Does your child dream of outrunning their friends or conquering the school track? Getting them the right running shoes is like giving them superpowers! But let’s be honest, navigating the world of youth running shoes can feel like a race in itself. So many brands, so many features – it’s easy to get lost.
The truth is, the wrong shoes can lead to blisters, discomfort, and even injuries, taking the fun right out of running. We know you want the best for your young athlete, helping them enjoy every stride safely and comfortably. That’s why we’ve laced up our expertise to guide you through this important decision.
In this post, we’ll break down what really matters when picking running shoes for kids. You’ll discover key features to look for, understand how to get the perfect fit, and learn how to avoid common mistakes. Get ready to find the perfect pair that will help your child hit the ground running with confidence and a smile!
Our Top 5 Running Shoes For Youth Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Running Shoes For Youth Detailed Reviews
1. Under Armour Boys’ Grade School Assert 10
Rating: 9.1/10
The Under Armour Boys’ Grade School Assert 10 in Mod Gray/Black/High Vis Yellow is a fantastic shoe for active kids. It’s designed to help young athletes perform their best, whether they’re running, jumping, or just playing around. This shoe offers a great blend of comfort and performance, making it a solid choice for any kid on the go.
What We Like:
- The lightweight, breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool and comfortable.
- Synthetic overlays add extra strength and hold the foot securely.
- The EVA sockliner makes every step feel soft and easy.
- The one-piece EVA midsole helps turn landing impacts into powerful jumps.
- The solid rubber outsole is tough in important areas, making the shoe last longer without feeling heavy.
- It has a standard lace-up closure for a secure fit.
- The wide sizing option is a big plus for kids who need a little more room in their shoes.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, the bright yellow color might show dirt more easily.
- The focus is on performance, so some parents might prefer more padding for casual wear.
Overall, the Under Armour Assert 10 is a well-made shoe that supports young athletes. It’s a great option for kids who need a reliable and comfortable shoe for all their adventures.
2. New Balance Kid’s Rave Run V2 Lace-up Sneaker
Rating: 9.2/10
The New Balance Kid’s Rave Run V2 Lace-up Sneaker in Black/White, size 4 Big Kid, is a fantastic choice for active kids. These sneakers are designed to keep up with their energetic adventures, offering comfort and support with every step. The sleek, no-sew design makes them feel smooth and comfortable, while the durable materials ensure they can handle plenty of playtime.
What We Like:
- The no-sew construction on the upper makes the shoe feel super smooth and comfortable against the foot.
- The mesh and synthetic upper allows for good airflow, keeping feet cool.
- The lightweight EVA foam midsole provides great cushioning, making them feel light and bouncy.
- The no-sew saddle construction offers extra support in the middle of the foot, which is great for running and jumping.
- The durable rubber outsole means these shoes will last a long time, even with lots of wear and tear.
What Could Be Improved:
- The lace-up style might be a little tricky for very young kids to tie by themselves.
- While the cushioning is good, some kids might prefer even more padding for very long days on their feet.
Overall, these New Balance Rave Run V2 sneakers are a solid pick for active kids. They combine comfort, support, and durability to make them a go-to for school, play, and everything in between.
3. ASICS Kid’s Contend 9 Grade School Running Shoes
Rating: 9.3/10
Lace up for adventure with the ASICS Kid’s Contend 9 Grade School Running Shoes in a cool Blue Expanse/Black! These shoes are built to keep up with active kids, offering comfort and support for everything from playground sprints to track practice.
What We Like:
- These shoes are super tough! The toe reinforcement, extra stitching on the toe, and a strong rubber sole mean they can handle lots of running and playing.
- ASICS cares about the planet! The main part of the shoe is made with at least 20% recycled materials, helping to cut down on waste and pollution.
- The special way the inside lining (sockliner) is made saves a lot of water and also lowers pollution. It’s a smarter way to dye materials.
- They look great and feel good on your feet. The blue and black colors are stylish.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are durable, we’d love to see even more color options for kids to choose from.
- It would be awesome if ASICS offered these in half-sizes to ensure an even more perfect fit for every child’s growing feet.
The ASICS Kid’s Contend 9 shoes are a solid choice for any young runner. They offer a great blend of durability and eco-friendly design.
4. ASICS Kid’s PRE Venture 9 Grade School Running Shoes
Rating: 8.8/10
The ASICS Kid’s PRE Venture 9 Grade School Running Shoes in Midnight/Rainy Lake are built for adventure. These shoes are designed to keep young feet comfortable and supported whether they’re hitting the trails or just playing in the park. They offer a great blend of performance and durability for active kids.
What We Like:
- The engineered mesh upper keeps feet cool and comfortable by letting air flow through.
- Kids get excellent traction on different grounds thanks to the special trail-specific outsole pattern.
- The shoes provide good cushioning, which is super important for protecting growing feet during all kinds of activities.
- They look stylish with the cool Midnight/Rainy Lake colorway.
- These shoes are tough and can handle a lot of wear and tear.
What Could Be Improved:
- The sizing might run a little small for some kids, so it’s a good idea to check the size chart carefully.
- While the cushioning is good, some kids who are particularly hard on their shoes might want even more padding.
Overall, the ASICS PRE Venture 9 shoes are a solid choice for any active child. They provide the support and grip needed for outdoor fun.
5. New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Lace-Up Running Shoe
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to hit the ground running with the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Lace-Up Running Shoe in a cool Galaxy Blue, Lime Leaf, and NB Navy combo, sized for Big Kids! These shoes are built for comfort and speed, making them perfect for everything from school days to weekend adventures. Your little athlete will love the way they look and feel.
What We Like:
- The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning makes every step feel super soft and light.
- No-sew overlays on the upper give the shoes a smooth look and a comfy feel.
- A no-sew tip adds extra toughness right where kids need it most.
- These shoes come in fun colors that kids will love.
- The lace-up closure keeps feet snug and secure.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the colors are great, a wider variety of color options could be a nice addition.
- The durability is good for kids, but more extreme wear and tear might show over time.
These New Balance shoes are a fantastic option for active kids who need both style and performance. They offer a great balance of comfort and durability for all their daily activities.
Choosing the Best Running Shoes for Your Young Athlete
Finding the right running shoes for kids is super important! Good shoes help them run comfortably and can even prevent injuries. This guide will help you pick the perfect pair for your young runner.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for youth running shoes, keep these important features in mind:
- Cushioning: This is like a comfy pillow for their feet. Good cushioning absorbs impact when they run and jump. It protects their bones and joints.
- Support: Shoes need to support their feet properly. This means the shoe helps keep their foot in a good position while running. It can prevent their feet from rolling too much inward or outward.
- Fit: This is probably the most important thing! Shoes should fit snugly but not too tight. There should be a little space at the toe. Your child’s toes should have room to wiggle.
- Durability: Kids are tough on their shoes! Look for shoes made with strong materials that can handle lots of running and playing.
- Breathability: Feet get hot when you run. Shoes with breathable materials let air flow through. This keeps feet cooler and drier, which is more comfortable.
- Traction: The bottom of the shoe needs good grip. This helps them run on different surfaces without slipping. Think of it like tire treads on a car.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in running shoes make a big difference in how they perform and feel.
- Uppers: The top part of the shoe is often made from:
- Mesh: This is a very breathable material. It lets air circulate, keeping feet cool. It’s also lightweight.
- Synthetic Leather/Overlays: These are often used in certain areas to add extra support and durability. They can help hold the foot in place.
- Midsoles: This is where the cushioning happens. Common materials include:
- EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate): This is a popular foam that is lightweight and provides good cushioning. Many shoes use different types of EVA for varying levels of softness and responsiveness.
- PU (Polyurethane): This foam is usually denser and more durable than EVA. It offers good support but can be a bit heavier.
- Outsoles: The bottom part that touches the ground:
- Rubber: This is the most common material. It offers excellent grip and durability. Different patterns of rubber are used for better traction.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things make running shoes better, while others can make them worse.
- What Makes Them Better:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known running shoe brands often invest a lot in research and development. They know how to make good shoes.
- Specific Technologies: Some brands have special cushioning or support systems. These can really improve the running experience.
- Proper Fit: As mentioned, a good fit is crucial. It makes the shoe feel great and perform well.
- Good Craftsmanship: When shoes are put together well, with strong stitching and glued seams, they last longer and hold up better.
- What Makes Them Worse:
- Poor Fit: Shoes that are too big or too small will be uncomfortable and can cause problems.
- Cheap Materials: Using low-quality foam or thin mesh can mean less cushioning and durability.
- Lack of Support: Shoes that don’t offer enough support can lead to foot pain or injuries.
- Wearing Out: Once the cushioning is flat or the tread is gone, the shoes don’t work as well anymore.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How kids use their running shoes affects what kind of shoe they need.
- Everyday Wear: Many kids wear their running shoes for school, playing at the park, and general active fun. For this, comfort and durability are key. They don’t need the most advanced features, but good cushioning and a solid build are important.
- Specific Sports: If your child is running track, playing soccer, or participating in other sports, they might need shoes designed for those activities. However, a good pair of youth running shoes can often be a great all-around option for general fitness and running.
- Trail Running: If your child likes to run on trails with dirt, rocks, and uneven surfaces, they’ll need shoes with more aggressive tread for better grip and possibly more protection.
- Comfort and Confidence: When kids have comfortable shoes that fit well, they are more likely to enjoy running and be active. This boosts their confidence and encourages a healthy lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know if a running shoe fits my child correctly?
A: Make sure there is about a thumb’s width of space between your child’s longest toe and the end of the shoe. The shoe should feel snug around the heel and midfoot, but not tight. Have your child walk and jog in them in the store to see how they feel.
Q: Should I buy running shoes a size bigger so they last longer?
A: It’s better to buy shoes that fit well now. Buying them too big can cause tripping or blisters. Kids’ feet grow fast, so check the fit regularly and buy new shoes when they start to feel tight.
Q: How often should I replace my child’s running shoes?
A: This depends on how much they use them. Generally, kids’ running shoes should be replaced every 6-12 months, or when the cushioning feels flat, the tread is worn down, or they start complaining about discomfort.
Q: Are there special shoes for different types of running (e.g., track vs. trail)?
A: Yes. Track shoes often have spikes for grip. Trail running shoes have deeper treads and more protection. For general running and everyday activity, a standard youth running shoe is usually best.
Q: What if my child has flat feet or high arches?
A: Some running shoes offer different levels of support. If your child has specific foot concerns, it’s a good idea to talk to a shoe specialist at a running store or a pediatrician for advice on the best type of shoe or if they might need special insoles.
Q: Can kids wear adult running shoes?
A: Youth running shoes are designed with kids’ feet and biomechanics in mind. They often have different cushioning and support features. It’s usually best to stick with shoes made for children.
Q: Are waterproof running shoes necessary for kids?
A: For most running, waterproof shoes aren’t needed and can make feet too hot. Unless your child will be running in very wet conditions regularly, breathable, non-waterproof shoes are usually more comfortable.
Q: How important is the brand of the shoe?
A: While brands can be an indicator of quality, the most important thing is how the shoe fits and feels on your child’s foot. Many different brands make excellent youth running shoes.
Q: Can my child wear their running shoes for other sports like basketball?
A: Running shoes are designed for forward motion. Basketball shoes offer more ankle support and grip for side-to-side movements. It’s best to use sport-specific shoes for different activities to prevent injury.
Q: How can I teach my child to take care of their running shoes?
A: Encourage them to let their shoes air out after running, especially if they get sweaty. Avoid putting them in the washing machine or dryer, as this can damage the materials and glue.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.