Purchasing the right pair of shoes for adults is not tough. It might be challenging, but you always get the right shoes in the end. And that is because you know how to choose and what feels right. However, choosing kids running footwear is more complicated since you don’t know exactly how they feel.
Plus, with the many options available, selecting stylish and good quality footwear can be almost impossible. Currently, the selection of children’s running shoes is just as wide as that of adults. There are several kids running shoes in the market that vary in design, color, and style.
Comfortable, active shoes are essential for your kid’s developing feet, so choosing the right pair is crucial. Remember, kids are vibrant and full of energy, so the right footwear should be comfortable, durable, and flexible. To help you choose, we have created this review of the best running shoes for kids.
So, let’s dive right in…
The Best Kids’ Running Shoes Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Adidas Unisex-Kids CF Racer TR |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Asics Kids Gel-Contend 4 GS Running Shoes |  |
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| 3. New Balance 519 v1 Running Shoes |  |
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| 4. New Balance Kid's 680 V5 Running Shoes |  |
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| 5. New Balance KJ990V4 Shoes |  |
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| 6. Nike Kids Revolution 3 Running Shoes |  |
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| 7. New Balance Fresh Zante Pursuit V5 Shoes |  |
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1. Adidas Unisex-Kids CF Racer TR— Best Running Shoes for Kids, Unisex
Designed for comfort and speed, the CF Racer is an excellent option for an active kid who loves racing. CF racers are made to be breathable thanks to the mesh upper. Therefore, your kid can charge around and play without worrying about sweat blisters and bruises. This lightweight footwear can provide extended day support and comfort thanks to its unique Cloudform midsole.
Great support is essential for kids since their feet are still developing. After all, injuries to their feet due to poor stability and support can affect them for a long time. CF racers are highly flexible shoes that allow for excellent traction and motion control when running on uneven terrain. These shoes are designed for active children; therefore, they can keep them safe when they are running.
This pair comes with a unique rubber outsole that can protect your kid’s developing shoes from shock impacts. These soles are also unique for playing outside on uneven and slippery surfaces. And the fact that it is available in a wide range of color combinations is a bonus. So, your kid will get the right color combination that he/she will love wearing when playing. However, these shoes’ laces fray easily.
Specs
- Sole: Rubber
- Material: Synthetic
- Size: 5-15.5 (US)
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Available in numerous color combinations
- Stylish
- Breathable
Cons
- Its Laces fray easily
Overall Rating – 4.6 out of 5
Conclusion
Adidas Kids CF racer is a great shoe that was designed with kids in mind. It is a lightweight and breathable shoe that can keep your kids safe and comfortable all day long.
2. Asics Kids Gel-Contend 4 GS Running Shoes— Best Running Shoes for Boys
Gel-Contend 4 is great running shoes for kids who love playing rough and without worrying about their shoes. This highly durable footwear can protect your kid’s feet for a very long time. And the only time it will be replaced is when your child outgrows this footwear. This shoe comes with a breathable mesh upper that can keep your kid’s feet dry all day long.
The mesh upper is very comfortable to wear, and it comes in a wide range of color combinations for picky kids.Gel-Contend 4 comes with a unique rearfoot gel cushioning system that provides the needed shock absorption. The Gel cushioning system will absorb the impact of running and jumping all over the neighborhood.
It has a unique reinforced toe cap that prevents his toes from being stabbed to the hard surface. For exceptional durability, the upper is stitched directly to the outsole. This shoe comes with a removable sockliner; therefore, you can use this shoe with medical orthotics. However, some parents have questioned its durability.
Specs
- Sole: Rubber
- Material: synthetic
- Size: K10-7 (US)
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Flexible
- Well-cushioned
- It provides the needed support
Cons
- Some parents have complained about the shoe’s rubber sole coming off
Overall Rating – 4.4 out of 5
Conclusion
Gel-Contend 4 is designed for kids who love playing roughly. This shoe is designed to keep your kid’s feet safe while having fun with other children.
3. New Balance 519 v1 Running Shoes — Best Running Shoes for Girls
New Balance 519 V1 is an affordable and attractive shoe designed to keep your daughter’s feet safe. This pair is available in several bright colors and styles. So your princess can get the dull colors for winter and bright one for summer.
It comes with a comfortable and soft no-sew textile upper that will keep your kid’s feet dry and secured. New Balance 519 V1 is basic footwear with no special feature, but it is a very comfortable shoe. It features an injected molded EVA midsole that helps with shock absorption and cushioning.
