Best Gym Shoes for School – Supportive, Durable, and Affordable!
Proper gym shoes help absorb shock and reduce the risk of injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures. They provide stability and grip, essential for dynamic movements in gym class. Your child’s gym shoes for school don’t need to be expensive as long as they provide good cushioning and support. The list of gym shoes I will show you shortly can fit different foot shapes such as narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet.
Why Supportive Gym Shoes Matter
I have noticed that most of the time children’s footwear is chosen based on what is aesthetically pleasing rather than what is more functional for safety and efficient movement. I mention this because I know a lot of children like to wear skateboarding shoes (Converse, Vans) which might be accepted by the school but they are not ideal for gym class. Keep in mind that there are many leg, ankle and foot injuries that could have been prevented if proper athletic footwear had been worn.
Key Features of Ideal Gym Shoes for Kids
1. Supportive and Substantial Outsoles: For gym shoes, it’s vital to have a supportive and substantial outsole. This provides stability and helps absorb shock, reducing the impact on a child’s growing bones and joints during physical activities.
2. Lightweight and Flexible: While support is crucial, the shoe should also be lightweight and flexible. Kids are naturally active, and their shoes should not weigh them down or restrict movement. Moreover, lightweight shoes can encourage children to be more active, as they experience less resistance and effort in their movements.
3. Firm Heel Counters: The heel counter is the part of the shoe that wraps around the back of the heel. A strong heel counter can help prevent heel pain, ensuring that the foot remains in a neutral position during movement.
How to Determine the Right Shoe Size
For precise measurements, consider using my virtual shoe fitting service, which provides accurate sizing based on foot dimensions. This resource can offer a convenient and accurate alternative to in-store fittings, saving time and ensuring a perfect fit. Virtual services can also provide personalized recommendations based on foot shape and specific needs.
For gym class, kids need shoes that provide a balance of support, flexibility, and comfort. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.
Best Gym Shoes for School for Foot Comfort and Support
Make sure to click on the shoe you like as it might be available in several colors. The shoes I recommend below are capable of fitting children with narrow, medium (M), wide (W), or extra wide (XW) feet.
1. Shoe Style Fresh Foam 625 by New Balance
These New Balance gym shoes for kids are perfect for kids who need a reliable all-around gym shoe, capable of supporting diverse sports engagements.
Key Features
- Available for big kids
- Order the shoe Style Fresh Foam 625 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning provides an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Padded collar and tongue
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Shoe Style Mach by Hoka
For kids who require extra cushioning, the Mach by Hoka is an excellent choice. Its plush midsole provides superior shock absorption, while the lightweight design ensures ease of movement.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Mach by Hoka on Amazon or Zappos
- Available for big kids
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Cushioned midsole for shock absorption
- Durable outsole with excellent traction
- Ideal for children who need extra support from their shoes
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Shoe Style Assert 10 by Under Armour
These Under Armour gym shoes are known for their durability and support. The EVA sockliner provides a comfortable fit, while the lightweight mesh upper allows for breathability. This shoe is ideal for kids who engage in various sports and need a versatile option.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order the shoe style Gel-Noosa by Asics on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Fits medium and narrow feet
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Shoe Style Rave Run v2 by New Balance
The Rave Run V2 by New Balance has received positive feedback from parents who appreciate the shoe’s price point and durability.
Key Features
- Available for little and big kids
- Order the shoe style Rave Run by New Balance on Zappos or the New Balance website
- Fits medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Breathable mesh upper
- Padded collar and tongue
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Shoe Style Kinvara by Saucony
These Saucony gym shoes are lightweight and offer excellent cushioning and flexibility. It’s perfect for kids who enjoy running and other high-impact activities.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Kinvara by Saucony on Amazon
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Foam padding placed around the ankle collar and under the tongue
- Comfort sockliner molds to your foot with padding in the heel for ultimate cushioning at heel-strike
- Engineered mesh for structure, stretch and enhanced breathability
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
6. Shoe Style Cumulus by Asics
These supportive gym school shoes by Asics feature a cushioned midsole, durable outsole, and breathable upper, making it ideal for various sports and gym activities.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Cumulus by Asics on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow or medium feet
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
7. Shoe Style 237 and 327 by New Balance
These New Balance gym shoes for kids are perfect for kids who want to make a fashion statement while enjoying the benefits of supportive footwear.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style 237 and 327 by New Balance on Amazon or the New Balance website
- Fits medium or wide feet
- Breathable mesh upper
- Padded collar and tongue
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
8. Hoka Clifton
The Hoka Clifton is a popular choice for its comfort and versatility. It’s suitable for everyday wear, from school days to high-impact and sports activities.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Clifton by Hoka on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Lightweight and breathable
- Plush cushioning for all-day comfort
- Supportive outsole
- Ideal for children who need extra support from their shoes
9. Shoe Style 1906 by New Balance
These New Balance shoes offer a blend of style and functionality. These shoes are designed for both casual wear and athletic performance, making them versatile options for kids.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style 1906 by New Balance on the New Balance website
- Available in medium and wide widths
- ABZORB midsole absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression
- Padded collar and tongue
- I suggest that you get this shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
10. Shoe Style Contend by Asics
These Asics gym shoes are a top choice for kids who need reliable and comfortable gym shoes. These shoes are designed with a focus on cushioning and support, making them ideal for running and other athletic activities.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Contend by Asics on Amazon
- Available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow or medium feet
- I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Additional Shoe Recommendations from a Passionate Shoe Fitter
As a shoe fitter, I often recommend specific brands and models based on a child’s foot shape and activity level. If you are looking for a different shoe style or a different color don’t hesitate to contact me with your child’s foot shape and I will provide you with different shoe recommendations: fittingchildrensshoes@gmail.com
Getting specific shoe recommendations based on your child’s foot shape can make a world of difference.
Additional Shoe Recommendations: Formal School Shoes for Kids
In addition to gym shoes, formal school shoes are another essential part of a child’s wardrobe. Like gym shoes, they should offer support, flexibility, and a proper fit.
The Importance of Teaching Children How to Tie Their Shoes
Making sure that your child’s shoes are properly tied at gym class is a safety issue. You need to work with your children and help them practice this developmentally appropriate skill if they do not have mastery over it. Remember that it’s important that children wear shoes with shoelaces instead of an alternative closure when performing physical activity as they provide better support and stability.
Worst Shoe Brands for Gym Class
Below you can find a list of popular shoes that children like to wear to gym class and that are the worst choice you can make in terms of function and support:
- Converse
- Vans
- Sperry Top-Siders
- Kickers
While these shoe brands manufacture stylish and popular shoes for children, they don’t provide the correct amount of support and flexibility your child needs when performing high-impact activities. This doesn’t mean that your child can’t wear shoes from those brands occasionally, they just shouldn’t wear them to perform physical activity.
In physical education class, your child’s safety should always come first. This is why it’s so important that your child wears the appropriate footwear. The correct type of shoes will not only allow your child to participate safely in gym activities but also be successful with those activities.
Thank you for updating your site with 2022 style recommendations. Unfortunately many of the options that you listed for little kids are actually big kid shoes.
Hello Veronica,
Thank you for pointing this out! I revised some of the shoe recommendations.
Keep in mind that this also depends on how each online retailer categorizes their shoes. For example, “Little Kid’ shoe sizes range from a shoe size 10 1/2 through 3. However, Amazon, for example, categorizes a shoe size 1 as “Big Kid” when it should be categorized as a “Little Kid” size.
Thank you so much!
I am happy to help!