Cross Training Shoes for Kids – Get One Shoe that Works for Most Activities

Have you been looking for one pair of shoes that your child can wear to multiple activities and sports? Are you hesitant about investing in a pair of sport-specific shoes that your child might quickly outgrow? Certain cross-training shoes for kids provide the support and cushioning of a running shoe, the lateral stability of a basketball shoe, and the forefoot cushioning of a volleyball shoe.

I have noticed that some parents don’t really know what cross training shoes are. Cross training shoes are designed to support children in any activity that they choose. They basically allow children to engage in activities that draw from a variety of different sports.

What are the Benefits of Providing Children with a Pair of Cross Training Shoes?

Cross training shoes are the most versatile type of shoe that your child can wear. They are durable and encourage a variety of movements such as cutting, stopping, breaking, jumping and quick direction changes.

These are the benefits of providing your child with a pair of cross training shoes:

• They offer cushioning for high-impact training.
• They are extremely lightweight for quick movement and quick direction changes.
• They offer heel support for squatting and jumping. 

I have helped hundreds of children find the perfect pair of shoes for their feet, and I believe I will be able to help your child as well. Over the years, I became familiar with the best cross training shoes for kids.

What Makes the Cross Training Shoes that I Recommend Ideal for Kids?

The cross training shoes that I recommend provide children with excellent support and stability. They are specifically designed with additional support at the sides and targeted cushion below the heels.

1️⃣ Supportive Outsoles: The cross training shoes that I recommend provide a supportive and substantial outsole that will cushion your child’s feet for high-impact activities. Take a look at the image below for better visualization purposes:

2️⃣ Firm Heel Counters: This feature helps protect and support your kids’ heels and ankles. Shoes with firm heel counters provide lateral stability and help protect the child’s ankles from side-to-side cuts.

Let me show you the difference in heel support between one of the shoes that I recommend and a different style. Do you notice how the shoe on the right has a firmer heel counter compared to the shoe on the left?

3️⃣ Targeted Heel Support: The cross training shoes that I recommend provide targeted cushion and support right below the heels. Take a look at the image below for better visualization purposes:

4️⃣ Good Traction: The cross training shoes that I recommend provide good traction to help keep your child’s feet from sliding around.

Shoes that provide these four important features will allow your child to run and play comfortably while helping reduce the risk of injury such as rolling an ankle or awkwardly turning over a foot.

The Importance of Providing Children with the Correct Shoe Size

Whether you are looking for a pair of cross training shoes that your child can wear for gym class or multiple sports, you must make sure that you provide your child with the correct shoe size.

It’s important for parents to understand that for their children to get the full benefits that the shoes have to offer, they must wear the shoes in the correct size. Wearing shoes in the correct size involves providing children with the correct shoe length and the correct shoe width (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide).

I suggest that you take your child to be fitted for shoes at your local shoe store, as they will measure your child’s feet and recommend shoes accordingly. I created a resource that showcases the best-fitting children’s shoe stores by state.

How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape from Home

If you don’t have a specialized children’s shoe store close in your area, I suggest that you take a look at the resource below. In that article I help parents determine their children’s exact foot length and shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide, high instep).

Now that you know your child’s exact foot length and shape you are ready to take a look at the best cross training shoes for kids. 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. 

The Best Cross Training Shoes for Kids

Take a look at the description below each shoe to check whether that specific style is capable of fitting your child’s foot shape.

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Are Any Other Shoe Choices Available?

Let me know if you are having a hard time finding your child’s shoe size or if the shoes are not available in your child’s foot shape. You can ask your question in the comment section below or email me at:

[email protected] 

How to Tie Your Kids’ Cross Training Shoes

Make sure that your kids’ shoes are properly tied at all times so your child can get the full support and stability that the shoes have to offer. There is a specific shoe lacing technique that I like to apply to most children’s shoes as it helps secure the foot and prevents heel slippage.

Have you found a specific pair of cross training shoes that worked well for your child? Let us know in the comment section below so other families can benefit from your experiences.