Therefore you will never have to worry about your girl injuring herself while playing thanks to the stable heel platform. For all-day comfort, this shoe merges a durable rubber outsole with a versatile fabric upper. However, its Velcro strap and short tongue sit too high.
Specs
- Material: Synthetic
- Sole: Rubber
- Size: K10.5-7 (US)
Pros
- Well-cushioned
- Comfortable
- Irritation-free
- Well ventilated
- Lightweight
- Well-cushioned
- It is available in a wide range of colors
Cons
- The Velcro strap and short tongue sit too high
Overall Rating – 4.6 out of 5
Conclusion
New Balance 519 v1 is affordable footwear that is available in several bright colors. Therefore, your daughter can get comfortable footwear that she will love and wear when playing.
4. New Balance Kid’s 680 V5 Running Shoes
New Balance 680 has always been a hit with kids, and V5 continues to be the most popular. This affordable shoe comes in a wide array of attractive colors that your kid will love. Besides being durable, these shoes are quite flexible, which is what your kid’s foot needs. This dependable shoe can support a wide range of activities, including running and walking.
Your active kid needs a lot of support and comfort while running, and they can get that with the ABZORDS and EVA midsoles. This shoe features the ABZORD technology that is in the adult version of the 680s. The ABZORD technology supports every hop, step, and jump. The XLT footbeds deliver the needed cushioning and flexibility.
This neutral style footwear is an ideal option for kids, and the padded tongue and lace-up closure provides the needed fit. This shoe comes with a durable outsole with flex grooves that deliver dependable traction. However, it is a little bit on the narrow side.
Specs
- Sole: Rubber
- Material: 50% Mesh and 50% leather
- Size: 1-10 (US)
Pros
- Lightweight
- Well-designed
- Well-cushioned
- Breathable
- Comfortable
Cons
- It is a little bit on the narrow side
Overall Rating – 4.6 out of 5
Conclusion
This running shoe comes with an excellent upper that provides the needed comfort.
5. New Balance KJ990V4 Shoes
Children love new Balance kids’ running shoes, and KJ990V4 is another great option with everything your child needs to have fun. This option is highly rated for comfort thanks to its unique heel plugs and C-cap midsole. The addition of rubber outsole guarantees that your kid will be safe when jumping and running on different terrains.
Other than increased traction, the outsole together with the midsole helps with shock absorption.This shoe comes in wide sizes, which is ideal for your kid’s growing feet. It is a great option if finding the size of your kid’s feet is a challenge. And being highly durable footwear, your child can wear it for as long as his/her feet remain the same size.
This shoe features a lot of synthetic overlays that help with making it very supportive. However, the synthetic overlays make this shoeless breathable than the other options. But, it still can keep your child’s feet dry. This footwear is available in several color combinations. However, they are quite costly.
Specs
- Sole: Rubber
- Material: Synthetic
- Size: 1-10 (US)
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Available in several color combinations
- Provides ample support
Cons
- It is quite costly
Overall Rating – 4.7 out of 5
Conclusion
Other than comfort, this footwear is made using highly durable material. And the only way your child will need another pair is if he/she outgrows it.
6. Nike Kids Revolution 3 Running Shoes
Revolution 3 is an excellent option for children who are always on the go. It is also a perfect option for parents looking for shoes to hold up to all the abuse kids dish out. Revolution 3 is designed to provide your kids with the needed comfort while keeping their feet dry. After all, their feet tend to sweat when they are running all over. And with this pair, they can enjoy their day even more.
With a tough outsole and durable midsole, Revolution 3 is designed to provide your kids with the needed support. This shoe can guarantee your child comfort even on the longest training sessions or runs. This will keep their feet safe and reduce injuries.
Flexibility is essential in running shoes as it makes it easier for the runner to maintain balance on different surfaces. And this shoe comes with an ideal flexibility level to protect your child’s feet. Revolution 3’s ground feel is incredible since it features a thin sole design that helps improve balance and stability.
Luckily, Revolution 3’s sole are designed with a child’s unique needs in mind. Revolution 3’s soles come with great treads for improved traction. Its unique sole helps with shock absorption and stability. However, Revolution 3 is more expensive than other kid’s running shoes.
Specs
- Sole: Rubber
- Material: Mesh
- Size: 1-7 (US)
Pros
- Well-cushioned
- Comfortable
- It provides the needed support and stability
- Durable
Cons
- It is expensive than other kids footwear
Overall Rating – 4.4 out of 5
Conclusion
Revolution 3 is a great running shoe that can hold up against any abuse a child can dish out. Other than being comfortable, this shoe was designed to protect your child’s feet.
