The Best No-Tie Sneakers for Kids, Starting at Just $25 (2024)

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These shoes slip on in seconds for active kids of all ages without a moment to waste. Rather than any kind of laces to keep the shoes in place, these Nikes’ flexible fabric hugs feet all around. There are pull tabs on the heel and tongue that are excellent for little hands to grab, and the toe tip is extra reinforced for toe-draggers. We love that they come in a huge range of color options and are available in both little kid and big kid sizing (and adult, if you want to match). If these get dirty, we’ve successfully washed them in the washing machine and air-dried them—it may not be officially sanctioned by Nike, but they got clean and held up well.

^{Key Specs:
Size range: 10.5 C–7 Y | Materials: Breathable fabric and flexible foam | Cleaning/care instructions: Not listed}

Rain boots can be big and clunky, and they sometimes require a change of shoes at school. Vessi Kids Weekend shoes are a true two-in-one wonder, solving that problem with style. Made of vegan materials, these truly waterproof kids’ sneakers keep socks dry and kids having fun. With stretchy ankle openings, pull tabs, and a toggle lace fastener, it’s a cinch to get kids out the door quickly. Along with the toggle laces, these shoes come with standard laces, so your child can transition if they prefer to tie their own shoes.

^{Key Specs:
Size range: 11 C–4 Y | Materials: Breathable knit vegan materials | Cleaning/care instructions: Remove insoles, machine wash, air dry}

Easy to slip on and off, these shoes are great for active kids since there are no laces to bother with. The heel pull-tab helps kids slip these on, and then they’re ready to run! The mesh uppers are ideal for warm weather climates (or hot feet), and the material is quite durable, even with super active kids. Use the size guide to find the best size, especially since there’s no way to adjust the fit of these shoes.

^{Key Specs:
Size range: 10.5 C–7 Y | Materials: Mesh upper, EVA compound midsole, rubber sole | Cleaning/care instructions: Not listed}

Little kids' feet grow so quickly that it can be wise to buy something inexpensive that you won’t mind swapping out in a couple of months. Available in a range of sizes and colors for toddlers and little kids, these have a breathable mesh upper that keeps feet cool. Flexible and lightweight, these sneakers have front and back pull-tabs, so older toddlers can probably put them on all by themselves—a major milestone!

^{Key Specs:
Size range: 10 C–4 Y | Materials: Breathable mesh upper, EVA sole | Cleaning/care instructions: N/A}

For a less-athletic, casual sneaker, pick these low-top shoes. They’re easy to put on, lightweight, and ultra-comfortable. Available in a wide range of sizes from toddler, big kid, and even adult, they can fit the whole family. Choose from gender-neutral styles, awesome prints, or even sparkling options. The moccasins look a little more formal than running shoes but are just as comfortable and can be worn barefoot or with socks. All styles and sizes have elastic laces that come knotted and can be tightened a bit if needed. When they get dirty, simply machine wash, then air dry, and the shoes will be good as new.

^{Key Specs:
Size range: 5 C–6 Y | Materials: Cotton canvas and rubber outsole | Cleaning/care instructions: Machine wash and air dry}

Some toddlers still have those chubby,wide baby feetthat can be tricky to stuff into shoes. These stretchy shoes are so helpful since the textile upper of the shoe easily expands around your little one’s foot, providing both support and easy access. Available in a range of gender-neutral colors, these mesh shoes are lightweight and machine washable, so bring on the mud! While there is a pull tab on the back to help put the shoes on, it’s small (perhaps toddler-sized), so it may be helpful for your kiddo but less helpful for adults.

^{Key Specs:
Size range: 4–13 C | Materials: Textile upper, EVA and phylon outsole | Cleaning/care instructions: Machine washable}

For active kids in cold climates, these no-tie chukka shoes are like a cross-breed between boots and sneakers. Warm and waterproof, they’ve got an insulation rating of minus 4 degrees. The slim profile and round-toe silhouette makes them comfortable enough to wear all day long. Kids will appreciate the locking toggle closure, so they can be tightened for a secure fit. Parents will appreciate the non-marking rubber sole that is textured to provide lots of traction on all outdoor adventures.

