Best Running Shoes For Kids

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Adidas Cloudfoam
Test Winner: Adidas Cloudfoam
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When your little one needs good quality running shoes, you’ll want to make sure you get a pair that will be comfortable, fit correctly, and meet all of your child’s needs. Running shoes that are designed for children offer a lot of comfort and stability, and also help absorb impact as well as absorb shock while your little one plays, keeping your child’s feet safe and happy. Since you want those play days to be long and enjoyable, you’ll want to make sure you get a good pair of running shoes to meet your child’s needs. Nowadays, there are so many choices in running shoes for kids on the market that it can be very difficult to pick just one. So, to help save you time, we’ve created this list of the top ten best options out there today!

Standout Picks

Adidas Performance Hyperfast
Adidas’s Performance Hyperfast Running Shoes are made to provide a lot of comfort for your child, and feature lightweight cushioning as well as a soft liner that makes these shoes feel great whenever they are put on. You also get plenty of ventilation and breathability designed into these shoes, so your child’s feet will never feel like they are overheating. Plus, they feature several nice design and color options that children will love, so your child can both look good and feel good on those busy play days.
Amazon Link
Saucony Baby Ride
Saucony’s Baby Ride Running Shoes come in a wide variety of colors so that you can pick a style that your child loves. Also, you’ll get a well-designed shoe that is comprised out of leather and also has a durable rubber sole. These sneakers are designed to be long lasting and also feature a great ventilation system so you never need to worry about your child’s feet overheating. Plus, you get a well-cushioned shoe that also has an antimicrobial treatment designed into it.
Amazon Link
Asics Gel-Contend
ASICS is a great manufacturer of high-quality running shoes and outdoor products, and their GEL-Contend Running Shoes for kids is yet another excellent product they offer. You get a lot of size and color options with these GEL-Content Running Shoes so your child can get a pair of shoes he or she loves wearing. Besides the nice style choices for children, you’ll get a lot of built-in comfort for your child’s feet, including good ventilation, plenty of cushioning, and a shoe that both looks and feels great overall.
Amazon Link
Adidas Fortaun
Adidas is another great manufacturer of high-quality sporting shoes and sporting products. Their Fortarun Running Shoe is yet another great product they offer and brings you a lot of color and size options as well. Plus, you get a well-designed, durable shoe that breathes well and also helps you easily find the right size for your child. These shoes have the padding and comfort you’ll want for your child.
Amazon Link
Asics Gel-Venture Trail Running
Asics GEL-Venture Trail Running Shoes offer another high-quality product from Asics for your child. Made for children that are four to twelve years old, you’ll get a lot of nice color and style options so that your child will love wearing these shoes. Also, you’ll get not only a nice-looking shoe but a very comfortable one that provides good traction and also helps absorb shock. Your child will feel very comfortable all day long in these shoes.
Amazon Link
Adidas Cloudfoam
Adidas is well-known in the adult realm and we are happy to see them branching out and creating equally as reliable children's shoes as well. The Cloudfoam for kids features multiple technologies that make the shoes incredibly comfortable and lightweight. The rubber sole adds a lot of durabilities, making this an overall great shoe.
Amazon Link
New Balance 680v5
This shoe from New Balance brings you plenty of options for size and color without compromising the style of the shoe. The leather and mesh upper provide great breathability for all-day wear. The Abzorb technology in the heel of the shoe will also help to keep your child safe and comfortable.
Amazon Link
New Balance KJ890
The KJ890 is at the top of the list for kids shoes coming out from New Balance. These lightweight and comfortable shoes are flexible to allow for a greater range of motion.
Amazon Link
Nike Kids Revolution 3 PSV
Nike, as a brand, has long been known for making great shoes and fantastic sporting wear, and their Kids Revolution 3 PSV Running Shoe is yet another high-quality product. You get a lot of options in colors and sizes with these shoes, too, so you’ll be able to find a design your child will enjoy wearing. Also, you’ll get a shoe that is designed to be very breathable and comfortable and features some great cushioning. Also, these shoes are very easy for children to get on and off with ease.
Amazon Link
Stride Rite Artin Sneaker
Stride Rite’s Artin Sneakers come in a wide variety of sizes, so it should be easy to find a great fit for your child. You’ll also get a lot of color choices with these shoes, which means your child will be able to pick out a style he or she loves. Plus, you’ll get a very comfortable shoe that is designed with high-quality materials, and also ventilates well. These shoes are very easy for children to get on and off as well and are fully machine washable.
Amazon Link
$20.87

