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Best Gym Shoes for Kids: What to Look for for PE and Active Play

Expert Advice

Best Gym Shoes for Kids: What to Look for for PE and Active Play

Oct 8, 2026

Gym shoes for kids need to check a lot of boxes. They should be durable, flexible and comfortable, and they must fit their little feet well. Gym classes give budding athletes a chance to explore different physical activities, so make sure they're prepared for whatever comes their way. 

Nike Air Max Moto

Essential Features for High-Energy PE Classes

The best shoes for kids' gym classes depend on the type of class, activity and location, but top options include kids' training shoes, running shoes and basketball shoes. Avoid fashion sneakers or more casual styles. 

 

But finding the right shoe goes beyond just the category. Focus on durability. Gym shoes need to be sturdy, made from premium materials that won't wear down after a few wears. High-quality mesh, knit, leather, suede and textile are ideal. 

 

Consider the gym class location and the season. Some gym classes are held outside, so you'll need shoes that protect against the elements. For wet weather, choose leather; for hot weather, look for breathable mesh and knit. 

 

If the gym class is indoors, breathability matters. In a stuffy school gym, with everyone running around, kids can get hot and sweaty fast. Help them stay cool with ventilated shoes made with perforated leather, airy mesh or light knits. 

 

Another crucial factor is flexibility. This is where fashion and casual sneakers can fall flat. Gym shoes should allow for agility and dynamic movement. Check whether the sneaker is flexible enough for a wide range of natural movements, including being up on their tippy-toes and twisting around quickly. The shoes should not crease substantially as they walk or pinch. 

Prioritizing Traction and All-Day Support

To succeed in gym class, children need shoes with excellent traction and high-end support. The best type of support is lightweight enough that they never feel weighed down. Cushioning technology like lightweight foam, Nike Air units or adidas Cloudfoam is ideal, as it absorbs impact shock without feeling heavy. The footbed should be plush and provide a slight bounce as they walk, returning energy to their feet. 

 

Gym floors can be made from a wide range of materials, such as wood, PVC, rubber or polyurethane. These can be slippery if your child is wearing the wrong shoes. The last thing you want is for them to slip and fall during an intense gym activity, so prioritize traction when picking running shoes for kids. Outsoles should be made of rugged rubber, with flex grooves or tread patterns that enhance grip on various surfaces. 

 

If you want to avoid leaving scuffs on gym floors (which some schools request parents consider), look for non-marking rubber outsoles made from soft compounds and light-colored rubber. Dark or bright outsoles are more likely to leave marks, so choose lighter colors or gum rubber outsoles. 

 

Traction and cushioning are among the most important factors for kids' training shoes​, as they support lateral movement. During PE activities like tag or dodgeball, kids move and lean side to side, so extra grip and well-distributed cushioning help keep them stable. 

Boy modeling Saucony sneakers

Choosing Between Training Shoes and Everyday Play Sneakers

In general, play sneakers are great for class, quick playground visits and other day-to-day activities. But training shoes, running shoes and basketball shoes are better options for PE class. Gym classes usually involve high-energy, high-intensity activities that regular play sneakers aren't built for. 

 

If they're playing a sport, going to gym class or doing any activity that requires quick, multi-directional movements, put them in sneakers designed for physical activity. Shoes like Converse and Vans are very cool sneakers for kids, but they're not ideal for gym. Instead, choose sporty Nike or New Balance styles that support movement. 

 

Training shoes are best for activities that require agility, like dodgeball. But running shoes are better if they're moving around a larger area doing things like playing tag or pacer tests. Lastly, sport-specific shoes are great for their designated sport. If it's basketball week in gym class, put them in basketball shoes!

Finding the Right Fit for Growing Feet

Start by making sure they're wearing the right shoe size. You can measure their feet at home, from the tip of the toe to the edge of the heel and at the widest part of their foot. Use these measurements alongside a brand's size guide to find the ideal fit. Remember, not every brand uses the same measurements, so always check. To make the fit more customizable for younger kids, select shoes with adjustable laces or hook-and-loop straps.

Check the fit by pushing on the front of the toe box to see if there is too much room between their toes and the top edge of the shoe. They shouldn't be able to slide their foot back and forth in the shoe. 

Find the right gym shoes for kids at Hibbett. Shop our collection of kids' gym shoes so they can excel when it's time for PE class.

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