Are you shopping for a high schooler but have no idea what they like or what the best shoes for teens are? We’ve got THE list for you! In this post, you’ll find the most popular shoes for high schoolers.
It is no secret that teens love their shoes. However, if there is something I have learned as a mom to two teens, it is that teens are very particular about what they wear, and that makes them so hard to shop for, especially when it comes to shoes. Gifting teens is a hit or miss if you don’t know what they want and like.
You definitely don’t want to get it wrong when it comes to shoes. Especially because shoes are expensive, but also because you want them to love and wear their gift. So, if you’re in the market to get some shoes for that teen in your life or you’re shopping for back to school, you’ll want to make sure you are getting those shoes they’ll love and actually wear. But what shoes are trending most among high schoolers right now? We’ve got you covered!
In this post, we have rounded up the most popular shoes for high schoolers in 2025, and they have all been picked out and approved by actual teens. Many of these shoes my teens already own, have them on their wishlist, or their friends have and love them. You can rest assured you are getting that teen in your life shoes that are actually popular amongst teens right now.
This post shows you the most popular shoes for high schoolers.
Most Popular Shoes For High Schoolers
Table of Contents
Sneaker Essentials
Before discussing popular shoes for teen boys and girls, let’s review the sneaker essentials list. Any of the products below would be perfect to help that teen in your life keep their shoes as nice as possible.
- Crease protectors– If you have a teen in your life, you must know their obsession with keeping their shoes crease-free.
- Shoe repellent – This helps keep shoes clean longer, especially white ones.
- Shoe cleaning kit – A must-have shoe cleaning kit. Leaves shoes like new!
- Shoe cleaning wipes – Perfect for on-the-go or mess-free shoe cleaning.
Now that we have that out of the way, here are the most popular shoes for high schoolers.
Top Shoes For High School Students 2025
1. Nike Air Force 1 ’07
The Nike Air Force 1 is the best shoe for teen boys and girls. Perfect for everyday use, it is definitely at the top of the trending shoes for teens.
- These shoes have remained popular for years and are extremely popular among teens and adults!
- They are a teen staple, and you cannot go wrong with gifting them.
My teen has gotten these for back-to-school for the last three years now, and they are the shoes he wears the most.
2. birkenstocks clogs
The Birkenstocks are another shoe that youll find high schoolers wearing right now.
- These are a popular shoe for both teen boys and girls.
- They are lightweight and very versatile shoes; teens love the comfort.
However, this is a pretty expensive shoe, so if the teen you’re shopping for is someone who does not take care of their shoe, then dont get them these and get them for yourself instead! 😉 Haha! Jk!
3. adidas Originals Gazelle Bold
When it comes to popular shoes for back-to-school, the Adidas Gazelle Bold is a must-have.
- You will definitely see these a lot this school year, 2025.
- Adidas has several colors available, so if black is not your teen’s color, there are more to pick from to fit their style.
4. Platform Converse
Converse’s platform is super trendy right now. I’m sure you’ve noticed if you’ve been to a high school lately. My daughter got these for back-to-school–they still look so good, almost a year later!
- The chunky platform takes the regular Converse to the next level, making them the perfect shoes for teens.
- These are undoubtedly a teen favorite.
- They are of such good quality and durability.
5. Crocs – Classic Clog
Crocs is another teen favorite.
- They aren’t just cute but also super comfy everyday shoes.
- Even if the teen you’re shopping for already owns a pair, there are so many colors to pick from, so getting them a new pair would not hurt.
Remember to grab a few charms to match their new Crocs. I got these for both my teens for Christmas, and they wear them daily! So, it’s definitely worth it.
6. Black Vans
Looking for everyday black shoes for teenage girls and boys that are nice but don’t break the bank? These black Vans are the way to go. My daughter got these for Christmas, and they are some of the shoes she wears the most.
- Teens love all-black Vans, and I’m all for it because they cost a third of the price of other popular shoes like the Air Jordan 1s.
- This is a great option if you’re looking for something under $100.
7. Adidas Samba OG Shoes
To some, these are considered played out, but they are still some of the most popular shoes, and that is still true when it comes to shoes for teens.
- Although trendy right now, they are classic shoes that will remain great to have well beyond their trending time.
- Black and white are the most popular color patterns, but you can shop for other colors depending on your teen’s style.
So, if the teen you’re shopping for still needs to get their hands on these, it’s definitely a great shoe to get them.
8. Hidden Heart High Top Sneaker (Converse)
These are another popular shoe for teens right now. Actually, they have been a go-to for teens for a while now, and I am a fan! I love Converse not only because they look good but because they are one of the most durable, timeless shoes you can get (in my opinion). So, if your teen is a Converse fan, too, they’ll definitely love a pair of these.
