Best Shoes For Teens On Trend Reviewed and Rated
Danica Aleksic
Ana Rockov
Whether you're looking for yourself or your children, you've probably already noticed that finding the perfect pair of shoes for teens is a difficult process. With a huge number of factors to consider, including style, support and fit, you also need to find options which are affordable, especially considering that they are likely to need replacing every few months.
The best shoes for teens, however, should be that hard to find. The list below lists our top ten choices, but also offers valuable information on all the factors you need to keep in mind when buying this type of product. The best shoes for teens will check all the boxes, and will be a functional pair of footwear that will easily go from school to after school activities, to casual wear, all while staying comfortable.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 4 hrs of research
Canvas Upper
Lace-up High-Top
Medial Eyelets
Recognizable Style
Decorative Stitching
Top 10 Shoes for Teens
1. Converse All Star
Canvas Upper
Lace-up High-Top
Medial Eyelets
Recognizable Style
Decorative Stitching
Tight
Bottom Sole Separates
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 a 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 improved air flow. The unmistakeable ankle patch serves as a reminder of the origins of the sneakers!
Read moreConverse All Star is one of the most well-known and renowned footwear styles. It's great for anyone that likes the punk-rock scene, for sporty people, boho cultures and hippy enthusiasts. It's the perfect versatile shoe - it can blend into any kind of outfit, be it casual, formal, or even wedding attire!
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 for. 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! These shoes for teens are medium priced, and they bring a lot to the table, so they are always a steal!
2. Vans Classic Slip-on
Unisex
Elastic For Flexibility
Cushioned Ankle Collar
Reinforced Heel
Superior Shock Absorption
Sole Separates
Tough Break-In Period
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 soles are rubber, which creates the ideal traction for even the slipperiest of surfaces. 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!
Read moreSlip-on shoes are one of the best choices for casual (and formal) outfits you can find today. They are very popular with youth because of their comfort, ease of use, and of course their looks. There is no need to spend time tying laces and struggling to squeeze into your pair - just put on a pair of socks and slip into a world of comfort and chic style!
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 - provide board grip and abrasion resistance! So if you want to look like a million bucks while skating around the neighborhood, Vans is your best bet!
These shoes for teens are also a medium-priced item. But that all depends on the kind of material used, and if they were a collaboration or not! 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. Sam Edelman Petty
Dainty
Stacked Heels
Fall Wardrobe Essential
Rounded Toes
Leather Cracks
Minimum Padding
This iconic bootie is the optimal fall fashionable pair of shoes for teens! They are made from a big variety of materials - leather, suede, Brahma hair, and dyed Calf fur can be found too. The soles are synthetic, cushioning your every step. The short, thick 1.75-inch heel is stacked, the layers create a beautiful pattern, and also make sure you have a stable gait and good balance. The toes are rounded and the top line is grosgrain-piped, for an authentic Western look. There's a zip included on the side, so high arches can put the booties on without struggling.
Read moreGrosgrain is characterized by its ribbed appearance. It is also called corded fabric since the weft resembles a cord. It has no luster, but it's very strong and durable. Piping is the process of folding a piece of fabric to look like a pipe and inserting it into a seam to define the style lines of clothing or footwear. The combination of these to create a bootie that is a modern representation of the Western culture!
Besides looking cute and being a fancy little detail, the side zipper is also great because it provides functionality as well. If the opening is too tight, just slide the zipper down and put the booties on with ease! And don't worry about ruffling socks - you can just open the zipper and adjust the socks however you like.
Sam Edelman is a company that creates luxury items with an affordable price, and this bootie is no exception! Have a piece of sophistication on your feet at a small price!
4. Nike Air Force One
Logo Around Laces
Thick Outsoles
Vibrant Colors
Low Top Design
Leather and Synthetic
Tight
Poor Arch Support
These basketball sneakers are a preferred choice for many young sports enthusiasts all around the globe. The combination of leather and synthetic materials make the Force lightweight, durable and flexible, which is all that an aspiring sports player needs. The front of the sneaker has many small perforations, both as a detail and as a way to improve the airflow inside the shoe - your feet will not get sweaty and hot after a whole day practicing! The ankle collars are padded, so the material won't cut into your skin and leave painful blisters, and it creates a snug fit, so no need to worry about losing your sneakers during the game! The soles are thick, and have the Air logo embossed at the outer parts!
