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With school back in the swing of things, it’s time to snag the coolest sneakers for your teen. While the pair (or pairs) you bought last year may still fit, chances are your teen is in need of a fresh pair of kicks to boost confidence while feeling comfy. Constant wear and tear are inevitable with use—and it’s best to replace them before it’s too late.
Best Sneakers for Teenage Girls, At a Glance
Best Overall: On Cloudsurfer Next Running Shoe, $150
Best Colorful Sneakers: Saucony Trainer 80, $90
Best Vegan Sneakers: Saye Vegan Modelo ’89 Low-Top Sneakers, $160
Best Nike Sneakers: Nike Blazer Mid ’77, $160 (originally $110)
Best Celebrity-Loved Sneakers: Cariuma Catiba Pro Low, $139
Best with Most Colorways: Adidas OG Samba Shoes, $100
Best Designer Sneakers: Alexander McQueen Oversized Sneaker, $590
Best Limited-Edition Sneakers: Alo X 01 Classic Shoes, $185
Best Pickleball Sneakers: Merrell Women’s Bravada 2 Breeze, $30 (originally $100)
Best for Running: Brooks Glycerin 21, $110 (originally $160)
Thankfully the sneakers on our radar are both cute and practical! You’ll see your teen gravitating towards a variety of takes on the classic white sneaker along with some subtle or bright color pops, which will somehow manage to match everything in their existing wardrobe. The best part? All of the below are offered via online retailers, like Nordstrom, Amazon, or Bloomingdales, so you can ship them directly to your house and not waste a second of precious time overwhelmed in a store. In the end, you can also rest assured knowing that your teen is comfortable and happy with their brand new pair of kicks.
See below for all our picks for the best sneakers for teens.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Nordstrom is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
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On Cloudsurfer Next Running Shoe
Image Credit: On “Feels like I am walking on clouds,” a Nordstrom shopper raved. Running shoes are known for their CloudTec cushioning technology, which produces a soft landing with every step. And this pair is no exception. It features a stylish design that teens will love. They also have bouncy cushioning and springy, agile push-offs.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 12
Color options: 8
Materials: Synthetic and textile upper and lining/rubber and synthetic solePros:
Removable, cushioned insole
Grippy tractionCons:
Expensive -
Saucony Trainer 80
Image Credit: Saucony The Saucony Trainer 80 sneakers strike a fun balance between comfort and style. They boast a classic silhouette first launched in 1978, but they are modernized with a more responsive feel. Plus, your teen will love the bright and unique trim.
“A perfect casual shoe,” a shopper wrote. “Very light on foot, & very comfortable. Makes walking for miles a pleasure again.”
Sizes available: Womens’ 3.5 to 14
Color options: 8
Materials: Leather, rubber, meshPros:
High traction
Vintage designCons:
Low profile -
Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid SE
Image Credit: Nike Will Air Jordan’s ever go out of style? No? That’s what I thought. Nike’s latest version of their forever cool sneaker is sure to be teen-approved, with classic Jordan colors and autumn-appropriate velvet. The fact that they’re comfortable and colorful is just a bonus.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 12
Color options: 10
Materials: Leather, velvet, rubber
Pros:
Eternally stylish
Appealing velvety texture
Cons:
Velvet should be treated before wearing -
Steve Madden Madrid Silver Low-Top Sneakers
Image Credit: Steve Madden Metallics are still very much in—ask any teen. (Thank you, Beyoncé.) These stylin’ silver beauties by Steve Madden are a comfortable way to add a bit of glam to any outfit. Just be sure to size up a half size—many reviewers note they run small.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 14
Color options: 11
Materials: Synthetic
Pros:
Eye-catching metallic upper
Also available in a wide range of other colors
Cons:
Sizes run small -
Saye Vegan Modelo ’89 Low-Top Sneakers
Image Credit: Saye This pair of vegan sneakers have a simple, sustainable design made from corn vegan leather of cotton and a removable insole. The shoes are also easy to clean — just take a damp cloth to wipe them down, and they’ll look good as new!
