The Best Back-to-School Shoes for Kids by Nike
Product News
Shop the best back-to-school shoes for kids by Nike. Find Air Force 1, Air Max Moto, Pegasus and P6000 — in styles for girls, guys and everyone in between.
The best back-to-school shoes work all day, from the hallway to the playground to after-school practice. This guide covers the top Nike picks for kids by activity and style, including the Air Force 1, Air Max Moto, Pegasus and P6000.
Quick Takeaways
- Four key Nike silhouettes covered: Air Force 1, Air Max Moto, Pegasus and P6000
- Sizes available from toddler through adult across most styles
- Best all-day wear: Air Force 1 and P6000 for style, Pegasus for performance
- Best for active kids: Air Zoom Pegasus
- Best for style-focused kids: Air Force 1, P6000 and Air Max Moto
- Multiple colorways available per silhouette — options for girls, boys and everyone
How to Choose
Each silhouette below comes in a range of colorways, from clean neutrals to bold seasonal prints. There's a pick for every style, whether you're shopping for girls, boys or anyone else.
1. Nike Air Force 1
Let your style-savvy kid express their unique taste with one of the many colors and styles of the Nike Air Force 1, one of the most iconic Nike shoes since the 1980s. The shoe’s rubber sole is durable for all-day wear and provides underfoot traction. Plus, the styles with synthetic leather uppers offer an easy-to-clean option. A hidden Air unit in the sole provides cushioning for all-day comfort and support while walking around school and playing in gym class. This shoe comes in dozens of variations, with high-top and low-top styles, neutral and bold colorways, as well as sizing in 1C and up.
2. Nike Pegasus
For kids who love to be on their feet all day, opt for the Nike Pegasus, a shoe built for runners. The soles of the Nike Pegasus are made of responsive foam and durable rubber for added support and stability. Whether your kid is walking to school, zooming around at recess or trying out for the track team, they’ll enjoy uppers that feature breathable mesh to help air out sweaty feet. Youth sizes start at 1Y, with colorways that range from lime green and bright red to basic white and grey.
3. Nike Air Max Moto 2K
The Air Max Moto 2K offers a retro, sporty vibe that speaks to style-minded kids. The visible Max Air unit in the sole provides cushioning, while the rubber sole offers a durable and flexible grip. The shape of the shoe allows for plenty of wiggle room for the toes, and padding around the ankle provides a plush and comfy feel for all-day wear. With sizes from 3.5Y to 7Y, kids can find the right pair as their feet grow. Choose from a variety of color combos, including sleek black with pink accents, light pink with coral touches, and white with royal blue details.
4. Nike P6000
These retro-inspired sneakers are the perfect fit for kids who won’t sacrifice style or comfort. With a throwback design inspired by the Nike Pegasus 25 and 2006, the P6000 combines early-2000s running-shoe style with modern, sporty design lines. Kids will also appreciate the cushioned, springy ride and breathable mesh upper when trekking back and forth to class and after-school activities. Sizes start at 2C and are available in more than 20 colorways, from black with red accents to grey with light purple details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Shoes Are Best for Back to School?
Back-to-school sneakers should be versatile styles that provide all-day comfort for learning and play, such as the Nike Air Force 1, Nike Air Max Moto, Nike Pegasus and Nike P6000.
How Often Should Kids’ Shoes Be Replaced?
In general, athletic shoes should be replaced every 300 to 500 miles of wear, as the shoe’s cushioning and support mechanisms break down over time. For growing kids, though, the Cleveland Clinic recommends that shoes be replaced more frequently, as children’s feet can grow about a half size in three to four months.
What Nike back-to-school shoes come in toddler sizes?
The Nike Air Force 1 and P6000 are both available in toddler sizes (2C-10C).
How do I know what size Nike shoes to buy for my kid?
The first step is to measure your child’s feet. A Nike store associate can help determine the correct length and width, but you can also measure at home using our handy guide. Have your child stand while you measure the length of both your child’s feet at the longest point of their toes. If your child is between sizes, we recommend sizing up. Check that you’ve selected the correct size by asking your child whether they can easily move the front of the foot in the shoes and wiggle toes freely. But the shoes shouldn’t be too big, either. So, make sure that there’s no more than a thumb’s width from the longest toe to the front of the shoe.