Read moreAirflow is important in any pair of shoes for teens, 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 a basketball sneaker, but they don't offer that much support when you play, so they would be better off as an everyday sneaker - but they do provide a lot of comfort and a sporty look, so they are a great choice for healthy teenagers!
5. Skechers BOBS Plush
Canvas Upper
Elastic Gore
Memory Foam Insole
Rubber Outsole
Affordable
Durability Issues
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 shoes for teens. The Plush is a classic slip on alpargata, and what makes it unique is the availability of numerous upper versions, including canvas, mesh, lace and even printed colorways. This makes it a great way to show off your teen’s personal style.
Read moreThe 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. This makes it a great shoe for school and free time. The rubber outsole is flexible, and it offers excellent grip on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.
Another excellent feature on this pair of shoes for teens 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. Nike Epic React Flyknit 2
Flyknit Upper
React Foam Midsole
Rubber Outsole
Contoured Collar
Lightweight
Expensive
Runs Narrow
If you’re looking for a pair of athletic shoes for teens, you’ll definitely make the right choice with the Epic React Flyknit 2 by Nike. This is a neutral road runner, ideal for those who cover shorter distances. Lightweight, with a 10mm heel to toe drop, this is a highly comfortable pair of shoes for teens that can be worn not only for workouts, but for casual wear as well.
Read moreThe best part about this model definitely has to be the Flyknit upper. Made from woven textile fibers, this material is one of the most breathable you can currently get, plus, it offers a glove-like fit to all foot shapes. With a slight stretch, it will even work well on hot summer days when the feet tend to swell.
The midsole of this shoe for teens is made with a React foam which is highly responsive and cushiony, absorbing shock without sacrificing energy return. Another of its benefits is that it is very lightweight, so your teen won’t be fatigued when wearing this sneaker for long periods of time.
The outsole utilizes rubber for durability and traction, and additional features include a contoured collar and molded heel. The downside of this pair of shoes for teens has to be the high price, but if you aren’t limited by budget, then definitely go with this pair of Nikes.
7. New Balance Fresh Foam
Synthetic Midfoot Saddle
Breathable Mesh
Heel Cushioning
Supportive Lacing
8mm Drop
Foam Loses Effectiveness
Small Toe Box
New Balance sneakers are all the rage today, and these stylish runner sneakers were made to make you look chic even while doing your daily activities! They are textile, and the sides are a different type of material where the N logo is etched in, and that creates a great visual contrast with the rest of the shoe. They are a low-cut type, perfect for warmer weather. The midsoles are Fresh Foam, shock absorbing and cushioning you no matter how long you run for. The heels have extra cushions, to save your joints from the impact with the ground. The inserts are removable, so you can adjust them to your liking. These are a different fit - get half a size bigger than you would normally buy!
Read moreThe award-winning Fresh Foam cushioning technology makes running a blast. Your joints will not strain as much, and you won't feel the terrain you are running on, saving your feet from an unnecessary pain that could throw you off from running! Enjoy jogging around the world with these great shoes for teens.
This pair of shoes for teens features removable insoles you can easily replace with custom orthotics. This helps with keeping the sneakers clean, and allows you to replace the footbed once it flattens, prolonging the lifespan of these kicks.
These are a great and stylish option for many runners around the world - considering the technology that was used to create them, it is no surprise. They are also affordable, so you too can enjoy running as much as you can!
8. Adidas Stan Smith
Perforated 3-Stripes
Full-grain Leather
Soft Textile Lining
Durable Heel Tag
Rigid Heel
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!
Read moreRubber, 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 to the whole sneaker, making them an ideal choice for anyone who dares to step into the tennis court and try their luck!
What better legacy can a tennis player leave than a whole shoe line branded with his picture? We should all recognize great players from any age, and when wearing these sneakers, you honor their efforts and spark others to look for the origins and the history of tennis!