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Features

The features you find in your child’s running shoe can offer various different concepts depending on the shoe style and brand. Some features include the type of cushioning system you find in the shoe, how the shoe absorbs impact, the support and stability features, traction, and the durability in the design.

We consider traction to be one of the most important aspects because we all know that children, especially children who are running, aren't always stable on their feet. A great traction system on the bottom of the shoe can help keep them upright. Also, another helpful feature that some manufacturers add is the convenience of making it easier for children to get the shoes on and off by themselves.

Comfort

Comfort is probably the most important factor you’ll have to consider when you are preparing to buy a good pair of running shoes for your child. Some children already find enough things in life to cry about, and we don't want to give them another reason! Additionally, imaging a toddler with blisters is a bit heartbreaking. Anyways, if the shoe isn’t comfortable, it just isn’t going to work and your child might never wear them. The comfort of a shoe comes in many forms from the overall fit to the built-in cushioning. We analyzed our products for the cushioning and padding they had in them, the type of insole if there was a removable sock liner, and how well the shoes absorbed impact and prevented fatigue and muscle soreness.

Durability

Durability is also important in children’s shoes. Some parents may disagree because children grow up so quickly but that doesn't mean that they won't have time to wear them out or that you should settle for something poorly made. As with adult shoes, you'll want to take a good look at the materials that are used in the upper, if there are reinforced areas, the strength of the midsole, and of course, the outsole. The type of rubber (or lack of) on the shoe sole will tell you a lot about how long they will last. A hard rubber sole will last much longer than a soft one.

Value

Value is always an important option to consider since you want to get the most for your money. With many of the models on this list, they have the ability to live through the wear and tear of one child and still be strong enough to be passed on to another. Whether the second receiver is a sibling, friend, or a generous donation, the happiness you'll see in the child's face will be priceless. When we looked at value, we didn't just focus on the price. To determine the overall value, we looked at the shoe’s price, durability, and overall performance features. Even our affordable shoe options still offered a lot of durability and comfort, and that is a very important thing to look for.

Buying Guide

1. Adidas Performance Hyperfast

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Adidas Performance Hyperfast
Amazon Link

Adidas’s Performance Hyperfast Running Shoes are made to provide a lot of comfort for your child, and feature lightweight cushioning as well as a soft liner that makes these shoes feel great whenever they are put on. You also get plenty of ventilation and breathability designed into these shoes, so your child’s feet will never feel like they are overheating. Plus, they feature several nice design and color options that children will love, so your child can both look good and feel good on those busy play days.

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Features
Adidas’s Performance Hyperfast Running Shoes offer a lot of features that are designed to help benefit your child’s feet while keeping play safe and fun. The outsole on these shoes is made of durable rubber so the shoes will last for a while, and you also get a nice mesh forefoot area to help with breathability. The shoes also feature a nice cushioning system and a very soft liner and are comprised of high-quality synthetic materials.

Comfort
These shoes have a nice, comfortable design found in the interior area of the shoes. These shoes feature a midsole that is comprised of lightweight cushioning and also has a soft liner on the inside. Plus, you also get a nice mesh forefoot area for breathability, which makes these shoes very comfortable. The shoes lace-up easily, and are designed to fit well.