^{Key Specs:
Size range: 8 C–7 Y | Materials: Breathable textile upper, non-marking rubber outsole | Cleaning/care instructions: N/A}

The elastic laces on these cool shoes are attached to a dial closure, so kids can simply twist the dial and make their shoe tighter or looser. There are no laces to tie, and your kiddo will be out the door as quickly as they can slip these shoes on. Available in both little and big kid sizes, they’re attractive and comfortable. Because of the mechanics in the dial closure, it’s recommended that these be washed by hand.

^{Key Specs:
Size range: 11 C–6 Y | Materials: Mesh upper, rubber sole | Cleaning/care instructions: Hand wash only}

Turn any pair of lace-up shoes into no-tie shoes with innovative Lock Laces. To use them, simply remove your standard shoelaces and relace these into your shoes. Once you’ve achieved a good fit, cut the laces and secure them into the closed cord clip. The locking toggle helps keep shoes on and can slide down the laces to loosen them to put on. Available in a wide range of colors, each pack comes with two laces. Since you cut them, measure carefully and make sure you loosen the laces prior to cutting to avoid making them too short.

^{Key Specs:
Size range: One size fits all | Materials: Elastic, plastic | Cleaning/care instructions: Waterproof}

Another option that’ll help you transform sneakers into no-tie shoes is these elastic bumped laces. To use them, simply replace your standard shoelaces with these, and you can create your own custom fit. The bumps allow you to control the tension at each lace hole instead of just at the top. They come in a wide range of colors and three sizes, including a small size that will fit most kids' shoes. These are probably better for older kids and tweens, who may love how choosing their own laces will make their shoes one of a kind.

^{Key Specs:
Size range: Small, Standard, XL | Materials: Nylon and rubber | Cleaning/care instructions: N/A}

Billy Footwear is specifically made to assist kids and adults with mobility impairments put on their own shoes. Parents appreciate that each pair of shoes has zippers that go all along the side of the shoe and fully around the toe. This allows the upper of each shoe to open completely. Kids can put their foot directly onto the foot shoe bed without any obstructions. Not only are these shoes adaptive, but they look great too! Choose from a wide range of styles, including high tops and low tops and all kinds of color options. There’s sizing for toddlers through big kids. While they use regular sizing, you may need to try a few sizes if your child wears braces or orthotics. Thankfully, both Nordstrom and Amazon have easy shipping and free returns.

^{Key Specs:
Size range: 11 C–6 Y | Materials: Synthetic and textile upper, synthetic sole | Cleaning/care instructions: Not listed}

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I make sneakers no-tie?

  To make sneakers with laces no-tie you can relace the sneakers so the laces end up tucked into the shoe. While this may work for adults, the hanging laces can bother kids. Another option is to remove existing shoe laces and rethread the eyes with specialized no-tie laces.

• When do kids learn to tie their shoes?

  “Children normally start walking like an adult at 4 years old,” Dr. Mendeszoon says. “Between the ages of 4 and 5 would be ideal that children are taught how to properly lace and unlace their shoes.” Some kids may have the manual dexterity to do this, while others may not. Gauge your child’s skills and interest in learning, and then decide what type of shoes work best for them.

• How do you teach kids to tie their shoes?

  This can be fun or frustrating, depending on your kid. Some may learn quickly on their own shoes, while other kids may benefit from watching videos, using a practice book with laces, or working on a DIY station like an egg carton with shoelaces. No matter the technique, it’s all a matter of practice.

• How much do no-tie sneakers for kids cost?

  The prices for no-tie sneakers are about the same as sneakers with laces. For children, you can find shoes at discount stores for as little as $20 or less if they’re on sale. The majority of quality shoes for kids cost about $35-$60 these days, before sales and discounts, and some high-end specialty shoes can cost $80-$90.

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