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Best Shoes For Teens – 2021 Buying Guide
What is fashionable one day can quickly turn into old news at the drop of a fedora.
But there are a handful of shoe models that outlast these style trends and become mainstay items in any teen's closet.
In our best shoes for teens buying guide, we strike a balance with our teen shoe testers. They've recommended everything from the best skate shoes, trendy girls shoes, the ever-popular Converse Chuck Taylors, best-selling slip on's, and famous Doc Marten's.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
Choosing the proper style of shoes for teens can be a nightmare for parents.
The style they wear is a statement they choose to make and can be a very important aspect of their personality. And don't get us started on the worries involved with back-to-school shopping. Their choice of shoe is important to them, so take some time to understand what they're looking for.
To our surprise, our teen reviewers kept things classic with their selections, choosing to review and recommend the types of shoes that pop culture has kept in the limelight for 20+ years.
So rest assured this list won't steer you wrong.
Comfort
We want our kids to be comfortable in their shoes, right?
This may not be the case with some popular shoe models but it's still an important aspect to consider when shopping with your teen.
Because kids spend most of their day at school and often attend after-school activities, they may be required to spend all day in the same pair of footwear. This is why casual, comfort-oriented styles usually make the best investment.
One of the first things you’ll want to pay attention to is the amount of arch support offered.
Ideally, you should aim for as much arch support as possible. But don't neglect a shoe based on limited arch support. Insoles are a great add-on that can help support those arches as your child's feet continue to develop.
Another thing to consider is cushioning. Walking and athletic activity can take a toll on the musculoskeletal system, and a little bit of shock absorption can go a long way. It can deter fatigue, muscle, and joint pain, and can even make physical activities such as walking and running a more appealing concept to teens who prefer to spend their time indoors.
Last but not least, when shopping for shoes for teens, look for breathable models that allow hot air and moisture to escape the foot chamber.
Fit
It is very difficult to choose the proper size to accommodate growing feet. Plus, ill-fitting shoes can cause many health problems.
This is why we like to tell parents that if you're going to focus on one aspect of shoes for your teen, make it the fit.
Teach them how to find shoes that fit, what elements to look for in proper fitting shoes, and how to recognize when shoes no longer fit.
This is a teaching moment you won't want to miss out on.
Brand
Your child is more likely to need a pair of footwear that is functional, comfortable and durable, than a logo on the side of their sneakers.
Your child is more likely to need a pair of footwear that is functional, comfortable and durable, than a logo on the side of their sneakers.
Nonetheless, you’ll see that our list comprises shoes for teens made by reliable brands that are known for quality, comfort, and durability.
Your child is more likely to need a pair of footwear that is functional, comfortable and durable, than a logo on the side of their sneakers.
Nonetheless, you’ll see that our list comprises shoes for teens made by reliable brands that are known for quality, comfort, and durability.
You will also find that most of the shoes for teens listed above have affordable prices. If you are limited in terms of budget, we would especially recommend styles by Skechers and Converse.
Top 11 Shoes for Teens
1. Converse All Star
These high tops will forever be one of the most popular choices of shoes for teens all over the world. They are textile, and the material comes in all shapes and sizes - vibrant colors and striking patterns.
They are lace-up, and you can change those laces to whatever you like, which furthermore eases the way you can make a statement with these.
The insoles are Ortholite, providing you with cushioning and breathability. Besides having regular eyelets, medial eyelets exist as well, but no laces go through them - their sole purpose is to improve airflow. The unmistakable ankle patch serves as a reminder of the origins of the sneakers!
The included Orholite insoles are the best option for any kind of footwear you have to wear on a day-to-day basis. The cushioning and the fit will never change, no matter how long you've worn the sneakers. The PU foam on the footbed makes sure you get all the air you need, and the moisture management resolves all unpleasant odors!
Converse has got to be one of the most recognizable brands in the world, and surprisingly, their shoes do not cost a fortune!
2. Vans Classic Slip-On
These slip-on shoes for teens are a staple of rebellious youth and skating enthusiasts. They are canvas, and while the classic color is black, they come in any color imaginable, and with many pop culture references as patterns.
The little cotton tag on the side reminds curious onlookers who created the slip-on if they do not manage to recognize the iconic style. The waffle outsole is also one of the signature aspects of Vans footwear, so even when you look under the shoe you will know from where it came from!
