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What to Look for When Picking Running Shoes for Kids

Expert Advice

What to Look for When Picking Running Shoes for Kids

Apr 30, 2024

Kids are always on the go. Whether you’ve got an active toddler who takes charge of the playground, a curious preschooler exploring new activities or a grade schooler starting weekend sports, you want athletic and running shoes for kids that stand up to the demands of childhood. Let this be your guide to choosing the right running shoes to fit your child’s feet and their playtime goals. 

Fit Check

Fit Check

Obviously, you’ll need to make sure the running shoes fit your child’s fast-growing feet properly. In addition to consulting a size chart, here’s how to make sure your kid has the right shoe:

  • Measure … then measure again. If you’re shopping online, be sure to measure both feet to get the most accurate sizing and minimize the hassle of returns. Not sure you’re getting the right size? Head to your nearest Hibbett store and have a pro measure your kid’s foot. They can also provide shoe recommendations based on your child’s foot width and any arch issues.
  • Consult the charts. By charts, we mean size charts. While many athletic shoes are true to size, each brand slightly varies. For example, Nike running shoes for kids run true to size, but if your preschooler has a wider foot, you may need to size up. New Balance sneakers are great for children with wide or flat feet.
  • Go with the rule of thumb. Feet will swell slightly throughout the day, especially if your child is in motion, so make sure you have about a thumb’s width of wiggle room in the toebox
  • Do a heel check. When they try the shoes on, does the heel fit snugly? Have your child walk around the room to check for slippage.
  • Assess the flex. The shoe should bend naturally at the ball of the foot, mimicking your kid’s natural movement.

Growing Feet Features

Adult running shoes prioritize performance, but children’s shoes focus more on growth and comfort. It’s not enough to have the right size if your kid complains about scratchy materials and hard-to-manage laces. Here are a few other features to consider:

  • Breathability. Has your toddler ever kicked off their shoes and the smell immediately hit your nose? Look for running shoes with mesh uppers or light layers that not only keep feet cool and dry but also lower the stink factor.
  • Cushioning. Most athletic shoes for kids have moderate cushioning, which is ideal for young runners. Too much padding can actually negatively affect proper foot development.
  • Traction. They run, they jump, they climb — and sometimes they fall too. Minimize scraped knees by making sure the soles of your child’s shoes have grippy traction patterns that are suitable for the pavement, playground, park and gym.
  • Support. If your grade schooler’s ankles roll inward when they run, consider shoes with light stability features. Look for structures in the shoe that support natural movement, whether it’s an internal midfoot cage or a contoured footbed.

Parent-Approved Sneaker Considerations - Girl in Dress and Jacket with Nike Air Max 270s

Parent-Approved Sneaker Considerations

As a parent, you’re always shopping for something, whether it’s new clothes to replace the ones your kids outgrew, school supplies or a silly hat for a summer camp theme day. Here are a few ways to make sure you get the most out of your shoe investment:

  • Find something that’s easy to keep clean. White canvas shoes are cute, but they’ll require more than just an occasional wipe down, especially if your kids are wearing them outside. Go with genuine or synthetic leather — or a darker-colored shoe. And if you need cleaning tips, we’ve got those too.
  • Choose the right fasteners. Lace-up shoes may seem ideal for kindergarteners, but they often get untied throughout the day and your child may struggle with tying them. While your grade-schooler may be more than capable of managing regular laces, consider kicks with velcro straps or elastic laces for the younger ones.
  • Bet on durability. Look for shoes with added features, like abrasion resistance along the sides and reinforced stitching on the uppers for more extended wear.

Our Favorite Running Shoes for Kids - Grey New Balance 990's

Our Favorite Running Shoes for Kids

Here are a few timeless shoe styles that kids of all ages will love:

From kids’ HOKA styles to Nike and New Balance, Hibbett is here to help get your children moving. Shop online or visit us in-store to find their best fit.

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