Surprisingly, these tennis shoes for teens are pretty cheap considering who they represent and what they have to offer. A lot of effort was put into them, making them one of the best tennis sneakers available today, and if you wish to have a taste, hurry and grab a pair while you still can!
9. Dr. Martens Emmeline
Five Eyelets
Smooth Glossy Finish
Grooved Sides
Simple, Clean Design
Slip Resistant
Stiff Around Ankles
Squeaky
It seems that Doc Martens shoes will live on forever - even teenagers today can't resist owning a pair, and who's to blame them? These shoes for teens are completely 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, which makes these even more unique. The soles are synthetic and air cushioned, so you can always enjoy the ride. Of course, they are slip resistant as well, making them a great choice for rainy weather. The yellow stitching is not visible here, but all the other Dr. Martens DNA is present!
Read moreThe Goodyear welt used for these shoes for teens reinforces the stitch and makes the boot sturdier. Also, you can always break apart the stitches, removing the outsoles and making them completely replaceable. This way, you get a boot that you can wear for years, even decades, which in turn saves you a lot of money and time!
Besides making the creator of the boot apparent, the heel loop is also an interesting detail with an important function. While the boots are still new, you will probably struggle to pull them on, due to the leather still being rigid. So, the loop is like an extra hand which helps you slide your foot easier inside, at least until they mold perfectly to you!
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
Wraparound Stripes
Sleek Silhouette
Ribbed Textile Upper
Stretchy Knit Shoes
Reflective Stripes
Narrow
Sole Peels
One more great addition from Adidas! It seems that they will forever be popular shoes for teens. This everyday sneaker was inspired by soccer cleats, so if you ever wanted to feel like a pro soccer player, now is the chance! The sculpted rubber outsole provides plenty of traction, and also adds to the modern soccer look. The swerving Adidas logo lines are an interesting redesign of the familiar logo, and also improve the sport feel even more. The upper is textile, ribbed, so your feet will breathe no matter how long they stay in.
Read moreThe 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 chunky, so if you need something that will make it look like you have bigger feet, this is your choice!
Soccer cleats are always a popular style - even if you are not big on the sport, and are not a soccer player. They are urban, and sporty, and reflect what kind of sport you like, so you can even make a statement with them! They usually come in vibrant colors which you can spot a mile away, or with striking logos, like this one, which make them look sleek and urban!
These shoes for teens are not that expensive, but they are not so cheap either. They are not for the sports life that much, they are more of an everyday wear, so be careful if you want them solely for working out! Nevertheless, their modern appearance and cushy comfort make them a great choice!
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
Choosing the proper style of shoes for teens can be a nightmare for most parents. How do we know what is good for their growing feet, and more importantly, how do we know what they like? The style they wear is something they choose to make a statement with and can be a very important aspect of their personality.
So, we have gathered a list of some styles of shoes for teens that are popular amongst teenagers these days, and we hope to make the choice easier for you! Here are some of the styles that circulate amongst teenagers today:
These are only some of the shoes for teens that might be found appropriate today, but considering how much the market grows, we are sure the number of choices will only expand. Be sure to listen to what your children desire, or notice what style they tend to lean toward!
Comfort
One of the most important things you should consider when purchasing shoes for teens is the comfort a pair of footwear provides. Because these children 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 when buying shoes for teens is the amount of arch support offered. Ideally, you should aim to buy footwear that offers plenty of support in the arch and heel areas, as this prevents overpronation and alignment issues that can possibly lead to a number of issues and ailments later in life. If your child requires orthotics, make sure you purchase shoes which have removable insoles.
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. Not only will this lead to a more enjoyable wearing experience, but it can also help deter the growth of odor causing bacteria and fungi which often thrive in teen footwear.
Fit
It is very difficult to choose the proper size to accommodate growing feet. How can you be certain that the size won’t change in the next six months, and you already invested into the pair of shoes for teens you have now?
