The 10 Best Kids’ Running Shoes
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-quality running shoes that can handle the mileage.
Check out five of our top picks below, then keep scrolling for longer reviews of these shoes and others, as well as our tips to keep in mind when shopping for a pint-sized pair.
Mini Adult Model
Nike Renew Run
amazon.com
$69.95
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A lightweight, breathable upper meets soft cushioning and solid ankle support.
Most Stability
New Balance 860 V11
amazon.com
$74.99
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A denser medial post in the midsole keeps little feet from rolling inward.
Most Cushioning
Adidas Ultraboost 21
amazon.com
$160.00
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With Boost foam underfoot, this bouncy shoe is fast and comfortable.
Best for Mud
Salomon Alphacross Blast
rei.com
$74.95
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The high-traction outsole and waterproof upper let kids tromp through anything.
All-Day Wear
Under Armour Charged Impulse
amazon.com
$65.00
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Affordable and durable, the Charged Impulse is ready for all-day play.
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? Runner’s World’s longtime shoe expert and Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate 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 make the shoe more comfortable—it can also safeguard kids from injuries and ailments like ankle rolls, shin splints, blisters, and plain-old sore feet.
A running shoe provides greater support and protection whether your child is on the playground or participating in a fun run.
Ryan Hulvat
What to Look for
When shopping for youth running shoes, your top priority should be proper fit. “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.”) 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 make the upper more durable, so you can get more use out of the shoe before your kid outgrows it.
How We Tested and Evaluated
Nearly every shoe here has been tested by young runners or active kids here 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.
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—MINI ADULT MODEL—
Nike Renew Run
Renew Run
Nike
amazon.com
$69.95
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Lightweight, breathable upper
Soft cushioning
Age-appropriate lacing
Limited color availability for boys
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 a Velcro option 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 room at the toes, solid support around the ankle, and softer forefoot cushioning for all the jumps, leaps, and skips. Available in sizes 1–7Y and adult.
Shop Boys’ | Shop Girls’
—MOST STABILITY—
New Balance 860v11
New Balance 860 V11
$74.99
amazon.com
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Good for kids who overpronate
Well-suited to flat or wide feet
Some kids will want or need more cushion in the midsole
Just like adults, some kids overpronate when they run, 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. Get the shoe in sizes 10.5K–7Y and adult.
—MOST CUSHIONING—
Adidas Ultraboost 21
Ultraboost 21
Adidas
amazon.com
$160.00
SHOP NOW
Bouncy
Comfortable
Expensive
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. Available in sizes 3.5–7Y and adult.
—BEST FOR MUD—
Salomon Alphacross Blast
Alphacross Blast
Salomon
rei.com
$74.95
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Upper is waterproof but breathable
Grippy lugs
Well-cushioned midsole
Lugs might hold onto debris
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. The Alphacross Blast is available in sizes 13K—7Y and adult.
—BEST FOR ALL-DAY WEAR—
Under Armour Charged Impulse
Kids’ Charged Impulse
Under Armour
amazon.com
$65.00
$45.50 (30% off)
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Springy midsole
Feels fast
Mostly mesh upper isn’t best for rugged terrain
Under Armour’s Charged cushioning uses compression-molded foam for responsiveness and durability. In the Impulse, kids thought the shoe felt “springy” and “fun,” while our testers in comparable adult models liked its smooth, quick ride. A firm external heel counter provides enough support for more than just running, and the two-tone mesh upper breathes well while holding kids’ feet in place. The shoe keeps weight down by using lightweight EVA on most of the outsole and saving heftier solid rubber for high-impact areas only. Available in sizes 4K–12K.
—BEST ALL-TERRAIN TRACTION—
Asics Kids Gel-Venture 8
Kids Gel-Venture 8
ASICS
amazon.com
$55.00
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High-traction outsole
Durable
On the heavy side
Much like the Alphacross, these shoes have high-traction lugs on the bottom designed to grip dirt paths, so all types of terrain are open for exploring. They’re not the most lightweight kids running shoes, but with those extra ounces comes a burly upper and rubber outsole that’s durable enough to hold up to multi-sport abuse. That upper also wins major points for comfort: It’s got mesh panels to prevent little feet from overheating, and a padded tongue and collar that feels plush. For kids who tend to land hard on their heels, gel cushioning in the sole smooths out the harshness of impacts. Available in sizes 1–7Y and adult.
—BEST FOR TRAILS—
Altra Lone Peak
Youth Lone Peak
Altra
amazon.com
$69.95
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Ultra-lightweight
Good for wide feet
Stellar traction
Grippy outsole is best for natural terrain, not roads
Altra’s roomy toe box allows for little feet to splay naturally, and the zero-drop platform with ample yet firmer cushioning will remind kids of running barefoot even when they can’t go shoeless. Borrowing the same design from the original adult Lone Peak, the lugged outsole is supremely grippy for trail runs and scouting trips alike, while the sockliner can be easily removed for quickly growing feet. Kids will love the traction on these Altras without feeling weighed down—these are the lightest shoes in this roundup. Available in sizes 1K–6Y.
—BUILT FOR SPEED—
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
$133.71
amazon.com
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Lightweight
Springy
Expensive
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. Available in sizes 1–7Y and adult.
—VERSATILE FAVORITE—
Saucony Kids Kinvara 12
Kids Kinvara 12
Saucony
amazon.com
$54.95
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Soft, comfortable footbed
Lightweight and speedy-feeling
Durable
Overlays are for aesthetics, not fit
We’ve spent more than a decade throwing awards at the adult Kinvara due to its speed and snap and universally comfortable engineered mesh upper. Turns out the scaled-down version for junior track stars is pretty praise-worthy, too. Both the shoe’s lightweight foam midsole and high-traction rubber outsole were designed to handle high mileage, so the shoes won’t lose their tread or bounce after the first hundred miles. And making them last will become pretty important once these are out of the box—sliding a foot into the cozy upper and memory-foam footbed is like falling back into a comfortable bed after a long day playing sports, so kids won’t want to take them off. Available in sizes 10.5-7Y and adult.
—BEST VALUE—
New Balance Kids Fresh Foam Arishi v3
Kids Fresh Foam Arishi v3
New Balance
amazon.com
$34.99
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Inexpensive
Long-lasting outsole
Sizing is currently limited
These shoes win big points from parents for their durability and value, and from kids for their lightweight comfort. Available in both wide and medium versions, the shoes have 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. Plus, there’s an oversize tab at the back to make them easier to pull on and off—a pretty critical feature for the youngest runners. Available in sizes 10.5T to 3.5Y.
Lisa Jhung
Lisa Jhung writes about all things adventure and is the author of Running That Doesn’t Suck: How To Love Running (Even If You Think You Hate It) and Trailhead: The Dirt on All Things Trail Running.