Durability
These Adidas shoes are built to last and do feature a lot of durable, quality materials. You get high-quality synthetic materials designed into the shoe, and those are built to last and handle a lot of abuse. The shoes also come with a very durable outsole that helps protect the shoe from scratches and other issues, making them last much longer.

Value
Considering the durability you get with this shoe and the quality brand name, these shoes are priced affordably. They aren’t overly expensive for what they offer, and they are built to last. So, you’ll get a high-quality shoe that will provide your child with a lot of comforts.

Amazon Link

2. Saucony Baby Ride

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Saucony Baby Ride
Amazon Link

Saucony’s Baby Ride Running Shoes come in a wide variety of colors so that you can pick a style that your child loves. Also, you’ll get a well-designed shoe that is comprised out of leather and also has a durable rubber sole. These sneakers are designed to be long lasting and also feature a great ventilation system so you never need to worry about your child’s feet overheating. Plus, you get a well-cushioned shoe that also has an antimicrobial treatment designed into it.

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Features
Saucony’s Baby Ride Running Shoes come with a variety of great features that can help your child’s feet feel great all day long. You get a shoe that is made out of durable leather and also has a nice, breathable outer mesh area for effective ventilation. Also, these shoes are designed to cut back on odor and bacteria and feature anti-microbial protection. The midsole is comfortable and uses an EVA midsole design.

Comfort
Saucony’s Baby Ride Running Shoes offer a lot of innovative concepts to provide plenty of comfort for your child’s feet. They feature an Eva midsole that provides plenty of cushioning, conforms to the foot, but is also very lightweight. You also get a shoe that is designed with plenty of ventilation and breathability, so your child’s feet won’t ever overheat or get too sweaty. Also, these shoes are designed to absorb impact well, making your child feel comfortable for hours.

Durability
Saucony’s Baby Ride Running Shoes are designed out of durable, high-quality materials that feature leather and textile with a synthetic sole. The upper is designed to be both mesh and leather, so you get a lot of durabilities as well as good ventilation. Also, these shoes feature a very durable outsole that can last for a long time.

Value
These shoes come at an affordable price for what they offer. They are designed with a lot of durability in mind and will last for some time—probably until your child outgrows them. They offer a lot of comfort and protection as well, and they also look and feel great.

Amazon Link

3. Asics Gel-Contend

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Asics Gel-Contend
Amazon Link

ASICS is a great manufacturer of high-quality running shoes and outdoor products, and their GEL-Contend Running Shoes for kids is yet another excellent product they offer. You get a lot of size and color options with these GEL-Content Running Shoes so your child can get a pair of shoes he or she loves wearing. Besides the nice style choices for children, you’ll get a lot of built-in comfort for your child’s feet, including good ventilation, plenty of cushioning, and a shoe that both looks and feels great overall.

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Features
ASICS’s GEL-Content Running Shoes come with a bevy of great design features that will help keep your child’s feet happy. First, you get a Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System which is designed into this shoe. This system helps to absorb shock so that your child doesn’t feel the impact of running or playing while on the go. Also, these shoes come with a sock liner that helps children who need an extra cushion have that, but the sock liner can also be removed.

Comfort
These shoes are very comfortable and feature the Rearfoot GEL Cushioning system which helps absorb shock so your child doesn’t feel soreness or fatigue. It also comes with a removable sock liner for children who need extra protection with your feet. The upper is also designed for support and stability. Plus, these shoes are designed to ventilate well, so you never have to worry about your child’s feet drowning in his or her own sweat.

Durability
These shoes have a lot of nice features that make them very durable, so you’ll wind up with a high-quality pair of shoes that will last for some time. First, you get a durable rubber sole with this shoe, which helps protect the outer area of the shoe from abuse. Also, these shoes come with a reinforced stitched toe cap, which means there is extra durability designed into this shoe.

Value
Considering how durable these shoes are, you will wind up having them for some time if you purchase them. They are priced affordably, and since they are so long-lasting, they are a nice investment. Your child will feel comfortable while enjoying several hours of outdoor play.

