Finding the perfect pair of shoes for your little ones can often feel like an overwhelming task, especially with so many options available. The right pair of shoes should not only offer comfort and support but also withstand the lively and adventurous nature of kids. In this article, we've rounded up a list of the best brands for kids' shoes that combine style, durability, and quality to ensure that your children’s growing feet get the care they deserve. To see which brands made the cut and why they stand out in the crowd, read on below.
Illustration of kids shoes
Best brands of kids shoes in 2025
Nike
Nike is a leading producer of kids' shoes, dominating the global kids footwear market with its diverse and innovative products. In 2024, the global kids footwear market was valued at USD 54.49 billion, with Nike being one of the key players. The boy's end-use segment, where Nike is particularly strong, held the largest revenue share in 2024, driven by growing spending and increased participation in sports and outdoor activities. Nike's market share in the athletic footwear sector is significant, with 30% of the market in 2023, and it holds 38.2% of the total footwear market. The company's international market share has also grown, with 60% of its footwear revenue coming from international markets in 2022. For more detailed insights, visit the kids footwear market analysis.
Adidas
Adidas stands as a prominent producer of kids' shoes, holding a significant market presence with a global athletic footwear market share of 15.4% as of 2022. The company has experienced marked growth, with its footwear segment net sales reaching $11.4 billion in 2022, a 9.6% increase from the previous year. Adidas enjoys particular popularity among children, with its stylish and innovative designs, such as those featuring beloved cartoon characters, contributing to the global kids' footwear market projected to be valued at $47.515 billion in 2024. The brand's unwavering dedication to quality and performance is demonstrated in its production of approximately 420 million pairs of shoes in 2022. Adidas's strong market stance is further solidified by its dominant influence in key regions, including North America and Greater China.
New Balance
New Balance is a prominent player in the shoe industry, particularly notable for its strong presence in the kids shoes market. The brand holds a significant market share, with about 4% of the global shoe market and 10% in the US. In 2022, New Balance achieved a record-high $4.24 billion in shoe revenue, with 80% of its total revenue coming from footwear. The company produces an average of 16 million pairs of shoes annually and has seen a 214.1% increase in footwear revenue from 2008 to 2022. New Balance also focuses on using preferred materials, aiming for 100% preferred leather and cotton by 2025. For more detailed insights, check out their New Balance Shoe Statistics.
Stride Rite
Stride Rite is a renowned brand specializing in high-quality children's footwear, with a history spanning over 100 years since its founding in 1919 in Boston, Massachusetts. The company offers a wide range of styles, including sneakers, sandals, boots, and dress shoes, designed to accommodate different stages of a child's foot development and activity needs. Stride Rite's products feature attributes such as machine washability, light-up designs, and adaptability for orthotics. The brand has seen significant growth, with its Stride Rite Children's Group reporting a 7% increase in 2004 and a strong performance in retail store sales, outperforming industry benchmarks.
Skechers
Skechers is a leading producer of kids' shoes, known for its comfortable, stylish, and reliable footwear. The company has experienced significant growth, with annual sales reaching $8.1 billion by 2023 and a projected increase to $10 billion by 2025. Skechers dominates the market with a strong presence in over 120 countries, including more than 3,000 stores in China. The brand's consumer profile shows that 60.2% of its end-users are female, and it has a significant share in the kids' footwear market, driven by innovative designs and parental preference for comfort and style. In 2022, the direct-to-consumer retail market of Skechers rose to 38%, indicating a strong online and retail presence. For more information on their offerings, visit their website: Skechers.
Converse
Converse is a prominent player in the kids' footwear market, known for its versatile and stylish designs. The brand produces a variety of kids' shoe styles, including the popular Chuck Taylor All Star low and high top models, as well as other skateboarding styles like the One Star. Converse manufactures its shoes in several countries, with Vietnam and Indonesia being key production locations, utilizing advantages in mass production and complex stitching respectively. The global kids' footwear market, which Converse is a part of, is expected to grow significantly, with a projected CAGR of 8.2% from 2025 to 2030, reaching a market size of $79.11 billion by 2030. Converse's commitment to quality and style has made it a favorite among parents and children.
Puma
PUMA is a notable producer of kids' shoes, holding a significant presence in the global footwear market. As of 2022, PUMA maintained a 1.2% share of the global shoe market and a 4% share of the athletic shoe segment in the United States. The company produces 35 million pairs of shoes annually and has seen continuous growth in its footwear revenue, increasing from $1.6 billion in 2014 to $4.6 billion in 2022. PUMA also enjoys a strong market share in specific categories, such as a 5.1% share in the sneaker market and a 2.1% share in the global athletic footwear market. Additionally, PUMA has increased its women's user share to 48% by 2019, indicating a growing appeal across various demographics. For more detailed PUMA shoes statistics, visit their website.
Vans
Vans is a leading brand in the kids' footwear market, known for its high-quality and comfortable shoes. In the 2023 fiscal year, 22.6% of Vans' shoe production was dedicated to kids, with over 105 million pairs of shoes manufactured and sold globally. Vans has a strong presence in the global sneaker market, holding a 7% market share, and a 10.1% share in the skateboarding shoes segment. The brand's commitment to comfort and functionality has made it a favorite among parents and kids alike. Vans' kids' shoes are designed to transition children from smaller sizes through the tween years, ideal for ages 8-13. For more information, explore their youth collection.
Merrell
Merrell, a renowned brand in the footwear industry, is also a significant player in the kids' shoes market, known for its high-quality and comfortable designs. The brand is part of the broader hiking footwear market, which is expected to witness significant growth by 2029. Merrell's products are appreciated for their durability and support, making them a favorite among parents looking for reliable kids' shoes. The global kids' footwear market, in which Merrell operates, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2022 to 2032, reaching a valuation of $102.79 billion by 2032. This growth is driven by increasing demand for fashionable and functional footwear, with the casual segment dominating over 50% of the market share.
Reebok
Reebok, a subsidiary of Adidas, is a prominent player in the kids' footwear market, known for its high-quality sports, fitness, and casual shoes. With a significant market share, Reebok has been a favorite among parents, offering durable and stylish options. In the U.S. athletic-footwear market, Reebok held a 12.2% market share as of 2004, highlighting its strong presence. The brand's global operations, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, ensure a wide reach and diverse product range. Reebok's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction makes it one of the best producers for kids' shoes. For more insights on the kids' footwear market, visit the detailed market report.
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