Style Fashion The Best Back to School Shoes to Start the New Year Off on the Right Foot By Daria Smith Daria Smith Daria Smith is a freelance writer who specializes in home improvement, fashion, lifestyle and travel content. Her work has appeared in Southern Living, Better Homes and Gardens, Eating Well, Forbes, and Martha Stewart Living. When she isn't writing, she works as a blogger, editor, and social media strategist. This Charleston-based writer enjoys an iced latte on a warm afternoon and running at sunrise on Sullivan's with her dog Gracie. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on May 19, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. J. Crew As a new school year rolls around, new clothes and new shoes are non-negotiable. A few new, comfortable pairs of back to school shoes are essential. While shopping, you'll have a wide variety of shoe types to pick from. You should follow a few simple guidelines when selecting a new pair of shoes. First, a good pair of shoes fit properly, they're not too tight and not too loose. Remember that shoes wear out over time and lose their shock absorption. It's important to evaluate cushioning and arch support on new and old shoes alike. When purchasing back to school shoes for 2021, you'll need something that makes you look and feel your best. We've rounded up the best back to school shoes on the internet across an array of best-selling, classic styles. From comfortable sneakers to espadrille sandals, this list has something for everyone, for every occasion. Our Top Picks New Balance New Balance® X J.Crew 996 at Jcrew.com Jump to Review Dr. Scholls Madison Sneaker at Amazon Jump to Review Veja Esplar Sneaker at Nordstrom Jump to Review Tecovas The Jamie at Tecovas.com Jump to Review Brooks Glycerin 19 Running Shoe at Amazon Jump to Review Universal Thread Elora Mule at Target Jump to Review ON Cloud Running Shoe at Nordstrom Jump to Review Marc Fisher LTD Adalyn Espadrille Wedge Sandal at Nordstrom Jump to Review Tory Burch Double T Sport Slide Sandal at Nordstrom Jump to Review Sam Edelman Mule at Amazon Jump to Review New Balance New Balance® X J.Crew 996 women's sneakers J.Crew View On Jcrew.com BUY IT: $80 J.Crew and New Balance teamed up for a limited-edition run of sneakers in never-before-seen color combinations and prints. This classic 996 style features a synthetic and mesh upper and rubber sole. Available in bone and rose or water and seasalt, it's been a crowd-favorite for over 20 years. New Balance combines fashion and function to create versatile and classic American-made sneakers. Pair with jeans or a dress for any casual occasion. Dr. Scholls Madison Sneaker 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Walmart BUY IT: $49.95 This sustainable slip-on sneaker comes in 17 colors and is crafted with microsuede and soft linings made from recycled bottles. Reviewers love this sneaker for its comfortable, lightweight, and supportive fit. "My husband bought me a pair of these, and it has made all of the difference," shared one of 8,575 five-star reviewers, an elementary school teacher who's on her feet all day. "These shoes are so comfy! Plus, they are really cute and can pass for professional dress. I even wear these on the weekends." Veja Esplar Sneaker Nordstrom View On Nordstrom BUY IT: $120 Veja, a French brand, is dominating the sustainable sneaker market. Named for the Brazilian NGO that brings technical support to organic cotton farming families, these crisp white court-inspired sneakers are made to make a difference, crafted from ethically sourced materials including calfskin leather from Rio Grande do Sul farms and wild Amazonian rubber. They feature an organic cotton lining, removable insole, rubber sole, suede heel cap, and leather upper. These are the best back to school shoes! Tecovas The Jamie Tecovas View On Tecovas.com BUY IT: $255 Tecovas is the first direct-to-consumer cowboy boot brand, known for its amazing customer service, Southern hospitality, and timeless handcrafted boots. Supple calfskin and glove-fit leather lining make the Jamie as comfortable as she is versatile, featuring an 11-inch shaft, 1.75-inch angled heel, hand-laid cording, butter-soft bovine lining, flattering western V scallop, and burnished toe. From a cowboy boot connoisseur, Tecovas are by far the most comfortable and high-quality boots I've ever owned. Brooks Women's Glycerin 19 Running Shoe 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Brooksrunning.com View On Dick's BUY IT: $149.95 As a runner with arthritis, I won't run in anything else. There's no such thing as too much cushioning, right? Brooks' Glycerin 19 comes in seven color combinations and provides neutral support with smooth transitions from heel to toe. A mesh upper and plush interior liner