Keeping up with growing feet can feel like a full-time sport—because when it comes to kids and shoes, it’s never a question of if they’ll outgrow them, but when. Between nonstop recess adventures, sudden growth spurts, and ever-changing style preferences, shoe shopping can be a challenge for parents.
Thankfully, this season’s kids’ shoe deals are here to save the day (and your wallet). Retailers are rolling out serious discounts on durable, kid-approved footwear—from everyday sneakers to back-to-school must-haves—making it easier than ever to stock up without stressing out.
Top Retailers With Serious Savings
- Target Circle Week (July 6–12): Discounts of up to 30% were offered on children’s footwear from popular in-house brands such as Cat & Jack and All in Motion. Designed with practicality in mind, many styles featured slip-resistant soles, easy-on Velcro straps, and machine-washable fabrics. These deals provided strong value for families planning for school, camp, or everyday wear.
- Kohl’s Summer Cyber Sale: The event featured 30–40% off kids’ sneakers from brands like Skechers, Nike, and Adidas, along with significant discounts on sandals and slip-ons. Select styles qualified for stackable promotions and Kohl’s Cash earnings, offering added value for families shopping for multiple children.
- Walmart Deals Event (July 8–13): Known for wallet-friendly prices year-round, Walmart went even further with limited-time discounts on brands like Wonder Nation, Avia, and Reebok Kids. Whether it’s a pair of sporty runners or stylish dress shoes, Walmart offered dependable footwear under $25 that didn’t skimp on support or design.
- Amazon’s Prime Day (July 8–11): Amazon brought its A-game with rotating Lightning Deals on kid-favorite brands like Crocs, New Balance, and Stride Rite. Fast shipping and wide size availability made it easy for parents to grab the right pair before the clock ran out—and the reviews didn’t hurt either.
What to Buy: Styles That Work Hard
Look for shoes that check all the boxes: comfort, durability, and style.
- Sneakers: These are the daily workhorses—great for school, playground adventures, and weekend outings. Prioritize styles with cushioned insoles for comfort, breathable mesh uppers to keep feet cool, and flexible, grippy outsoles to support natural movement. Durable brands like New Balance, Saucony, and Skechers often offer exactly that—especially when found on sale.
- Sandals: Warm-weather essentials should be lightweight, quick-drying, and able to handle everything from sprinkler runs to beach trips. Look for adjustable straps for a secure, custom fit and sturdy soles that can take a beating. Closed-toe options from brands like Keen or Teva are great for active summer play while protecting little toes.
- Slip-Ons: When mornings are hectic (so, most of them), easy-on, easy-off shoes are game changers. Machine-washable canvas slip-ons from brands like TOMS or Carter’s are ideal for low-maintenance parents and messy kids alike. Elastic goring or stretchy collars mean no fussing with laces or straps.
- Multi-Pair Packs: For families trying to stay ahead of growth spurts and lost shoes, value bundles are a smart buy. Some retailers offer 2-pair or 3-pair packs of everyday shoes, making it easier to rotate between school and play or stash an extra pair at grandma’s house. It’s a cost-effective way to keep up with fast-growing feet without sacrificing style or comfort.
Bonus Tips for Parents
- Buy a Half Size Up: One of the oldest (and smartest) tricks in the parenting playbook—sizing up by half a size can give growing feet a little extra room without sacrificing comfort. This small move often stretches the life of a pair of shoes by a few crucial months, especially when combined with good socks and adjustable closures. Just make sure the shoe isn’t too loose to avoid trips and blisters.
- Shop Gender-Neutral Styles: When it comes to maximizing value across multiple kids, gender-neutral designs are a game-changer. Sneakers in classic colors like navy, gray, black, or white—and sandals in earthy tones—can seamlessly move from one sibling to the next. This approach saves money in the long run and simplifies the shopping process.
- Take Advantage of Return Policies: Let’s face it—kids are wild cards. That “perfect” pair might be too itchy, too tight, or simply “not the right color” once it arrives. That’s why choosing retailers with generous return policies is essential. Stores like Zappos, Nordstrom, and even Amazon often offer extended windows or free return shipping, giving parents peace of mind if a shoe doesn’t pass the all-day play test.
Bottom line? Kids grow fast—but deals this good move even faster. As retailers roll out summer savings and back-to-school specials, now is the ideal time to stock up on shoes that fit today and tomorrow. Whether it’s everyday sneakers, warm-weather sandals, or a backup pair for muddy adventures, shopping smart during these sales can help stretch every dollar.
