Kids' sneakers on sale

Velcro, elastic laces or traditional laces: closures by age

For younger children, the velcro closure allows them to put on their shoes independently at school or after naptime; the Victoria with straps and the Superga Cotjstrap use this system. Elastic laces with a tightening button, like those on the barefoot Mikk-Line trainers, provide a fit similar to lacing without having to tie knots. Traditional laces come into play when a child knows how to tie them, usually around six or seven years old, allowing for a fine adjustment to the instep. Sales help anticipate the next shoe size, which always seems to come around faster than expected.

The rest of the wardrobe

Discounted children's shoes also come in:

• Boots and Booties.

All shoes can be found on the children's shoes page.

Geox and the idea of breathable shoes

Founded in 1995 in Montebelluna, Italy, by Mario Moretti Polegato, Geox originated from a patent: a sole pierced with micro-holes, lined with a membrane that allows sweat vapor to escape without letting water in. The name combines the Greek geo, meaning earth, and the letter x, a symbol of technology. The models labeled ABX, for Amphibiox, such as the Magnetar, Savage, or Flexyper Plus, add a waterproof upper, valuable in damp playgrounds. The brand's baby models, such as the Nashik, support those first steps.

Gola, Superga, Victoria: vulcanized canvas in children's sizes

Canvas trainers have a long European history. Superga, born in Turin in 1911, created its vulcanized sole trainer with an orange peel pattern in the 1920s, designed for tennis. Gola, founded in Leicester in 1905 to make football boots, owes its name to an anagram of goal; its Daytona reflects the brand's retro style. Spanish brand Victoria offers its washed canvas and colorful Tribu models for girls. Lightweight and flexible, these pairs can be hand-washed in lukewarm soapy water, then dried away from heat sources.

Retro running and playground trainers: Asics, Skechers, Hummel

For running in the playground, we look for cushioning soles and breathable uppers. The Asics from the Gel range, with designs inspired by 2000s running shoes, integrate the brand's cushioning gel into the heel. The Skechers feature textured soles and bright, sometimes luminous, colours. Hummel, identifiable by its chevrons, and Finnish brand Reima, a specialist in outdoor gear for children, offer robust trainers for outdoor play. We check the shoe size with every change of season for younger kids.

Frequently asked questions

How to measure a child's shoe size at home?

Have the child stand with their heel against a wall, on a sheet of paper placed on the floor, then mark the end of the longest toe. Measure this length, add about a centimetre of allowance, and refer to the brand's size guide.

Should you buy one size up for a child?

An allowance of about one centimetre is enough. Shoes that are too big can cause tripping, slip at the heel, and do not support the foot well, which tires the child and wears the sole unevenly.

Can children's trainers be machine-washed?

Canvas models can withstand a delicate program at thirty degrees, in a mesh bag, without the insoles. Leather and shoes with waterproof membranes should be cleaned by hand, using a soft brush and soapy water.

What does a barefoot shoe offer a child?

Its thin and flexible sole, with no height difference between heel and toe, allows the foot to feel the ground and engage its muscles. Its wide toe box gives toes room to spread, which supports balance during growth.

What sole should be chosen for first steps?

For a baby starting to walk, opt for a soft sole that bends easily at the front, lightweight and non-slip. A firm heel counter and a velcro closure keep the foot secure without being tight.