7. New Balance Fresh Zante Pursuit V5 Shoes
The Pursuit V5 is a neutral running shoe that was designed with comfort in mind. And like other unique kids running shoes, this footwear is modeled after the adult version. This lightweight shoe has more than enough cushioning to keep your kid’s feet safe.
This shoe comes with a unique mesh upper that will keep your child’s feet dry all day long. The mesh upper plays a key role in this footwear’s overall weight and performs awesomely. Other than being well-cushioned, this footwear comes with a durable rubber sole that guarantees you proper traction.
Pursuit V5 continues to add firmness and a reliable toe-to-heel drop that ensures him a natural stride. This affordable pair of shoes is famous for both its price and performance. However, it is a bit firmer than other running shoes.
Specs
- Material: Synthetic
- Sole: Rubber
- Size: 1-10 (US)
Pros
- Lightweight
- Super comfortable
- Flexible
- Breathable
- It promotes a natural running style
Cons
- It is firmer than some kids running shoes in the market
Overall Rating – 4.7 out of 5
Conclusion
Zante Pursuit V5 is a great lightweight shoe that is designed with comfort in mind. It is a breathable shoe that provides the needed flexibility and stability.
Factors To Consider When Purchasing The Best Running Shoes For Kids
Kids love playing around with their pals and exploring their neighborhood. They are active individuals who are always jumping, running, and walking on different terrain. Therefore, they need the best running shoes for youth that are more than just comfortable. The best option for growing kids should be breathable, supportive, lightweight, and flexible.
But, most importantly, they need to be stylish; after all, no kid wants a dull pair of running shoes. Luckily, there are numerous options available for you to choose from. So, here are some key features to consider when buying the best kids’ running shoes.
Fit
It is a known fact that kids grow! Some children grow quicker than others, and there are months when they seem to outgrow everything. And tempting as it may be to size-up knowing that your child is growing, it is not a good idea. The effects of getting your child bigger shoes will be more damaging to their feet than your wallet.
Oversized running shoes are uncomfortable and can fall off. They can change your child’s natural walks, which can cause numerous issues in the future. You can get away with purchasing oversized trousers, but their footwear must fit correctly and be comfortable. And that is one of the main reasons to look for a cheaper option. But make sure they provide the needed support.
Comfort
Uncomfortable footwear is not a great option for anyone. You might push through the discomfort and try and suffer silently, but kids won’t. Children are vocal about things that bother them, so make sure they are comfortable. Kids spend several hours in their shoes; therefore, comfort should be the key feature to consider. Uncomfortable shoes prevent your child from walking naturally.
Durability
Even though kids’ shoes must be replaced very often, you should look for highly durable footwear. And that is because they put them through very rough treatment. So look for a brand that can withstand most of the things children put them through.
Remember, your child can wear out poor quality footwear faster; therefore, you will have to replace them sooner. This will end up costing you more than the amount that you would have spent on a high-quality option.
Flexibility
Children are always on the go. They are always exploring, jumping, and running as they explore their surroundings. They engage in numerous activities at school that involve a lot of movements. Therefore their shoes need to be flexible enough for them to move freely.
Lacing Systems
Young kids are always learning, and one of the things that take time for them to master is how to tie their shoelaces. So look for a pair that will make it easier for them to wear their shoes. Most kids running shoes have both loop and hook Velcro straps and the traditional laces. Shoes with Velcro lacing systems are easy to wear, and they give kids a sense of independence.
Design
Kids know what they need, and they are never afraid to tell you their opinions when it comes to design, color, and style. Luckily all running footwear for kids cater to their needs; therefore, your child can always step out in style. So, make sure you consider their opinion when it comes to design and color combinations.
Final Thoughts
Kids are always actively running and jumping everywhere as they explore, therefore, surroundings. Therefore, they need comfortable shoes that will provide the needed support and flexibility. The best running shoes must be able to keep their feet dry.
The best kids’ running shoes incorporate numerous key properties that keep their feet safe. However, the most crucial factor to consider is the size of your child’s feet. Make sure you get them the right size that is neither too tight or loose. Therefore we created the above list of the best options for you.
From our research, we have concluded that Adidas Unisex-kids CF racer TR is the best option available. Adidas Unisex-kids CF racer TR has a unique Cloudform midsole that will provide your kid with the needed support and comfort.
