Children of all ages enjoy sports and other activities that require them to run, jump and stay active. And sometimes, all that running can lead to severe tears in their footwear. So, here’s our list of the best running shoes for kids to help you out. These running shoes for kids are easy to wear, well-fitted, and comfortable. They have a breathable design, especially for running, are durable, and protect your child from impact and injury. Check out our list of various fun designs to choose the right one that is safe and secure for your child.
Top Picks
13 Best Running Shoes For Kids
1.Best Stylish:Nike Kids’ Preschool Flex Runner Running Shoes
Nike kids’ running shoes feature a flexible mesh surface with a slip-on design and easy pull-on tabs for a comfortable fit. They are designed with a breathable mesh lining and a comfortable footbed suitable for long hours.Their stretchy fabric and rubber soles, along with their foot-hugging design, offer added support and structure.The elasticstrapsand soft foam cushions provide ample grip and comfort, respectively, for running. If you want a detailed review of these supportive sneakers for kids, make sure to take a look atthis video.
Pros
- Helps reduce fatigue
- Stylish
- Versatile
- Lightweight
Cons
- May run small
Quick fact2.Best Lighweight:Adidas Unisex-Child Duramo 10 Running Shoes
These Adidas unisex toddler running shoes are available in multiple sizes and sport a mesh fabric upper. Featuring Adidas’ Lightmotion cushioning, these shoes have a breathable design, provide a lightweight feel while walking, and facilitate quick movements. The woven stripes on the upper fabric bestow the pair the classic Adidas look. In addition, the rubber outsole offers superior grip and enhanced traction, making these the best gym shoes for kids.
Pros
- Adjustable fit
- Hook-and-loop closure
- Available in multiple colors
- Classic style
Cons
- May not be durable
- Mesh upper may be thinner than expected
3.Best With Non-Skid Sole:Nautica Kids Fashion Sneakers For Girls
Nautica’s slip-on sneakers are one of the best athletic shoes for kids, with a snug closure, making them ideal for running, sports, hiking, climbing, and other outdoor activities.Their non-slip rubber outsoles provide superior grip on different terrains,while the cushioned footbed offers comfort. The cute and flexible shoes can help you encourage your little girl to go with you on evening walks or participate in various physical activities.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Available in multiple sizes
- Available in multiple colors and patterns
Cons
- Seams may not be wear-resistant
- Size might run small
4.Best Wear-Resistant:Kubua Kids Sneakers
The children’s running shoes are designed for playing sports and have a 50-inch platform for more comfort. With cushioned insoles, rubber soles, and soft and breathable fabric, these shoes prevent sweat or bad odor for long hours. With fabric and a padded collar,the shoes have shock-absorbing soles to protect your child from muscle strains and injuries.Their hook-and-loop closure allows your child to put them on easily. For a thorough review of one of the top running shoes for kids, have a look atthis YouTuber’s video.
Pros
- Anti-collision shoe head
- Wear-resistant
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Available in various colors
Cons
- Velcro may detach from the strap over time
5.Best Easy-To-Wear:Adidas Unisex-Child Lite Racer Adapt 3.0 Running Shoes
Image:Adidas
Adidas running shoes are designed especially for sports and offer a comfortable fit with anti-slip rubber soles. These slip-on shoes have a breathable design and provide a sock-like fit, allowing your child’s feet to have a firm grip all day. Their cushioned midsoles and sturdy design make them long-lasting.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to wear
- Flexible outsoles
- Various colors
Cons
- Lace loops may not last long
6.Best For All Seasons:Apawwa Sneakers
The unisex slip-onsneakersfeature a polyvinyl chloride sole and an invisible elastic band, making them easy to wear. They have a breathable mesh upper and insole with a flexible fit to offer added comfort and protection. The durable outsole is designed to resist slipping, and the insoles can prevent odor and sweat. These shoes are designed to reduce the burden on the feet for comfortable walking and running, making them the best athletic shoes for kids.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Suitable for all seasons
- Wear-resistant
- Flexible and stretchy
Cons
- May run small
7.Best Sturdy:Nautica Kids Sneaker
Nautica’s slip-on sneakers feature wear-resistant rubber soles and a durable design.They have a cushioned footbed and padded insoles.The mesh upper and comfortable insoles allow your child a comfortable and flexible fit and offer protection to their feet. These bungee slip-ons are suitable for running, hiking, climbing, and walking and are designed to last long, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the top running shoes for kids.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Sleek
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Might wear off easily
8.Best Durable:Asics Kids’ Contend 6 GS Running Shoes
The Asics’ running shoes for children have rubber soles and a 0.75-inch platform. The rearfoot gel technology cushioning system paired with the shock-absorbing soles allows these shoes to absorb shock during impact for a smooth transition to midstance. It features a removable sock liner for enhanced cushioning performance. These shoes have an AmpliFoam midsole for flexibility and comfort. Because of these features, it is considered one of the best gym shoes for kids.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Stylish
- Lightweight
Cons
- 可能会小
Quick tip9.Best Responsive:Under Armour Grade School Surge 2 Fade Running Shoes
The running shoes feature a breathable design with a mesh upper and Thermoplastic Polyurethane soles for extra support. It is designed with extra padding around the ankles for superior comfort.The full-length EVA sock liner offers a custom fit, and the shoes have a unique outsole with a printed design and raised rubber knobs for a better grip.Their rubber pods placed beneath the heels and forefeet can reduce the shoes’ weight.
Pros
- Multiple colors
- Stylish
- Durable
- Responsive cushioned running shoes for kids
Cons
- Might wear off easily
10.Best Unisex:Under Armour Unisex Grade School Assert 9 Running Shoes
Placed among the best kids’ running shoes on this list, the Under Armour Grade School Assert 9 shoes for kids have a unisex design and are comfortable and breathable. Their upper is made of a lightweight mesh to ensure proper airflow, while the rubber sole offers enhanced grip. In addition, the EVA-equipped midsole helps smoothen the landings and provides superior support when running, while the rubber sole covers the impact zones, making the shoes long-lasting.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Has a lace closure
- Available in multiple colors
- Synthetic materials-based overlays
Cons
- May not be true to size
11.Best With Breathable Mesh:Adidas Originals Kids X_PLR Running Shoe
完全用橡胶制成的,X_PLR孩子的鞋子Adidas fall among the top running shoes for kids. They are both stylish and functional. Its ethylene vinyl acetate-based sole and platform size of almost three inches offer enhanced support while walking. Ideal for active children spending long hours playing sports or outdoors, these shoes have a breathable design with a mesh upper for ventilation and a three-inch opening to facilitate easy wearing.
Pros
- Durable
- Has textile lining
- Has a 12-inch shaft
- Speed lacing system
- Reflective detailing
- Available in several color variants
Cons
- May not be true to size
- Strings may be difficult to adjust for some
12.Best Water-Repelling:Saucony Wind A/C Sneaker
的脱臭PET-lined Saucony是鞋子best kids’ running shoes for keeping sweaty odor at bay. Made of durable leather, the sneakers have a mesh upper that provides a low-to-the-ground feel for better balance while walking or running. It also features a reinforced toe tip and traction pods on the outsole for enhanced stability and grip. Moreover, these shoes have a water-repelling upper, allowing your child to step into puddles.
Pros
- APMA-approved
- Padded midsole
- Lightweight
- Lace and velcro closure makes it easy to wear
- Stretchable heel
Cons
- 可能会小
- Lace may get stretched over time
13.Best Grip And Traction:Asics Kid’s Contend 7GS Running Shoes
Asics’ shoes not only offer comfort while running but are also replete with features that make them one of the best gym shoes for kids. They have a mesh upper for more airflow to keep the interiors cool and dry. Its rubber outsole and toe stitching provide enhanced durability. They are designed to offer more breathability, flexibility, stretchiness, and comfort. These lace-up shoes have a front panel with an adjustable hook-and-loop strap to tighten them as needed, offering more grip and traction.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sturdy
- Stylish
- Cushioned insole
Cons
- Straps might be too short
How To Choose The Right Running Shoes For Kids?
Here are some points to consider before buying running shoes for your child.
- Durability:Since children use running shoes almost every day, choose durable, wear-resistant, and water-resistant athletic shoes for kids to withstand rough use.
- Size:As children outgrow shoes quickly, choose shoes with a thumbs-width gap between the toe and the front for a comfortable fit.
- Design:The closure type determines if the shoes are easy to wear. Choose between slip-on and lace shoes depending on your child’s preference and comfort.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag takes great interest in exploring clothing, fashion, and beauty products. She understands the needs of her readers and suggests products accordingly. Here, she has considered the durability, comfort, and quality of the product before listing the names of the best running shoes for kids. In addition, Poulami has described each recommended product in detail and mentioned its pros and cons. To further simplify your buying experience, she has also provided a handy purchasing guide for the best kids’ running shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do kids need special shoes for the track?
Ergonomic running shoes for kids are enough to practice running on the track. However, if your kid is competing on the track and you think they need a competitive edge over others, having track spikes will be beneficial.
2. Are heavy shoes good for kids?
Heavy shoes are good for kids if you are looking for comfort, as they have more cushion and help to reduce the impact on joints. But if you are looking for running shoes, kids might tip over with heavy shoes or might slow their pace of running. Whereas lightweight running shoes are less comfortable in comparison but are ideal for racing.
3. How quickly kid’s feet grow?
Depending on the age of the child, feet can be expected to grow anywhere from 1.5mm to 1mm in length per month. Between one to three years of age, a child’s feet may grow at an average rate of 1.5mm per month. Growth may decrease with age and grow at an average rate of 1mm per month between ages three to six and less than 1mm per month between ages six to ten.
4. How much bigger should I buy my child’s shoes?
As the growth rate in kids is high, it is preferable to buy a shoe length that is 1cm to 1.5 cm longer than their actual foot size. If your kid’s growth rate is more than average, you may buy one size more than the usually recommended size and length.
5. What is the difference between toddler and kid shoe sizes?
Toddler shoe sizes range from zero to 13 and are generally tagged with T for easy identification, and are suitable for ages one to four years. Little kids from four to six years have shoes ranging from sizes 10C to 13.5C. If your child outgrows the last size of little kids, upgrade to the big kid’s shoes, and the sizes start from 1Y, and the Y indicates youth size.
6. Do barefoot shoes establish a good posture?
Barefoot shoes promote good posture as they allow natural foot movement when compared to cushioned shoes. They help strengthen the foot muscles and maintain proper foot alignment while reducing strain on the back.
7. Can I take my child hiking in running shoes?
If your child has comfortable running shoes, it is absolutely fine to use the same shoes for hiking. However, if you are planning for regular hikes, investing in special hiking shoes may be a better choice but not essential.
跑鞋对于孩子来说是必需的。它允许他们to be more active while giving them the required comfort and flexibility. Now that you’ve gone through our list of the best running shoes for kids above, choosing one can be hassle-free. However, while buying a pair for your little ones, you must ensure to look at its sturdiness and durability. As kids keep growing, so do their feet; hence, these shoes must last until they fit them. Lastly, the size should not be too big as some extra breathing space will give your kid comfort.
Infographic: How To Choose The Right Running Shoes For Your Child?
A wrong pair of shoes can cause discomfort and hurt your child’s feet. Hence, purchasing the perfect, comfortable pair that doesn’t make the feet sweat and facilitates a good run is elementary. Check out the following infographic to ensure you buy the most suitable running shoes for your little one.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.
Download Infographic
References:
- Children’s sport shoes.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1268773108000532
Recommended Articles:
