The Best Athletic Shoes for Kids – Allow Your Kids to Perform at Their Best!
Have you been looking for the perfect pair of athletic shoes for your child? Do you find yourself staring at a wall of shoes that somehow all seem identical and very different at the same time? Whether your child is starting a new sport or needs gym shoes for school, the correct pair of athletic shoes will help keep your child’s feet and legs healthy. I am going to show you the best athletic shoes for kids based on my many years of shoe fitting experience.
Athletic shoes are shoes that are primarily designed for sports or other forms of physical exercise, but they are now also widely used for everyday wear.
There are several different types of athletic shoes, but only a small selection of them provide the correct amount of support and shock absorption. When children engage in sports or physical activity, they are stressing out their feet and legs at a whole different level. This is the reason why it’s so important to provide your child with the correct pair of sport shoes, to reduce the impact that their feet and legs take every time they come in contact with the ground.
Nowadays there is a particular shoe for almost all activities and sports. However, there are certain kids’ shoes that your child will be able to use for multiple activities.
Athletics Shoes Can Help Prevent Foot and Leg Injuries
Athletic shoes are designed to support and protect the front part of your kids’ feet as well as their heels. The correct type of athletic shoes will prevent shin splints, stress fractures, tendinitis, and general foot and leg pain.
If your children are involved in a particular sport that they play more than twice a week, I recommend wearing a shoe that is specifically designed for that sport.
In addition to being supportive and comfortable, your children’s athletic shoes must fit the shape of your child’s feet perfectly. This means getting the correct shoe length as well as the correct shoe width. I am always emphasizing to parents that it doesn’t matter how narrow or wide their children’s feet are, there is a particular shoe out there that will fit the shape of their feet perfectly, and I will help you find it.
The Athletic Shoes That I Recommend Can Fit Different Foot Shapes
The athletic shoes that I recommend are available in different widths such as narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide. Another feature that these shoes provide is extra depth, meaning that your child’s feet will fit deeply inside the shoes — in case your child has a high instep — This helps prevent the top part of your kids’ feet from rubbing against the top part of the shoes.
If your child needs a specific athletic shoe for sports, then take a look at another article I wrote where I describe the best sport shoes for children.
If your child needs a specific athletic shoe for physical education class or doing some serious running, then keep on reading as I will show those shoes shortly.
Providing your child with the correct athletic shoe improves comfort and performance, and most importantly it helps keep your kids’ feet healthy by preventing injuries.
Before I provide you with a selection of the best athletic shoes for kids, I want to first show you the 5 most important features that these shoes provide and how to figure out your child’s exact foot size from home.
Athletic Shoes for Kids – The 5 Most Important Features!
There are 5 key features that your kids’ athletic shoes must provide:
1️⃣ Substantial Outsoles: When your kids’ feet come in contact with the pavement, this feature helps provide support and cushion to your kids’ feet and minimize the impact on the feet and legs take by providing shock absorption.
2️⃣ Firm Heel Counter: This feature helps provide ankle and heel support to your kids’ feet by minimizing the impact on your kids’ heels.
3️⃣ Lightweight and Flexible: While we need the shoes to provide good support, we need them to be lightweight and flexible at the same time to prevent your kids’ feet and legs from easily getting tired.
4️⃣ Traction: Your kids’ athletic shoes must provide good traction to prevent your child from slipping and falling. This helps prevent your child from getting hurt and avoid injuries at the same time.
5️⃣ Extra Depth: Shoes that provide extra depth allow the child’s feet to fit deeply inside the shoes, providing an overall better fit. This feature also allows you to fit an orthotic inside the shoes in case your child needs one for extra support.
When it comes to athletic shoes, I always recommend shoes that come with shoelaces instead of velcro closure, as shoelaces provide better support and stability to your child’s feet. It’s important that your child ties the shoes properly to feel more stable when running.
I have fitted all of these shoes before, that is the only reason why I know how well-made they are, the amount of support that they provide, and how they fit.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at a selection of the best athletic 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 Athletic Shoes for Kids
Below you can find a selection of the best athletic shoes for kids. This first selection is for children with medium (M), wide (W), or extra wide (XW) feet.
