For casual outfits and afternoons of fun, your little one needs girls' sneakers to keep her feet comfortable. When you shop at thredUP, you'll find a selection of styles she'll love at up to 90% off retail prices.

The History of Sneakers

Sneakers as we know them evolved from rubber sole shoes called plimsolls, which were produced in the late 18th century. However, the sneakers we wear today look nothing like plimsolls of the past. Plimsolls were originally made without a right or left foot. In 1917, the U.S. Rubber Co. started the first mass production of a rubber sole sneaker with a canvas top named Keds. People started calling the shoes sneakers because the rubber soles made it easier to sneak around.

In that same year, Marquis Converse created the first sneaker made specifically for basketball that he called Converse or Converse All-Stars. When Indiana basketball star Chuck Taylor endorsed the shoes in 1923, people began calling them Chuck Taylor All-Stars. At one time, nearly every college and professional basketball player wore these shoes.

Sneakers for When She's Ready to Play

While girls' sandals are good for casual days when you're running errands or don't plan on doing much, they can't hold up when your daughter is ready to play. Whether she wants to shoot hoops, climb on playground equipment, or play tag, you know she needs a sturdy pair of sneakers to keep up with her.

Look for shoes with a thick tread that can help prevent falls or slips. If she's still learning how to tie her shoes, you can find styles that either slide on or come with a Velcro fastener. These options can allow her to take her shoes on and off independently.

Sneakers for Everyday Wear

Not only are sneakers a good choice for playtime, but they also make great shoes to wear with casual and everyday outfits. If she has to dress up a little, consider girls' flats or girls' boots. In all other cases, sneakers will work perfectly. To create a comfortable everyday outfit, start with a pair of jeans or leggings for the pants. Next, go for a soft graphic T-shirt with a fun saying or design. Finally, pull her look together with a pair of sneakers that match the colors in the outfit.

Select the Ideal Pair of Sneakers

When she's ready to get her new favorite pair of sneakers, consider one of the popular brands, such as The Children's Place. This brand offers plenty of different styles and colors, so she's sure to find something she loves. If you want something that will easily match most of her outfits, opt for a shoe that's a neutral white or simply one solid color. On the other hand, if you don't mind a fun pop of color with her shoes, you can go for some that have a bright design with multiple colors.

When you're interested in like-new girls' sneakers to help keep your child's feet comfortable all day, shop the excellent selection of sneaker styles available at thredUP.