There are so many no-tie sneakers on the market, including slip-ons, toggle-laced shoes, elastic-laced shoes, and even dialed laces. While it’s much more convenient to skip tying bows, and no-tie shoes avoid the danger of tripping over untied laces, you do want to make sure their shoes have some way to ensure a proper, adjustable fit. “The no lace shoes should basically be used for casual wear,” podiatrist Mark J. Mendeszoon, DPM, FACFAS, FACPM, tells Verywell Family. “Shoes that do not have a lace pattern should not be utilized for sporting events or running.” We looked at a variety of no-tie shoes for sports, casual street sneakers, and trendy slip-ons to find the shoes that fit every budget while being durable enough to last rough kid wear and tear. Based on our research, here are the best no-tie sneakers for kids. Price at time of publication: Starting at $45 Price at time of publication: $60 Price at time of publication: Starting at $35 Price at time of publication: $60 Price at time of publication: Starting at $22 Price at time of publication: Starting at $40 Price at time of publication: $45 Price at time of publication: $70 Price at time of publication: $80 Price at time of publication: $59 Price at time of publication: $10 Price at time of publication: $12 Price at time of publication: $45
What to Look in No-Tie Sneakers for Kids
Type of Closure
Consider your child’s dexterity and meet them where they are at. Putting on shoes is usually the last step in getting out the door, so pick a closure (laces, slip-on, Velcro, etc.) that is doable for your child. If they’re not going to be participating in sports, slip-on shoes like Vans are fine. But if it’s a gym day at school, we recommend something. While you probably don’t want your child to grow up not knowing how to tie their shoelaces, choosing no-tie shoes can ease the stress of getting ready for school in the morning.
Fit and Support
“Properly measuring a person’s foot, including children, would require [allowing] a thumbnail from the longest toe to the end of the shoe,” Dr. Mendeszoon says. “Also, to make sure that the shoe is wide enough for the child’s foot so that proper support will be provided.” He recommends that “once the shoes are secured with laces or non-tie laces, have the child lift their heel up and make sure it does not pop out of the shoe.”
Material
Find a material that fits your lifestyle. Most kids will wear their sneakers in the park, at school playgrounds, on the street, and in plenty of dirt, so washable shoes can be helpful.
Value
“It is not uncommon for children to grow out of several sizes of shoes in one year. Purchasing a shoe that is financially cost-effective would be recommended as expensive shoes or shoes with a fad will be outgrown very quickly,” says Dr. Mendeszoon.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 12-year-old son, 9-year-old son, and 5-year old daughter. Two of her three kids know how to tie shoes, and one out of three does it at a pace that allows them to leave for school on time. They all have no-tie sneakers and wear them very frequently.
