Available in eight fun designs, Vans's Sk8-Mid Reissue V Sneakers ($35-$42) have a reinforced toe cap for extra durability.

04
TOMS Lenny Metallic Glitter Sneakers

TOMS Lenny Metallic Glitter Sneakers

TOMS's Lenny Metallic Glitter Sneakers ($32, originally $49) have a rose-gold, glitter-encrusted finish along with a comfy lace-up design featuring a molded insole and breathable lining.

05
Cat & Jack Weldon High-Top Sneakers

Cat & Jack Weldon High-Top Sneakers

Target brand Cat & Jack's Weldon High-Top Sneakers ($20, originally $27) have heathered panels, stretchy lace-up closures, and ankle straps.

06
Geox Kilwi Slip-On Sneakers

Geox Kilwi Slip-On Sneakers

Geox's Kilwi Slip-On Sneakers ($55-$70) have shimmery metallic details on a classic slip-on sneaker.

07
Gap Glitter Hi-Top Sneakers

Gap Glitter Hi-Top Sneakers

Gap's Glitter Hi-Top Sneakers ($25, originally $55) have a faux suede upper with glitter embellishments, lace-up ties, and an easy, pull-on tab at the heel. They're also available in gold.

08
Converse Chuck Taylor Faux Leather Sneakers

Converse Chuck Taylor Faux Leather Sneakers

Converse's classic Chuck Taylor Sneakers ($26, originally $40) are made even cooler with faux-leather uppers and lace-up closures.

09
Nike Air Max Sequent 3 GS Running Shoes

Nike Air Max Sequent 3 GS Running Shoes

Available in three color combos, Nike's Air Max Sequent 3 GS Running Shoes ($70-$80) have great heel cushioning thanks to a U-shaped Max Air unit in the sole, along with a breathable mesh upper and a grooved tread.

10
Treasure & Bond Scarlett Sneakers

Treasure & Bond Scarlett Sneakers

Elastic side panels update Treasure & Bond's Scarlett Sneakers ($33, originally $50), a skate sneaker with a classic Chelsea boot style.

11
Vans Classic Checker Slip-On

Vans Classic Checker Slip-On

Available in six color combos (this rainbow version is my favorite!), Vans's Classic Checker Slip-On ($30-$50) has a retro vibe and classic appeal.

12
Dolce Vita Cadin Star Creeper Sneaker

Dolce Vita Cadin Star Creeper Sneaker

Dolce Vita's Cadin Star Creeper Sneakers ($40, originally $60) have embroidered stars, a glitter trim, and a textured creeper sole.

13
Gap Classic Hi-Top Sneakers

Gap Classic Hi-Top Sneakers

Gap's Classic Hi-Top Sneakers ($55) have sturdy woven uppers, lace-up ties, padded faux-leather panels, and easy pull-on tabs at the ankles.

15
Adidas Superstar Sneakers

Adidas Superstar Sneakers

Classic with a twist, these Adidas Superstar Sneakers ($70) have iridescent signature stripes and heel details.

16
Gap Pom Slip-On Sneakers

Gap Pom Slip-On Sneakers

Gap's Pom Slip-On Sneakers ($40) have a smooth canvas upper, elastic detailing at the sides, and a fun pom at the toe.

17
Nike Huarache Run Drift Sneaker

Nike Huarache Run Drift Sneaker

Available in four color combos, including solid black, Nike's Huarache Run Drift Sneaker ($42-$68, originally $50-$80) are lightweight, ultra sporty, and easy to slip on and off.

18
Puma Basket Bow AC Sneakers

Puma Basket Bow AC Sneakers

Available in a pink-on-pink or blue-on-white design, Puma's Basket Bow AC Sneakers ($55-$70) have a perfectly tied satin bow at the heel of a classic sneaker with stretchy grosgrain laces.

19
Cat & Jack Wheeler Jogger Sneakers

Cat & Jack Wheeler Jogger Sneakers

Target brand Cat & Jack's Wheeler Jogger Sneakers ($19, originally $25) are available in two color combos and have classic lace-up ties.

20
Old Soles Metallic Starter Shoes

Old Soles Metallic Starter Shoes

Old Soles' Metallic Starter Shoes ($74) have a metallic leather upper, slip-resistant rubber outsoles, stretchy laces, and a hook-and-loop closure.

21
Gap Astronaut Slip-On Sneakers

Gap Astronaut Slip-On Sneakers

Gap's Astronaut Slip-On Sneakers ($40) have a canvas upper with an allover astronaut print and elasticized panels at the sides.

22
Cat & Jack Gleen Embroidered Sneakers

Cat & Jack Gleen Embroidered Sneakers

Target brand Cat & Jack's Gleen Embroidered Sneakers ($16, originally $22) have the word "Inspire" embroidered on the heel in a rainbow of colors.

23
Adidas Unisex Edge Lux Knit Lace-Up Sneakers

Adidas Unisex Edge Lux Knit Lace-Up Sneakers

The Adidas Unisex Edge Lux Knit Lace-Up Sneakers ($70) have a stretch knit upper for a flexible fit, wide ribbon-like laces, and a mesh cage at the sides for additional support.

24
Keds x Kate Spade Champion Glitter Sneakers

Keds x Kate Spade Champion Glitter Sneakers

Available in rose gold, cream, and silver, Keds x Kate Spade's Champion Glitter Sneakers ($55-$60) have allover glitter, ribbon laces, and a sporty rubber sole.

25
New Balance For Crewcuts 220 Velcro Sneakers

New Balance For Crewcuts 220 Velcro Sneakers

With a sweet all-over polka-dot print, New Balance for Crewcuts' 220 Velcro Sneakers ($55) are easy to fasten and keep on with a double-wide Velcro strap.

26
Cat & Jack Anna Slip-On Quilted Sneakers

Cat & Jack Anna Slip-On Quilted Sneakers

Target brand Cat & Jack's Anna Slip-On Quilted Sneakers ($13, originally $18) are embroidered with a star pattern to add some fun to the easy style.