Amazon Link

4. Adidas Fortaun

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Adidas Fortaun
Amazon Link

Adidas is another great manufacturer of high-quality sporting shoes and sporting products. Their Fortarun Running Shoe is yet another great product they offer and brings you a lot of color and size options as well. Plus, you get a well-designed, durable shoe that breathes well and also helps you easily find the right size for your child. These shoes have the padding and comfort you’ll want for your child.

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Features
Adidas’s Fortarun Shoes have several features we think help to make this one great product. First, these shoes have a synthetic textile material on the upper that breathes well and a durable rubber sole. They also feature a lot of comfort in the mesh upper that also provides a lot of support. You’ll get elastic laces that also come with a hook-and-look strap so it is easy for children to get these shoes on and off.

Comfort
The comfort features designed into these shoes make them a great piece of footwear for children. The midsole on the inside of these shoes is made out of cloud foam, and that foam option provides a lot of cushioning that feels great. Plus, these shoes also have an Eco OrthoLite sock liner for extra comfort if your child needs it. You get a well-fitting shoe that is made to be comfortable.

Durability
You get a lot of durabilities built into this high-quality shoe, and that is a nice bonus about this product. The non-marking flexible rubber outsole on this shoe is made to give better grip and traction while your child is on the go, but the outsoles also help protect the outer areas of the shoe and boost the shoe’s durability. The high-quality textile and synthetic materials that shoe is made out of also help to make this shoe very long lasting.

Value
This is a very nice shoe that comes in a decent price range, and it isn’t priced to be overly expensive. That’s certainly nice if you are shopping on a budget, but what is even better is the amount of durability you’ll get with these shoes. These shoes feature a long-lasting design that makes them a great investment and means you shouldn’t need to purchase a new pair of shoes for your child for some time.

Amazon Link

5. Asics Gel-Venture Trail Running

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Asics Gel-Venture Trail Running
Amazon Link

Asics GEL-Venture Trail Running Shoes offer another high-quality product from Asics for your child. Made for children that are four to twelve years old, you’ll get a lot of nice color and style options so that your child will love wearing these shoes. Also, you’ll get not only a nice-looking shoe but a very comfortable one that provides good traction and also helps absorb shock. Your child will feel very comfortable all day long in these shoes.

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Features
Asics GEL-Venture Trail Running Shoes come with a lot of helpful features children will enjoy having in a shoe. First, these shoes come in a wide variety of colors and styles. They are also made to be very breathable, and they provide great traction. They feature a nice gel cushioning system and absorb shock well. Plus, they have excellent traction.

Comfort
These shoes feature the Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System, which means they have plenty of padding but also do a great job of absorbing shock so your child doesn’t feel fatigued or muscle soreness. You get a shoe that also ventilates very well, so your child’s feet won’t feel like they are soaked in sweat, and this adds to the overall comfort level of the shoes. Also, the shoe is great at protecting your child’s feet, too, when he or she is on the go.

Durability
These shoes are made with high-quality materials that make them quite durable. Their rubber sole is quite durable and helps protect the shoe from other issues. Also, you get a shoe that has great synthetic materials in it that help make this shoe long-lasting. The stitched-down toe bumper also helps make the shoe very durable.

Value
Considering these shoes are quite durable, they are priced affordably for what they offer. You’ll get a pair of shoes that are built to last for some time, and also that offer a lot of comforts. Your child will love playing and running in these very comfortable shoes.

Amazon Link

6. Adidas Cloudfoam

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Adidas Cloudfoam
Amazon Link

Adidas is well-known in the adult realm and we are happy to see them branching out and creating equally as reliable children's shoes as well. The Cloudfoam for kids features multiple technologies that make the shoes incredibly comfortable and lightweight. The rubber sole adds a lot of durabilities, making this an overall great shoe.