Besides being a famous aspect of Vans footwear, waffle outsoles also provide great traction and slip-resistance. Also, they do what any good skating shoe does - give you board grip and abrasion resistance!
These teen shoes are also a medium-priced item. If the classic slip-on features pop culture references that are copyrighted, their price will usually jump, but that is the cost of wearing your favorite media heroes!
3. Reebok Club C 85 Vintage
In the mid-1980s, it was hard to find a woman that wasn’t rocking this classic Reebok style. Today, Club C from Reebok is making waves yet again with this modern interpretation of this classic style.
Reebok has transformed this classic style with modern comfort features that make this vintage design worth checking out.
If you are familiar with Club C, you know that this design from Reebok is incredibly lightweight and easy to wear all day long. Unlike many of the clunky sneaker designs hitting the trend-setting lists, this option is one of the lightest and most comfortable options to wear all day long.
It boasts a die-cut EVA midsole that provides excellent energy feedback and shock absorption. The outsole is composed of high abrasion rubber that wears evenly and cradles your foot. It even has a terry cloth-like sock liner for extra cushioning and support.
Not only is this sneaker on-trend, but it is insanely lightweight and comfortable. Plus, it comes in at a super affordable price point that makes it worth checking out.
4. Nike Air Force 1
These basketball teen sneakers are a preferred choice for many young sports enthusiasts all around the globe. The combination of leather and synthetic materials makes the Force lightweight, durable and flexible, which is all that an aspiring sports player needs.
Airflow is important in any pair of sneakers, but it is essential for a sneaker that will be used for sports (besides moisture wicking). The perforations improve the airflow towards your toe box and the ball of the foot, the parts that work the most when you hop around the field chasing the ball. So you won't get sweaty, and won't need to worry about bad odors!
No one likes to have a new pair of sneakers that leave wounds and pinch the sides of our ankles. And how is such a shoe suppose to help sports players when all they do is distract them by causing pain and unpleasantness? The padded ankle collar alleviates these issues, and also locks your feet into place, making them even more stable.
Nike has items that range from the lowest to the highest prices, and these belong somewhere in the middle. They are basketball sneakers, but they don't offer that much support when you play, so they would be better off as an everyday sneaker.
5. Skechers BOBS Plush
BOBS is a brand developed by Skechers that has as its goal to help children and animals all around the globe. It’s an affordable line of casual footwear, making it the ideal choice of cute shoes for teens.
What makes Sketcher's Plush unique is the availability of numerous upper variations, including canvas, mesh, lace, and even printed colorways. This makes it a great way to show off your teen’s personal style.
The upper of the BOBS Plush is made from soft woven canvas that might feel too tight at first but is actually a material that’s incredibly easy to break in. Additionally, it breathes well, making it a great option for hot summer months. The lining is made with fabric as well, ensuring a soft, comfortable environment for the foot.
The insole on the BOBS Plush is made with memory foam that’s highly cushioned and molds to the wearer’s foot without flattening with wear.
Another excellent feature of the Plush is the elastic gore on the instep that allows easy on and off, and that provides a customized fit to every user.
The price of this pair is lower than average, making it great for parents, while the numerous prints make it a favorite among teens.
6. Crocs Classic
Crocs made a big splash in the early 2000s and then disappeared. However, it’s good news to tired feet everywhere that they have recently made a pretty big comeback. Teens love these super comfortable shoes because they are incredibly versatile, and come in a ton of unique color and design choices. Plus, they can even be personalized with charms called Jibbitz!
We firmly believe that these shoes are made to be so tough that they could possibly withstand a nuclear blast. They are composed of a solid layer of durable rubber that wears incredibly evenly. They boast a thick rubber sole that feels bouncy with each and every step that reduces feet strain from standing on your feet all day.
We also love how versatile these shoes are. You can wear them sockless in the summertime, or pair them with soft and cozy socks in the winter months. The large and roomy frame makes them ideal for all sizes and shapes of feet, and the rubber frame dries quickly when caught in the rain. Plus, they are virtually indestructible.
The best part about Crocs is that while they are incredibly tough, they still come in at a super affordable price point. Teens can select one of many colors and design options available, and personalize their footwear with charms to express their personal style without breaking the bank.