Sizes available: Womens’ 36 to 46
Color options: 6
Materials: Vegan leather, synthetic rubber, and organic cotton
Pros:
Vegan
’80s-inspired design
Cons:
Not machine washable -
Nike Blazer Mid ’77
Image Credit: Nike These Nike high-top shoes pay homage to classic ’70s and ’80s basketball styles. They feature a high profile made from crisp leather that’s easy to break in. The sneakers have tons of details like exposed foam and a midsole finish, which “make it look like you’ve just pulled them from the history books,” per the brand.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 12
Color options: 5 and a design your own option
Materials: Leather
Pros:
Easy to break in
Suede accents
Cons:
Quick sell out rate -
Puma Suede Classic Sneaker
Image Credit: Puma There’s a reason these suede Puma sneakers have been a hit, generation after generation, since 1968. They’re as iconic as they are modern, and are available in a rainbow of fun teen-approved colors. Maybe add two pairs to your cart—one for her, one for you.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5.5 to 15.5
Color options: 7
Materials: Suede, rubber
Pros:
Classic design
Available in a wide array of colors
Cons:
Suede should be treated before wearing -
Brooks Glycerin 21
Image Credit: Brooks Got a teen girl on the cross country team? She’ll need a pair of running sneakers she loves training in. These Brooks sneakers, which are as plush as they are pretty, will encourage her to go the extra mile—literally.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 12
Color options: 14
Materials: Recycled textiles and plastic bottles
Pros:
Plush insole
Lots of color options
Cons:
Limited edition colorways can sell out quick -
Everlane The Day Sneaker
Image Credit: Everlane Just think: with these Everlane sneakers at your entryway, you’ll always have an answer to your teen exclaiming, “I don’t know what shoes to wear!” The classic white lace-up design goes with everything.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 11
Color options: 5
Materials: Leather, rubber
Pros:
Versatile style
Made with sustainable practices
Cons:
Runs slim -
Mephisto Wing Pop
Image Credit: Mephisto Teens may not care about foot health (yet!), but to encourage good habits young, add these colorful Mephisto sneakers to their shoe collection. The removable insole provides a soft cushion while the shock absorbing outside minimizing impact, making each step comfortable, even if they’re on their feet all day at a summer job.
Sizes available: Womens’ 6.5 to 10
Color options: 1
Materials: Recycled textiles
Pros:
Shock absorbing
Made entirely of recycled materials
Cons:
Smallest and largest sizes sold out -
Rothy’s The Women’s RS02 Sneaker
Image Credit: Rothy's Rothy’s is a fan favorite for blending comfort and style, and these sneakers are no different. The sporty stripes are paired with sturdy outsides for a machine washable design knit from 22 plastic bottles. Not like teens’ feet stink or anything…
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 13
Color options: 8
Materials: Recycled plastic bottles
Pros:
Plush footbed
Machine washable
Cons:
Some sizes sold out -
Municipal Monochrome Origin Shoes
Nab a pair of these limited edition Municipal sneakers and consider it a win/win. Your teen will love the monochromatic street style vibe; you’ll love that they include four layers of three kinds of foam for maximum comfort and durability.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 18.5
Color options: 4
Materials: Suede, nylon, PU leather
Pros:
Cool monochromatic look
Proprietary comfort system
Cons:
Limited quantities available -
Cariuma Catiba Pro Low
Image Credit: Cariuma Cariuma is known for its suitably sourced shoes, which have attracted a celebrity following from A-listers like Helen Mirren and Whitney Port. The sneakers are crafted with high-quality, eco-friendly materials that give each pair a distinct look. The 100 percent vegan shops are also praised for their comfort and breathability. We recommend adding this pair of sneakers to your cart stat since Cariuma’s shoes tend to sell out fast.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 13
Color options: 1
Materials: Organic cotton canvas and leather
Pros:
Sustainably sourced
100% vegan
Cons:
Sell out fast -
Steve Madden Boomer Lace
Image Credit: Steve Madden Add a little oomph to your teen’s gait with these platform Steve Madden sneakers. The rope-like, multi-colored laces are sure to catch eyes in the lunchroom.
Sizes available: Womens’ 6 to 11
Color options: 7
Materials: Vegan leather, textile
Pros:
Standout style
Wide variety of colorways
Cons:
Heavy -
Adidas OG Samba Shoes
Image Credit: Adidas If you’ve scrolled through Instagram lately, you’ve most likely noticed the hundreds of posts showcasing these Adidas OG Samba shoes. They have a classic street style design, low-profile silhouette, and plenty of details that make the sneakers a closet staple. Better yet, they come in 21 colors, so you can grab a pair (or two) that fits your style.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 15
Color options: 21
Materials: Soft leather upper, suede overlays, and gum sole
Pros:
Low profile design
Wide range of colors and sizes
Cons:
Shoes run large -
Alexander McQueen Oversized Sneaker
Image Credit: Alexander McQueen Rush TikTok introduced us to these stunning sneakers from Alexander McQueen. They’re definitely a splurge-worthy purchase, so make sure you add them to your wish list this year. The shoes are made with high-quality materials and a tall rubber platform. The shoes also boast a dainty brand logo on the tongue so everyone will know where the shoes are from.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 12
Color options: 2
Materials: Goat leather, calfskin, lambskin, and goatskin
Pros:
Lace up
Removable insole
Cons:
More expensive than other pairs -
Alo X 01 Classic Shoes
Image Credit: Alo Yoga Alo just released these limited-editon pink and white versions of the bestselling Alo X 01 Classic sneakers. They feature a structured sole made for performance and a high-rebound recovery foam insole, which helps you keep your balance. The sole also gives extra bounce, to help protect your pressure points in the feet, knees, hips, joints, and back. These sell fast, so don’t delay adding a pair to your cart before it’s too late!