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Features
Whether your child already knows how to tie their shoes, or they are just learning, they will enjoy doing it with this pair of Adidas. To make it easier, the tongue of the shoe features a hook that is easy to pull up and the heel of the shoe is quite tall. The tall heel makes it easy to grab and set your foot into the shoe. The stitching of the shoes creates a unique pattern that will set your child apart from the rest.

Comfort
These may be one of the most comfortable pairs on our list. These shoes feature Ultimate Cloud Foam technology, which combines a cloud foam midsole with a soft memory foam insert. One child even said that it “feels like the running on cotton candy.” These shoes are also very lightweight.

Durability
The sole of these shoes is made from rubber. Rubber soles tend to last longer and provide better traction. The upper of the shoe is knit and mesh. The soft materials make the shoes feel like they have a “sock-like” fit. As for the rest of the shoe, it is made from textile and synthetic. There are three well-known seamless stripes on each side of the shoe. Many reviewers are happy with the amount of abuse that these shoes can take and expect them to last for quite a while.

Value
These Adidas are priced slightly higher than some other children’s shoes. However, with great style, durability, and incredible comfort, we can see why.

Amazon Link

7. New Balance 680v5

Where to buy
Amazon Link
New Balance 680v5
Amazon Link

This shoe from New Balance brings you plenty of options for size and color without compromising the style of the shoe. The leather and mesh upper provide great breathability for all-day wear. The Abzorb technology in the heel of the shoe will also help to keep your child safe and comfortable.

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Features
One of our favorite features of these shoes is the amount of color and size choices that are available. Ranging from pink to seafoam to black, there is a color that will stand out to every child and give them confidence. These New Balances are also available “little kid” sizes (4-8 years old) or “big kid” sizes (8-12 years old) and also in many different widths. On both sides of the shoe, there is the New Balance logo of a reflective N. While we do wish there was some reflectiveness on the toe or heel, this is better than nothing.

Comfort
As with most models from New Balance, the midsole of this shoe is injected with molded EVA. This EVA provides a great balance of firmness and flexibility. Many children praise the comfort of these shoes and appreciate the breathability as well. To protect your child’s joints and decrease the impact of running and stomping, the heel of the shoe features Abzorb technology to cushion the impact of the foot hitting the ground.

Durability
For the most part, these shoes stand up to the wildness of children. However, some customers have been disappointed with the shoes in this aspect and commented on the toe area materials being weak. The upper of the shoe is made from leather and mesh, and the sole is made from synthetic materials.

Value
These shoes are fairly priced for their small size. The variety of colors, sizes, and width provide the opportunity of a great fit for any child. The only thing we can hope for in the future is the addition of a reinforced toe box to increase the durability of the shoe.

Amazon Link

8. New Balance KJ890

Where to buy
Amazon Link
New Balance KJ890
Amazon Link

The KJ890 is at the top of the list for kids shoes coming out from New Balance. These lightweight and comfortable shoes are flexible to allow for a greater range of motion.

Read more

Features
You get a lot of great features with these New Balance shoes. With an ABZORB heel cushion, your child's feet will stay comfortable during any activity. Plus, the design of the shoe is made to provide a lot of ventilation and breathe very well, so that is another nice feature. These New Balance shoes also come in a variety of colors and styles so your child will be able to pick the look they like the most. The shoes are also non-marking and very lightweight, which makes them great for sports.

Comfort
The cushioning system in these shoes is very contemporary. The ABZORB heel will help absorb impact and keep your child’s feet feeling great. Also, the lightweight style adds a lot to the comfort factor as well. You’ll also get a pair of shoes that breathe very well so you never have to worry about your child feel like he or she is overheating.

Durability
These shoes are decently durable and will last for some time, but they don’t feature some of the durability options that other products on our list have. You don’t have the strong rubber outsole with these shoes, and that does make a difference in durability. However, these shoes won’t fall apart immediately, and they will last, they just don’t have the durability potential of some other contenders on our list.

Value
These shoes are priced affordably, and since their design is based on comfort, they are a worthwhile investment. They don’t have more than average durability, but they still are a nice option in good footwear for your child.