9. Nike Air Max Plus
I’ll be honest: my son got these Nike Air Max Plus about a year ago, and when he told me he wanted them, I initially thought they were ugly, haha! But he really wanted them, so we got them for his birthday. Now, they have grown on me, and they look nice and go well with many outfits. He wears these a lot, and they still look new. It helps that they are all black, so they are a great shoe staple for any teen.
(RELATED POST: 10+ Shoes For Teen Boys That Cost $100 Or Less)
10. Adidas Gazelle
I love these shoes myself! There are so many different colors to pick from; you will be amazed. There are also several versions of the Gazelles, so I won’t link them all. But I’d definitely go shop around to find the look your teen will love best. The Gazelles have a similar look to Adidas Sambas (in my opinion) but with a little more style. Teens love these or the Adidas Gazelle Bold for back-to-school 2025, so you cannot go wrong with grabbing a pair of these in your favorite color.
11. Dunk Low ‘Black White’ aKA ‘Panda’
The Nike Dunk Low is pricey but a definite favorite for teens.
- The Dunk Low black-and-white ones, AKA the Panda ones, are the most popular color. Still, there are plenty of colors to pick from if the black-and-white color isn’t a favorite for the teen you’re shopping for.
- These shoes are so popular because they look good with anything and take any outfit to the next level! Which makes them perfect for busy high schoolers.
- They go out of stock quickly, so you have to keep an eye out for them to see when they restock.
You can check these online stores to see if they are in stock.
You can also visit your local mall and the small shoe boutiques, which might have shoes in the color and size you need.
12. Adidas CAMPUS 00S SHOES
These are a very popular shoe for teens for back-to-school 2025, so if your teen has had their eye on these, they should definitely jump on this as soon as possible, as there are limited sizes as we speak!
13. Brown Chuck 70 Vintage Canvas
Black and white Chucks are usually the most popular color people buy. Still, I have actually been seeing this brown color a lot lately. It seems to be a favorite for high schoolers right now. And they are under $100! Most shoes these days are not. So, they are definitely a great buy and a good quality shoe for that teen in your life.
14. UGG – Tasman Slipper
These UGG slippers are a favorite right now, and if the teen you’re shopping for is into UGGs, they will most likely have added these to their Christmas list this year. They are THE slippers to have. I just ordered these for my daughter on Cyber Monday. They are getting more challenging to get as Christmas approaches, so jump on them ASAP if you have considered getting them.
15. Nike Victori One Slide in Black
When it comes to comfy, popular shoes for teen boys and girls, these are a must-have. If you have walked into a high school lately, you’ll know these Nike slides (along with the Classic Clog Crocs) are one of the top shoes worn by teens right now. I know they are technically slippers, but for teens, they are shoes!
16. UGG – Classic Ultra Mini
The UGG boots are back in full force and are a top trending shoe—specifically, the ultra mini UGG boots, to be precise, haha!
- Teens are always looking for comfort, so I am not surprised these are so popular among teens.
- And if the teen you are shopping for loves platform shoes, opt for the Classic Ultra Mini Platform Boot. If not, grab the Classic Ultra Mini shown above. It’s a similar boot but without the extra platform.
17. Nike Blazer High
If you have been to a high school lately or around teens, you know the Nike Blazer High is a teen favorite. And I am not surprised. It’s a really nice shoe and lightweight. So, if the teen you’re shopping for doesn’t own a pair yet, add this one to the list of options.
18. Black Chuck Taylor All-Star Classic
Can’t leave out the classic Chucks from this list of most popular shoes for teens!
- These are the perfect versatile shoes that look good with any style. So, no matter the style of the teen you are shopping for, they will still be a hit.
- And not only is this the perfect versatile shoe, but it’s also a durable shoe that doesn’t break the bank. You can grab a pair of these for under $100.
- They also have plenty of colors to choose from. But black is definitely a high schooler’s favorite.
19. Air Jordan 1
What are the most popular shoes for teenagers? The Nike Air Jordan 1 is definitely at the top of the list. Because:
- They have so many colors available, they work for anyone’s style.
- The shoe’s silhouette makes it look good with whatever you’re wearing, so it’s no wonder it is a popular shoe and has remained popular for a while now.
However, this is another shoe that takes work to find. Some colors and sizes are harder to find. But here are some places you can check out that might have what you’re looking for.
We have also gotten lucky at places like Foot Locker and Champs, but we have not seen any lately. However, it doesn’t hurt to check.
20. Vans Canvas Old Skool Black & White Shoes
Another great option under $100 is these black-and-white Vans. These are a teen favorite, and they aren’t only nice, inexpensive shoes but also perfectly versatile shoes that can go with many styles.
And there you have it! I hope this round-up of popular shoes for teens was helpful and that you were able to find some nice shoes for that teen in your life!
This post showed you the most popular shoes for high schoolers.
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