Wearing shoes that have a good fit is very important, and not only because it alleviates pain and creates comfort. Ill-fitting footwear can cause a lot of health problems, and unsightly side-effects. For an example, if you size-up because you feel like the life is being squeezed out of your feet, you may have made mistake - if the fit is narrow and tight, it is likely you need wider, not longer shoes! Callouses and corns can appear when you wear constricting footwear, and they are very hard to get rid of, painful, and look nasty!
So what does one do in this situation? Choose shoes for teens that promote foot health, and always check if the size is correct. If you don’t want to spend a fortune because feet grow, try choosing cheaper options until they stop (although, they can grow even up to a size later in life, so be careful). And always choose comfortable shoes for teens, even if they are not so pretty to the eye compared to sky high-heels or narrow pointy-toes!
Brand
While you may be tempted to choose a pair of shoes for teens based on brand name, it is highly recommended that you take features and use into consideration first. 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 the entire list above is comprised of shoes for teens made by reliable brands that are known for quality, comfort and durability. When comprising this list, we wanted to make sure you were presented with the best possible options. The brands above have long traditions, and have shown consistency in the quality of their products, as well as their sizing, which is especially important for those shopping online.
You will also find that most of the shoes for teens listed above have affordable prices that take into consideration that these are children who are still growing, and may need new footwear every few months. For this reason, we tried to choose averagely priced items, with a few exceptions, but on the whole, there will be a shoe here to fit every budget.
If you are limited in terms of budget, we would especially recommend styles by Skechers, Sam Edelman and Converse, all of which can be purchased at really affordable prices, while offering exceptional value, especially in terms of style and comfort.
Value
Shoes for teens can be very expensive, even for people who make more than average. Imagine how expensive they are to teenagers who only have part-time jobs or no jobs at all? School supplies, food, and social outings are a priority - spending big on footwear is not so important to them, and so shoes that have moderate prices are usually their most favorable options.
Finding shoes for teens that have sublime looks, are gentle towards feet and have low prices is a very tough task. Usually, one thing is sacrificed in favor of the other, and you end up with dull footwear or angry, sore feet. Having choices that combine all three is a very important agenda for teenagers (and for adults as well), and today, there are plenty of options available.
And sometimes, if you are confident that your feet will not grow anymore, it’s better to invest in a proper pair that will last for ages, instead of choosing a cheaper, poorly made one. Shop smart, and you won’t even feel the money going towards shoes!
Other Factors to Consider
Bottom Line
You you’re looking for a pair of shoes for teens, you’ve definitely come to the right place. The list above features not only some of the best models in terms of construction quality and durability, but the sneakers and boots listed rank high as far as comfort goes as well.
Additionally, all are designed so as to appeal to younger generations, with plenty of models being available in pop culture influenced prints, while others come from classic lines that have appealed to youngsters for generations.
When shopping for shoes for teens, you will definitely need to keep their wishes in mind, but you will also want to make your decision based on the criteria for evaluation we’ve listed above. This way, you will ensure a successful purchase you will be more than happy with.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: How do I know which shoes for teens are in style?
You can always check online to find out what is hot this fashion season! Or, if you want to do it the hard way, pay attention to what your peers are wearing - usually, the more you see the shoe, the more popular it is!
q: Should I worry about proper sizes?
Proper sizing is one of the most important things you have to look for in a pair of shoes for teens. As we mentioned before, sizing that is off can cause a lot of problems, health-related and not! If you are unsure what your size is, consult a size chart if you are buying footwear online, or find a chart and calculate your size!
q: Which brands are the most popular right now?
We have included most of the popular brand's teenagers lie to wear today. But the three definitive winners are Adidas, Nike, and Vans. We guess some things never change, these will forever be in style!
q: What do I do if I have wide feet?
Finding shoes for teens that have wide width options is easy today - before, it was very hard to find because the width of the foot was not as important as the length, and wide sizes were not recognized. Almost every popular brand today has options for wide feet, and finding a pair fit for your needs should be an easy task!
q: Can I wear shoes for teens even if I am older?
We believe that anyone can wear whatever they like - no matter their age! If you want to feel like you are a young, hopeful teenager again, read through our list and find what you like - embrace that young heart of yours!