Sizes available: Womens’ 6.5 to 16.5
Color options: 3
Materials: Cruelty-free vegan leather and recycled components
Pros:
Unisex
Crease-free
Cons:
Limited-edition -
Merrell Women’s Bravada 2 Breeze
Image Credit: Merrell Everyone needs a preppy pair of sneakers in their daily rotation. And if you’re on the hunt for some new kicks, these are the ones. The jade paired with pink is perfect for an afternoon of pickleball or shopping.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 12
Color options: 3
Materials: Mesh, foam, and rubber
Pros:
Durable sole
Breahtabale upper
Cons:
Shoppers say these run narrow -
Veja Suede V-10 Sneakers in Blue
Image Credit: Veja. Looking for an upgraded pair of classic sneakers? Your best bet is snagging these suede low-tops from Veja. Thanks to its neutral hues, it’ll go well with every outfit or uniform your teen currently owns. Plus, they’re a favorite of Meghan Markle, too.
Sizes available: Womens’ 36 to 41
Color options: 4
Materials: Suede
Pros:
Timeless style
Madewell exclusive
Cons:
Sells out fast -
adidas Superstar Sneaker
Image Credit: adidas. You can never go wrong with a tried and true pair of Adidas — and these copper superstar sneakers are no exception.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 9
Color options: 1
Materials: Leather
Pros:
Bestselling Adidas shoe
Iconic detailing
Cons:
Shoes might slip off heel -
Quince 100% Leather Everyday Sneaker
For the teen who’s refined beyond her years, these Quince sneakers will have her feeling oh-so grown. They’re the perfect leather low-top, with a plush insole and go-with-everything style. Here’s betting she’ll wear these long past her teen years.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 10.5
Color options: 2
Materials: Leather, rubber
Pros:
Sophisticated style
Versatile
Cons:
Needs a break-in perioD -
FILA Sandenal Orbit Sneaker
Image Credit: Fila In recent years, FILA has been all the rage with teens everywhere. To keep up with the trends, grab this statement pair with bold, vibrant colors and a serrated sole.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 11
Color options: 2
Materials: Leather and rubber
Pros:
Stylish design
Sturdy sole
Cons:
Runs small -
Nike Air Max 1
These chunky Nike sneakers are what retro shoe dreams are made of. They have the brand’s lifted Air Max silhouette with a bright color to turn heads.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 12
Color options: 16 and design your own
Materials: Suede, rubber, mixed textiles
Pros:
‘80s-inspired design
Cushioned insole
Cons:
Slightly narrow -
Converse Custom Chuck Taylor All Star
Image Credit: Converse For a teen that adores Converse, you’ll want to invest in this customizable pair immediately. Let your teen mix and match the tri-panel design with various colors and prints, then finish them off with personalized laces, linings, and text for a one-of-a-kind style they won’t see on anyone else at school
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 19
Color options: 16
Materials: Canvas
Pros:
Ability to personalize
Classic silhouette
Cons:
Run a little big -
THOUSAND FELL Women’s Recyclable Sneakers
Image Credit: THOUSAND FELL. Available in six different color options, these Thousand Fell sneakers will certainly become your teen’s new favorite pair. Plus, you’ll adore how they’re water-resistant, stain-proof, and made with recycled materials.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 10
Color options: 15
Materials: Recycled materials
Pros:
Fully recyclable shoes
Can Earn credit back when you recycle
Cons:
Squeaky -
Soludos Women’s Yin Yang Sneakers
If you need a practical sneaker style that adds a bit of a 70s vibe to impress your teen, these Soludos should be at the top of your list. They’re not only super comfortable but showcase a lovely yin-yang design on the side.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 11
Color options: 1
Materials: Soft tumbled leather
Pros:
Next day delivery
Lace-up closure
Cons:
Need to break in -
Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Sneakers
Image Credit: Reebok Free People shoppers rave about how the shoes go with everything in your wardrobe. The Reebok sneakers have a classic low-profile design paired with vintage touches, making them one of the coolest shoes to snag.