Amazon Link

9. Nike Kids Revolution 3 PSV

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Nike Kids Revolution 3 PSV
Amazon Link

Nike, as a brand, has long been known for making great shoes and fantastic sporting wear, and their Kids Revolution 3 PSV Running Shoe is yet another high-quality product. You get a lot of options in colors and sizes with these shoes, too, so you’ll be able to find a design your child will enjoy wearing. Also, you’ll get a shoe that is designed to be very breathable and comfortable and features some great cushioning. Also, these shoes are very easy for children to get on and off with ease.

Read more

Features
Nike’s Kids Revolution 3 PSV Running Shoes have a lot of nice features that children and parents can both love. First, they have a hook and loop closure system that is adjustable, and that also makes it easy for children to get these shoes on and off. You get a lightweight, well-cushioned insole, and shoes that have a lot of flexibility. Plus, they have some nice traction and support as well.

Comfort
These shoes feature leather overlays which help to provide extra support for your child. They also have a Phylon midsole that provides a lot of cushioning, but still feels very lightweight. The outer area of the shoes features a breathable mesh fabric that helps these shoes to ventilate well so that your child will never feel like he or she is overheating, providing extra comfort.

Durability
These Nike running shoes are designed with a lot of durable materials, including leather and a leather overlay system. That design helps to make the shoes last longer. Also, the outsole is designed for durability, and the rubber sole helps to extend the life of the shoe. Your child should get a decent amount of use out of these shoes.

Value
While these shoes aren’t as durable as some of the other products we have on our list, they are still above average in durabilities and come with an affordable price tag. That means these shoes are a great value option if you want something very comfortable for your child to run and play in. Also, you’ll get a nice-looking shoe that your child loves wearing as well.

Amazon Link

10. Stride Rite Artin Sneaker

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$20.87
Stride Rite Artin Sneaker
Amazon Link

Stride Rite’s Artin Sneakers come in a wide variety of sizes, so it should be easy to find a great fit for your child. You’ll also get a lot of color choices with these shoes, which means your child will be able to pick out a style he or she loves. Plus, you’ll get a very comfortable shoe that is designed with high-quality materials, and also ventilates well. These shoes are very easy for children to get on and off as well and are fully machine washable.

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Features
Stride Rite’s Artin Sneakers offer a bevy of nice features that both children and parents will love. First, they are fully machine washable, so they are easy to maintain and keep clean. They also offer a variety of size and color choices. You’ll get shoes that feature leather and breathable mesh material, so they ventilate well. Also, these shoes are designed with an anti-microbial lining so they won’t stink, and they are very easy for children to get on and off.

Comfort
Stride Rite’s Artin Sneakers offer a lot of comforts built into the design. These shoes are comprised out of leather and breathable mesh material, so they ventilate well. Your child’s feet will be able to breathe and stay dry, and that provides a lot of comforts.
Also, these shoes have memory-foam insoles that help cushion your child’s feet and absorb shock so your child won’t feel impact or experience fatigue or muscle soreness.

Durability
These shoes are comprised of high-quality materials that make them decently durable. The leather and mesh design makes them quite long-lasting, and also allows the shoes to breathe. Plus, these shoes also have strong rubber soles and non-marking outsoles that are built to last. You can also easily wash these shoes in the washing machine, so you can keep them clean and keep using them for longer periods of time.

Value
These shoes come with an affordable price tag and decent durability, so they are a good value product. These shoes aren’t quite as durable as some other options, but they do last and are still above average in durability. Also, considering the comfort your child will experience, they make a great option for shoes.

Amazon Link
$20.87

Sources

  1. Best Reviews, Top 10 Best Running Shoes for Boys 2017 Reviews, Informational Running Website
  2. Brenda Priddy, The Best Running Shoes For Kids, Informational Running Website
  3. DaBest99, Top 10 Best Running Shoes for Kids in 2018 Reviews, Informational Running Website