Laces, straps or slip-on: which closure suits your child?

Picture a school morning with five minutes to spare and a child who wants to put their own shoes on. The closure decides how that goes. When you shop kids shoes, check it first.

• Hook-and-loop straps: quick to change. The adidas Tensaur Switch for infants adds a wide fit that gives tiny toes room to wiggle.
• Slip-on: the adidas Tensaur Comfort has a laceless design with Cloudfoam cushioning.
• Elastic laces with a top strap: adidas says the Barreda Decode EL is simple for kids to put on independently. The Grand Court Mid and Breaknet Sleek work the same way.
• Easy-on designs: Nike FlyEase on the Revolution 6 FlyEase, and a collapsible heel on the Jordan 23/7.2 EasyOn.
• Classic laces: the Tensaur Sport 3.0 K, for an adjustable fit.

Does it run large or true to size? Read the fit note

Fit notes change from shoe to shoe, so read the product description before you pick a size. On says its Cloudplay and Cloudswift kids' shoes are true to size. Nike says the toddler Court Legacy fits large and recommends a half size down. The Nike Air Max Bia has a wider fit for extra wiggle room.

School, sport or pool: which pair for which day?

For school, look for a non-marking sole. adidas says the Tensaur Sport 2.0, with its non-marking outsole, keeps kids comfortable from the playground to the classroom. For sport, pick by game: the F50 Messi Club FG/MG is built for artificial pitches and natural grass, with more in kids' football shoes and kids' running shoes.

For the pool or beach, Speedo makes the Jelly aqua shoe with tabs that help kids put it on, and the Arena Urban Jr slides have a grippy bottom for wet surfaces. See all kids' slippers.

For a toddler, start with hook-and-loop straps, such as the Tensaur Switch or Hoops 4.0. For a school-age child, pick elastic laces with a top strap, like the Barreda Decode EL, so they can dress themselves.