Sizes available: Womens’ 6 to 11
Color options: 5
Materials: Leather and terry lining
Pros:
Vintage design
Durable
Cons:
Low profile -
Asics Lyte Classic Sportstyle Shoes
Image Credit: Asics These odor-fighting shoes stay as fresh as they look. The blue suede adds a unique detail to an everyday pair of walking shoes that other options don’t provide. The sneakers also contain an EVA Midsole — a spongelike material with shock-absorbing qualities.
Sizes available: Womens’ 9 to 11
Color options: 3
Materials: Synthetic suede and mesh
Pros:
Odor-Reducing technology
Good for walking
Cons:
Limited sizes available -
Lululemon Strongfeel Women’s Training Shoe
Image Credit: Lululemon It’s no secret that Lulemon has the softest leggings, coziest Scuba jackets, and now cute footwear you can add to your wardrobe. These vibrant shoes were made for training and offered optimal foot support. Per the brand, the sneakers stay snug against your feet while you power through a workout or run.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 12
Color options: 3
Materials: Leather
Pros:
Made for training
Supportive
Cons:
Not washable -
Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Sneaker
Image Credit: Reebok Free People shoppers rave about how these shoes go with everything in your wardrobe. These Reebok sneakers have a classic low-profile design paired with vintage touches, making them one of the coolest shoes to snag.
Sizes available: Womens’ 6 to 11
Color options: 5
Materials: Leather and terry lining
Pros:
Vintage design
Durable
Cons:
Low profile -
On Cloud 5
Image Credit: On These sneakers from On Running are made for those who love tech and comfortable shoes. The Cloud 5s have a breathable antimicrobial mesh, CloudTec in Zero-Gravity foam, which gives ads a cushiony feel while you move. The brand’s Speedboard materials also turn your energy into motion.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 11
Color options: 14
Materials: 44% recycled materials
Pros:
Unique technology
True to size
Cons:
Expensive -
APL Women’s TechLoom Bliss
Image Credit: APL Celebrities like Addison Rae and Lucy Hale have been spotted in a pair of APL sneakers. The brand is known for its performance shoes packed with high-performance technology. Even if you don’t need the shoes to advance you athletically, they are stylishly pair with shoes or jeans.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 11
Color options: 9
Materials: Milled satin and embossed elastic strap
Pros:
Celebrity-approved
Good for traveling
Cons:
Not many colors available -
Hoka Bondi 8 Sneakers
Image Credit: Hoka These top-rated Hokas will brighten up your wardrobe. They have the prettiest color scheme and, of course, the brand’s comfortable fit. The sneakers include breathable mesh uppers, a sockliner, lightweight foam midsoles, extended heel, pillowed tongue, and pull-tab.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 11
Color options: 10
Materials: Mesh, foam, and rubber
Pros:
Versatile
Fun colors
Cons:
Takes some breaking in -
New Balance 574 Core
Image Credit: New Balance Don’t be surprised if your teen wants all five colors of these New Balance sneakers. The lifestyle sneakers strike the perfect balance between the old and new with a classic New Balance design and updated features.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 12
Color options: 5
Materials: EVA foam
Pros:
Lightweight
Supportive
Cons:
No wide sizes available in some colorways -
Loci Origin Water Resistant Sneaker
Image Credit: Loci For teens who love a low-profile design, the Loci Origin Water Resistant Sneaker is a perfect match. Made from recycled ocean plastic, these shoes stand up against water and spills, so you never have to worry about wet feet. They also include a cork and recycled foam footbed for comfort.
Sizes available: Womens’ 6 to 9
Color options: 2
Materials: Recycled ocean plastic
Pros:
Water-resistant
True to size
Cons:
Can feel heavy on
Limited sizes -
Vans Classic Slip-On
Image Credit: Vans Vans have been a classic skateboarding and surfer shoe since the 1960s, and you can still shop for classic styles like this OG slip-on pair.
Sizes available: Womens’ 5 to 11
Color options: 4
Materials: Textile upper and rubber sole
Pros:
Water-resistant
True to size
Cons:
Fits larger -
Dr. Scholl’s Madison Lace Platform Sneaker
Image Credit: Dr. Scholl's One shopper calls these “awesome tennis shoes.” Thanks to its cushioned insole with arch support, you can sit and walk in these all day without discomfort. The shoes are also treated with antimicrobial technology, which keeps odors at bay.
Sizes available: Womens’ 6 to 11
Color options: 4
Materials: Synthetic upper
Pros:
Supportive for all-day comfort
Antimicrobial technology to control odor
Cons:
Do not last long -
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