With discounts from trusted brands and perks like BOGO offers, rewards points, and extended return policies, it’s easier than ever to stay ahead of growth spurts. Grabbing the next size—or even two—while prices are low ensures those little feet stay comfy, supported, and stylish, all without putting a strain on the budget.
Bonus Retailers Offering Big Kids’ Shoe Savings
Zappos: Easy Try-On, Easy Returns
Zappos has long been a favorite for hassle-free shoe shopping, and that convenience extends to kids’ footwear too. Known for its vast selection and customer-first policies, Zappos makes it easy for parents to find the right pair without the pressure of in-store meltdowns. Their intuitive website offers filtering options by size, width, color, brand, and even activity level—making it a breeze to narrow down choices for little ones with fast-growing feet.
Beyond the user-friendly shopping experience, Zappos truly shines with its generous 365-day return policy and free shipping both ways. That means families can confidently try multiple sizes or styles at home and send back what doesn’t work—no questions asked. During seasonal clearance events, parents can score top-rated sneakers from brands like Saucony, Keen, New Balance, and Stride Rite at up to 40% off. Add in Zappos’ strong reputation for speedy delivery and stellar customer service, and it’s clear why this retailer is a go-to for growing kids who constantly need new shoes.
DSW: Designer Deals for Little Feet
DSW is a treasure trove for parents hunting down stylish, brand-name shoes for kids—without the designer price tag. The store’s clearance section is a hidden gem, regularly featuring steep markdowns on pint-sized versions of popular adult styles. Think mini Converse high-tops, sporty Puma sneakers, and classic Vans slip-ons—all at prices that make outgrowing them a little less painful. It’s the perfect mix of fashion-forward and playground-ready.
What really sets DSW apart is its generous rewards program. DSW Rewards members often score additional coupons that can be used on clearance items, stacking the savings for even better value. The perks don’t stop there—members also get early access to sales, birthday deals, and free shipping perks. So whether shopping online or in-store, DSW makes it easy to stock up on trendy, well-made kicks for growing feet without blowing the budget.
Famous Footwear: BOGO Bonanza for Growing Feet
Famous Footwear has earned its name by making it easier for families to stretch their footwear budget—especially with its signature Buy One, Get One 50% Off deals. This promotion often applies to kids’ shoes, making it ideal for parents shopping for more than one child or planning for the next size up. Whether it’s sporty school sneakers, rugged play sandals, or polished dress shoes for special occasions, the mix-and-match flexibility helps maximize both variety and value.
On top of the BOGO savings, Famous Footwear’s Famously You Rewards program sweetens the deal even further. Members earn points for every purchase, which can be redeemed for future discounts—plus they get birthday perks, exclusive offers, and free shipping. With frequent sales and a steady stream of new arrivals from trusted brands like Nike, Skechers, and Converse, Famous Footwear makes it easy to keep little feet stylish, supported, and budget-friendly all year long.
Clever Strategies for Scoring Kids’ Shoe Deals
- Know the Sizing Sweet Spot: On average, kids’ feet grow about half a size every three to four months—meaning that perfectly fitting shoes today might feel snug by next season. To stay ahead of growth spurts, many retailers offer printable foot-measuring guides or in-store tools that make it easy to track changes. Keeping tabs on foot size helps avoid too-tight fits and last-minute shopping scrambles.
- Look for Adjustable Features: Shoes with Velcro closures, toggle laces, or buckles can accommodate slight growth and foot width variations. These features are especially useful when buying a half-size up, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit as kids grow into their new shoes.
- Opt for Neutral Colors: Choosing versatile shades like navy, gray, black, or white makes shoes easier to pair with a variety of outfits—and more practical for hand-me-downs across siblings. It’s a subtle styling tip that can stretch the life and value of every pair.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Retailers like Zappos, Kohl’s, and Target often send out early-access emails for sales, clearance events, or member-only discounts. Signing up for email alerts or joining rewards programs ensures the best deals hit your inbox first—before the sizes vanish.
Step Into Smart Savings This Season
Kids may grow out of shoes fast, but smart planning can turn that into a savvy shopping win. This summer’s shoe sales are packed with practical savings, style variety, and flexible policies that make it easier than ever to stock up without stress. Whether gearing up for the new school year or just replacing those worn-out soles from spring, these deals are proof that staying a step ahead doesn’t have to mean falling behind on budget.