7. Vans Old Skool
This old school design from Vans is another blast from the past. What users love most about this classic design is that it boasts a low profile that makes it lightweight and easy to wear all day long, and it comes in a ton of unique color options that make it stand out from a sea of basic sneakers.
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to these sneakers. They boast a low profile that sits down below your ankle, and the upper is made from lightweight and breathable materials with a lightly padded collar. It has simple and durable laces and comes in a wide variety of color options.
What users love most about this design is the classic waffle-design rubber outsole. This sole is incredibly durable and wears out evenly over the years of continued use. This rubber sole provides excellent energy feedback for teens on their feet all day and is incredibly comfortable.
If you are on the market for something that is trendy and built to last, this design from Vans is a great choice. What we love most about this design is that it boasts an incredibly durable outsole that is designed for busy teens and comes in a wide variety of colors at an affordable price point.
8. Adidas Stan Smith
As the name suggests, these were created in the 1970s for the tennis star Stan Smith. This celebrity sneaker holds a special place in style and performance history. The upper is smooth, full-grain leather, while the sides have 3 rows of perforations allowing more air to circulate inside.
The rubber outsole is pimpled, which creates more traction and gives you more balance and stability.
The Stan Smith logo is visible on the tongue, complete with his picture, so you are always reminded of the origin of the sneakers. The lining is soft textile, making every step a cozy and toasty experience. A heel tab is present - durable and decorated with their logo!
Rubber, by itself, creates good enough traction for us not to lose our step and slip, especially when it rains or when the terrain is naturally slippery. The protrusions on this pair of shoes for teens add even more traction.
Surprisingly, this option for teens is pretty cheap considering who they represent and what they have to offer.
9. Dr. Martens Emmeline
These shoes for teens are made out of premium leather, giving your feet maximum comfort and making them very durable. They have five eyelets, which is a pretty non-standard length for Doc Martens.
The soles are synthetic and air-cushioned, so you can always enjoy the ride. They are slip-resistant as well, making them a great choice for rainy weather.
The Goodyear welt used for these cute shoes for teens reinforces the stitch and makes the boot sturdier. You can always break apart the stitches, removing the outsoles and making them completely replaceable.
While the boots are still new, you will probably struggle to pull them on, due to the leather still being rigid.
Doc Martens are world-famous and all for a reason - they create premium, high-quality grunge style footwear that usually no one can resist. So their price is bound to be a little higher, but you will get everything that you have bargained for, and even more.
10. Adidas Sobakov
One more great addition from Adidas! This everyday sneaker was inspired by soccer cleats. The sculpted rubber outsole provides plenty of traction, and also adds to the modern soccer look.
Plus, they can be worn as a standard running shoe or casual shoe, adding to the versatility parents are often looking for.
The upper is textile, ribbed, so the foot will breathe no matter how long they're worn. The wavy herringbone traction pattern is a defining feature of the Sobakov sneaker.
You can see the ribbed design from a mile away, and besides looking sleek, it also creates traction, giving you all the stability you need. It also makes the shoe look chunkier.
These shoes for teens are not that expensive. This is an everyday wear pick that's perfect for school. Nevertheless, their modern appearance and cushy comfort make them a great choice!
11. Buffalo London Classic Kicks
Clunky sneakers are a trend that is slowly picking up steam since they hit runways in late 2017. Today, the trend has hit full force and trendsetters everywhere are flocking to this unconventional sneaker.
Buffalo London has captured the essence of this trend more than any other brand out there on the market, which is why we selected their Classic Kicks style to top our list.
Love them or hate them, this chunky style isn’t going away any time soon. The good news, however, is that trendsetters everywhere hail this design from Buffalo London to be incredibly comfortable to wear all day long. The outsole is composed of pristine white genuine leather, which makes them a cinch to wipe down when they start to get a little dirty.
We love this style because it comes in a variety of unique color options that is sure to draw attention without being overly flashy. It also boasts a platform that measures to be just over 2 inches, which can give you a little extra lift while also absorbing the impact of standing on your feet all day long.
For teens on the bleeding edge of fashion, this design from Buffalo London is a great choice. They clock in at a pretty steep price point but are worth every penny for teens that want to stay on top of current trends.