Little Kid Shoe Sizes (10.5 to 3)
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 860v13
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam Roav by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Kinvara 14 LLT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Wind 2.0 by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Padded tongue and collar
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 860 V13 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 860 V13 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 880v12 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 860v13 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Strong rubber outsole and cushioned midsoles
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style TR14 LTT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Foam padding placed around your ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel
- 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
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Cohesion TR14 LTT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Foam padding placed around your ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel
- 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
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Big Kid Shoe Sizes (3.5 to 7)
- Shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
- Lace-up closure
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Wind 2.0 by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Padded tongue and collar
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Cohesion TR14 LTT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths
- Foam padding placed around your ankle collar and under the tongue for an incredibly comfortable fit and feel
- 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
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s foot size
- Shoe style FuelCell Rebel by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Rave Run v2 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Supportive outsole with firm heel counter
- Lightweight and flexible
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 880v12 by New Balance
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and padded heel increases comfort
- Firm heel counter
- Supportive heel for active kids
- Breathable mesh upper
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Fresh Foam X 880v12 by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Dual-layer midsole construction featuring top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam X
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Arishi Fresh Foam by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- Lightweight mesh upper
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Arishi Fresh Foam by New Balance
- Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Lightweight mesh upper
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Kinvara 14 LTT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- PWRRUN cushioning puts responsive energy under every stride
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Kinvara 14 LTT by Saucony
- Available in medium and wide widths (fits high insteps)
- Lace-up closure
- PWRRUN cushioning puts responsive energy under every stride
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
Athletic Shoes for Kids with Narrow Feet
This selection is for children who have narrow or medium width feet.
Boys
- Shoe style Gel-Noosa by Asics
- The Asics shoe style Gel-Noosa Tri 13 is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable Insoles
- Order this shoe a whole a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Contend 8 by Asics
- The Asics shoe style Contend 8 is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable insoles
- Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system
- Breathable
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Cohesion 14 LTT by Saucony
- The Saucony shoe style Cohesion is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Novablast 2 GS by Asics
- The Asics shoe style Novablast is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable insoles
- Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system
- Breathable
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Axon by Saucony
- The Saucony shoe style Axon is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Cushioned footbed
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Contend 8 by Asics
- The Asics shoe style Contend 8 is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable Insoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Girls
- Shoe style Gel-Noosa by Asics
- The Asics shoe style Gel-Noosa Tri 13 is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Firm heel counter with supportive outsole
- Removable insoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style GEL-Cumulus by Asics
- The Asics shoe style Gel-Cumulus 25 is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable Insoles
- Order this shoe a whole a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style GEL-Noosa Tri 15 GS by Asics
- The Asics shoe style GEL-Noosa Trim 15 is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Removable Insoles
- Infused gel for extra cushion and support
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Contend 8 by Asics
- The Asics shoe style Contend 8 is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Lace-up closure
- Firm heel counter with supportive outsole
- Removable insoles
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Wind FST by Saucony
- The Saucony shoe style Wind is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Breathable mesh and synthetic upper
- Heel grid system for stable cushioning in the heel
- EVA midsole provides increased shock attenuation, responsive cushioning and lasting durability
- Order this shoe half a size larger than your child’s current foot size
- Shoe style Endorphin KDZ by Saucony
- The Saucony shoe style Endorphin is available for little and big kids
- Fits narrow and medium feet
- Supportive leather and mesh upper for breathability
- Reinforced toe cap for durability
- Order this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
How to Tie Your Kids’ Athletic Shoes to Maximize Performance
The way that you tie your child’s shoes has a direct impact on the amount of support and stability that the shoes provide. There are several shoe lacing techniques out there, but the most effective one is the one that my coworker taught me.
Are You 100% Sure of Your Child’s Foot Size? – Let’s Find Out!
If you don’t provide your child with the correct shoe size, your child won’t get any of the benefits that the shoes have to offer, and you might even end up creating several foot issues such as blisters, calluses, and corns. I always recommend parents take their children to their local children’s shoe store, but the issue is that most specialized children’s shoe stores have been closing down.
If you don’t have a specialized children’s shoe store in your area, start by taking a look at a resource that displays the best children’s fitting shoe stores by state.
If after looking at that resource you still can’t seem to find a good fitting children’s shoe store in your area, then take a look at an article that I created which will show you the simplest and most effective way to figure out your child’s exact foot size from home. In that article I help parents determine their child’s exact foot length and whether the child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also will be able to tell you whether your child has a high instep or not.
Now that you know which are the best athletic shoes that are capable of fitting different foot shapes, you are ready to make the most informed decision. It doesn’t matter how narrow or wide your kids’ feet are, there is always a shoe out there that can fit the shape of your child’s feet perfectly, and I will help you find it.
Do not hesitate to contact me directly if you are unsure whether the shoes that you got for your child are fitting the shape of their feet correctly:
Have you tried any of the athletic shoe styles that I recommend? Have you found another style that has worked well for your child’s feet? Please share your findings below so other parents can benefit from your experiences.
