KEEN-parison: Which Play Shoes For My Kiddo?

Freeze tag at the neighborhood park. A game of fetch with the family pup. A scavenger hunt on the trail. Outside is all about finding a different way to play every day.

KEEN makes a whole bunch of kids’ shoes for your grass-rolling, monkey bar-swinging, caterpillar-spotting kiddo. What do all these play shoes have in common? That’s right: a protective toe bumper and an easy-on design! Both are must-haves for active kiddos. (There’s nothing like a stubbed toe to put a damper on things.)

But which kind of shoes should you outfit your play-hard child in? Check out this handy chart:

Want to hear more? Here’s our shoe-by-shoe breakdown of the playful pairs on this list:

Chandler CNX sneaker: This kids’ sneaker has a super light, streamlined, and flexible feel, and it's been a kid fave for years and years. As happy at recess as it is on a trail through the forest. The mesh upper gives ventilation for comfort when those sunny days start to heat up.

Pro tip: See “CNX” in the name of a KEEN shoe? That means it has an especially lightweight design and a minimal outsole (great for giving toddlers more balance and dexterity as they find their footing).

Knotch Hollow sneaker: This is our newest addition to the kids' sneaker line-up, featuring a double hook-and-loop strap design for a secure fit. Rugged yet low-profile for plenty of ground feel across different terrain. Parents, you'll love that this one is machine-washable.

Newport Shoe

Newport shoe: Their favorite play sandal of summer is now a fully enclosed shoe! The Newport shoe can go year-round with the fit and traction they love, without playground bark chips or pebbles getting in. Perfect for toddlers with the all-over protection they need for the slips and stumbles that come with being a toddler.

Targhee Sport Vent sneaker: Whether you’re heading out for a hike or just have a wild backyard zone for kids to roam in, you need a shoe that protects their feet. These sneakers have a versatile, hiking-inspired design that’s cushioned for comfort, just like the adult version of the Targhee. The high-traction outsole is reliable on all kinds of terrain, and the vented upper keeps their feet comfy when it’s warm out.

Pro tip: If you live in a cooler, wetter part of the country, consider the Targhee waterproof sneaker. Same Targhee fit everyone loves with a waterproof design.

Hikeport Boot

Hikeport waterproof shoe: The Hikeport shoe looks like a sneaker and has a rugged and supportive design. It’s even waterproof (in case the forecast calls for rain). We make the Hikeport in both a shoe and a boot version — both have easy elastic laces they can do themselves. And to make things even easier, there’s also a lace-free version with hook-and-loop straps.

If your kids are anything like ours, the whole world is their playground. Whether they’re helping us garden, learning about nature with a day camp, or just working off all that extra energy on a jungle gym, we just love to see them enjoying time outside. Wherever their feet take them, they’ll be comfy and happy in KEEN shoes and sandals.

Chandler Sneaker