surround your foot for a snug but flexible fit. With Brooks' 30-day unlimited guarantee, you can try running in your shoes for 30 days to make sure they feel right. If you're not happy, they'll take them back. Universal Thread Elora Mule Flats Target View On Target BUY IT: $24.99 Slip-on these Elora Mule Sandals from Universal Thread as you head out the door for a casual, chic look. This flat heel mule has a woven finish for a textured style, available in two neutral shades: cognac or tan. The Elora mule can be styled with a variety of dressy or casual outfits. "I couldn't believe how many five-star reviews these shoes had," shared one five-star reviewer. "The shoes are only $25 -- could they really be that cute and comfy? Usually, affordable shoes come with a trade-off. But no, the reviews are right. These shoes are amazing!" ON Cloud Running Shoe Nordstrom View On Nordstrom BUY IT: $129.99 Designed to be the lightest fully cushioned running shoe, ON Cloud is available in seven colors and loved by millions across the globe. Made to perform all day, every day, the outsole is crafted with zero-gravity foam and CloudTec to supply soft, cushioned landings. A molded heel provides a snug, secure fit, complemented by a breathable, antimicrobial mesh upper for lasting comfort. Slip-on when you're on the go with knotted elastic laces for a stay-on fit that gives you a smooth ride that moves naturally with each stride. Marc Fisher LTD Adalyn Espadrille Wedge Sandal Nordstrom View On Nordstrom BUY IT: $159.95 Inspired by world travel, culture, and style, March Fisher is a master American shoemaker. He happily boasts that he has the best job in the world: "I make shoes women love to wear every day. I just want them to look down at their feet and smile." Marc Fisher's Adalyn espadrille wedge sandal is built with a leather upper, synthetic lining, and synthetic outsole. These retro-inspired sandals have a 3.94-inch heel, 3.78-inch platform, and four-inch adjustable ankle strap. Tory Burch Double T Sport Slide Sandal Nordstrom View On Nordstrom View On Shopbop.com BUY IT: $198 An eclectic mix of bohemian glamour and American sportswear, the Tory Burch brand is known for effortlessly stylish, always-interesting pieces ranging from apparel to shoes to accessories. Tory Burch's double T sport slide sandal features a leather upper and lining and rubber sole. This open-toe sleek leather slide sandal, accented by Tory's signature double-T logo, comes in eight colors. Sam Edelman Linnie Bit Mule Shopbop View On Amazon View On Belk.com View On Belk.com BUY IT: $129.95 Timeless and chic, classic leather mules are a staple in every Southerner's wardrobe. Opt for a classic cognac or black shade or make a statement with five fun colors and prints. Sam Edelman's Linnie slip-on loafer is sharp, chic, and endlessly versatile. The Linnie loafer features a premium leather upper, welted round-toe silhouette, gold metallic link detail at vamp, leather lining and insole, lightly padded fixed footbed, and 0.75-inch block heel. Zappos has a surplus of shoes for back to school! Steve Madden Irenee Black Leather Strap Sandal Steve Madden View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Macy's BUY IT: $69.95 Steve Madden's Irenee ankle strap sandal has a gorgeous sophisticated casual silhouette with a slim ankle strap that gives a chic feminine look. A two-inch block heel provides comfort from day to night and references retro looks, complete with suede upper material, leather lining, and man-made sole. A classic ankle strap heel is a must-have in any capsule wardrobe. Pick from two timeless shades, Black Suede or Tan Nubuck. Tory Burch Miller Square Toe Leather Sandal Tory Burch View On Toryburch.com BUY IT: $198 Chances are, Tory Burch's signature Miller sandal is already sitting in your closet. Update your warm-weather wardrobe with a neutral tone or fun shade in 10 different color options from Nordstrom, a great website to find shoes for school. This sophisticated sandal features a foam-cushioned footbed with a bold logo cutout, leather or synthetic upper, leather lining, and rubber sole. With 7,719 5-star reviews, what are you waiting for? Mark Fisher Ltd Alva Bootie Nordstrom View On Nordstrom BUY IT: $199.95 Marc Fisher's Alva bootie comes in three chic color selections, black embossed leather, brown suede, or cream leather. Grounded by a 3.35-inch bold walkable block heel, this ankle boot radiates contemporary-chic sophistication with dual gores at the sides for a snug fit. This bootie features a leather upper, synthetic lining, and synthetic outsole. Reviewers remark, it's the perfect fall bootie, a flattering wardrobe staple, my go-to boot, sleek and stylish, and beautiful and comfortable. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit