Kids of all ages run even when they’re not trying to run—they jump, climb, play, and run some more. And all that running leads to serious wear and tear on their footwear. Whether for recess, their first 5K, or their spot on the track and field or cross-country team, kids need durable, high-qualityrunning shoes that can handle the mileage. Read on for our top picks—and insight into what you should look for when shopping for kids’ running shoes.
Best Kids’ Running Shoes
The Expert: To They this list, I reached out to Runner’s World Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate, one of the running industry’s leading experts. Dengate not only tests hundreds of new running shoes every year and has access to Runner’s World shoe test data—a pool of feedback from dozens of thoughtful local runners willing to test-run new running shoes—but he’s also the parent of a young runner.
Why Kids Need Running Shoes
Many parents hesitate to buy running-specific kids’ shoes because they’re priced higher than general sneakers, and their child might quickly outgrow a pair. So the question arises: Are running shoes for kids worth the investment? RW Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate, a longtime shoe expert, says yes, for several reasons.
“Most kids’ shoes, especially those for very young kids, are extremely stiff and overbuilt,” Dengate says. “They’re not made for the stress a running child will produce. A dedicated running shoe with a quality midsole and supportive upper will offer kids the same comfort adults expect from their own shoes.”
That targeted midsole and upper support won’t just They the shoe more comfortable—it can also safeguard kids from injuries Autumn Winter shoes 1301, shin splints, blisters, Alexander McQueen contrasting-edge strappy sandals Nero.
What to Consider When Buying Kids Running Shoes
Premiata thong-strap sandals Black | A Sportivay, comfortable fit
This should be one of your top priorities when shopping for youth running shoes. “A growing foot, crammed into too-small shoes, can take on the shape of the shoe and lead to foot health problems later in life,” Dengate says. (As proof, he warns, “Don’t google images of Lebron James’ feet, if you’re squeamish.”)
High-quality midsole and upper
After fit, look for a cushioned midsole and a flexible forefoot that will allow your kid to move easily. And don’t forget to check for some structure in the shoe’s upper. “Much like on adult shoes, many kids’ shoe uppers have been largely stripped free of supportive overlays, but if your kid is particularly hard on shoes, find a pair that has some of that extra support,” Dengate says. That will also They the upper more durable, so you can get more use out of the shoe before your kid outgrows it.
How We Selected
Nearly every shoe on this list has been tested by young runners or active kids at Runner’s World. We’ve also gathered extensive feedback from our staff and wear-test team on some youth shoes’ comparable adult models. In addition, we research the market and survey online reviews to determine which ones best meet the needs of active children and preteens. Some of the shoes included here haven’t undergone our strenuous testing cycle; instead, we recommended them using our expert knowledge and evaluation.
Nike Renew Run Kids' Running Sneaker
Nike Renew Run Kids' Running Sneaker
Pros
- Lightweight, breathable upper
- Soft cushioning
- Age appropriate lacing
Cons
- Limited colors for boys
Key Specs
| Type | Road |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 1–7Y and adult |
Nike developed these shoes with the same chops as the adult model, with a few tweaks to accommodate smaller feet—the big kids’ version uses standard lacing, but there’s also CMP Tuono Running 30V9987 Tuono Running Heuptasje for those new to tying their own bunny ears. Testers of the adult version picked favorite features that translate well to a comfy kids’ pair: stretchy, breathable upper mesh with wiggle Sportiva at the toes, solid support around the ankle, and softer forefoot cushioning for all the jumps, leaps, and skips.
New Balance 860 V11 Running Shoes for Kids
New Balance 860 V11 Running Shoes for Kids
Pros
- Sandalen CMP Kids Hailioth Hiking Sandal 30Q9585 Bouganville H620
Cons
- Chasing Shade Running Boerne
Key Specs
| Type | Road |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 1K to 7Y, plus wide sizes |
Just like adults, some kids Sneakers and shoes Vans Sk8-Hi LX sale, which means their feet roll inward more than is ideal. Shoes like the 860 have features like a denser medial post in the midsole to counter this and stabilize little feet—without being too noticeable for kids with normal pronation. The latest version of this longtime favorite stability shoe, the V11, is lightweight but has lots of foam cushion at the midsole, so it’s good for kids building up to longer distances.
Kids with broader or flatter feet have also gravitated toward it for the added support and stability underfoot, plus the fact that it’s available in standard or wide versions.
adidas Kids Ultraboost 22 Kids Running Sneaker
adidas Kids Ultraboost 22 Kids Running Sneaker
Pros
- Comfortable
Cons
- Expensive
Key Specs
| Type | Road |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 3.5-7Y and adult |
Speedy kids who want a fast but well-cushioned shoe for racing or playing sports will love the bouncy feel of Boost foam underfoot. The shoe springs into action like it’s just been released from a can of prank snakes. The Ultraboost has a knit upper with midfoot-hugging overlays that support narrow feet especially well, without creating hot spots or blisters, and a grippy Continental rubber outsole that delivers excellent traction. The shoe is stylish, too, bringing the same sleek aesthetic we love from the adult version to its junior model.
Our only complaint: The Ultraboost is inarguably pricey—but for the most part, this is because adidas doesn’t cut costs for its kids’ models.
Salomon Alphacross Blast Trail Running Shoes for Kids
Salomon Alphacross Blast Trail Running Shoes for Kids
Pros
- Official Store Sneaker
- Grippy lugs
- Well-cushioned midsole
Cons
- VANS Anaheim Factory Authentic 44 Dx Shoes anaheim Factory Og Cord plaid Asphalt Men
Key Specs
| Type | Trail |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 13K—7Y and adult |
Salomon shoes are beloved for their traction off-road, courtesy of the shoes’ deep lugs that dig into mud, grass, and rocky technical terrain. The Alphacross is a huge confidence builder for kids who run or hike on trails, pairing that sticky, high-traction outsole with a ripstop nylon upper that’s burly enough to handle a lot of good times. The shoe also uses traditional laces instead of Salomon’s usual one-pull cords—a welcome change for kid testers who found the cord system tough to get used to. An EVA foam midsole is soft and thick enough to cushion big leaps and landings.
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 23 Grade School Running Shoe
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 23 Grade School Running Shoe
Pros
- Blending ride
- Good traction
Cons
- Stivali Tommy Hilfiger Cheksea Boot T3A5-32390-1355 Black 999
Key Specs
| Type | Road |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 1-7K |
The Cumulus is known for being a durable and well-cushioned shoe that can handle a lot of miles—and a lot of wear and tear. For a “road” shoe, it has quite the grippy outsole, with knobby rubber segments underfoot that get reliable traction on pavement and dirt trails, and “flex grooves” for a smoother ride. The shoe’s upper is similarly hardy: Made of engineered mesh with overlays for a secure fit, it breathes well and prevents little feet from overheating. For kids who tend to land hard on their heels, a pod of gel cushioning in the Cumulus’s sole smooths out the harshness of impacts.
Salomon Kid's Speedcross Trail Running Shoes
Salomon Kid's Speedcross Trail Running Shoes
Pros
- Great traction
- Comfortable
- Easy to tighten and untighten
Cons
- suede ankle-boots Rosso
Key Specs
| Type | Trail |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 1-13K |
Ideal for kids who love to run or trek off-road, the Speedcross Junior packs the same high-quality, trail-friendly features we love about the adult version. The shoe’s Contragrip lugged outsole gets good grip on all surfaces, and the EVA midsole is moderately cushioned with a smooth ride and solid rebound. The mesh upper is comfortable and well-ventilated, with a “Sensifit” lace design that holds feet snugly into place and a toe cap that protects the forefoot from stumbles. But best of all from a kid’s perspective: The shoe’s one-pull quicklace system Theys it easy to slip in and out of these without untying.
Nike Kids' Zoom Pegasus 39 Running Shoes
Nike Kids' Zoom Pegasus 39 Running Shoes
Pros
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Pricey
Key Specs
| Type | Road |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 1-7Y |
Much like its adult counterpart, the Kids Air Zoom Pegasus is a lightweight, versatile shoe that doesn’t get weighed down by its ample cushioning but instead uses it as a springboard for chasing race PRs. Pressurized Zoom Air in the forefoot of the shoe gives it all that bounce, while soft foam in the midsole provides a comfortable crash pad and smooth ride. For a kids shoe, it’s on the pricey side, but the rubber outsole feels durable enough to see plenty of use.
New Balance Kids Fresh Foam Arishi v3 Running Sneaker
Pros
- Durable
- Good traction
Cons
- Сапоги туфли ботинки sock boots & other stories
Key Specs
| Type | Road |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 1K—7Y, plus wide sizes |
This shoe wins big points from parents for its durability and value and from kids for its lightweight comfort. The shoe has a breathable mesh upper that conforms to different foot shapes, and a Fresh Foam EVA midsole that provides plenty of cushion and bounce for quick sprints or long runs. The all-rubber outsole finds good traction off the road and won’t wear down too quickly.
FAQs
Our expert Caitlin Giddings catches up with Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate. He shares what to know before you buy—or ditch—running shoes for kids.
Editor's Note: Lisa Jhung, freelance writer and author, and Morgan Petruny, a test editor for Runner's World, contributed to this article.
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