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We’ve rounded up the best kids’ road and trail running shoes for budding runners
Whether they’re charging around the playground, taking on a junior parkrun or carving up the mud in a school cross-country race, there’s nothing like seeing your child enjoy the freedom and satisfaction that running brings.
On top of the mental health benefits, such as decreased anxiety and improved self-esteem, studies show that running as a child improves cardiovascular health and reduces the chance of weight-related problems such as type 2 diabetes. Plus, it’s been shown to improve bone density in later life. In short, there’s a lot to love about your child catching the running bug!
With an active kid on your hands, you’ll need a pair of well-fitting kids’ running shoes. Not only to help maintain their enjoyment of running but also to prevent blisters and more serious injuries while retaining your child’s foot health into adulthood.
So what to look for? Kids’ running shoes should feel lightweight and flexible and include cushioning for comfort and impact absorption. Breathable uppers help prevent hot and sweaty feet, while durable outsole materials ensure their shoes stand up to everything your active child throws at them.
If in doubt, many running shoe brands offer ‘mini me’ versions of their adult performance running shoes, complete with trickle-down tech. Above all, though, when it comes to kids’ running shoes, comfort is king. As every parent knows, a comfortable kid is (generally) a happy one!
Here’s our pick of the of the best kids’ running shoes – from Nike and Asics kids’ running shoes to kids' trail running shoes from the likes of Adidas and Merrell.
Sizes: UK 13K to UK 6.5
Decathlon is every parent’s go-to for great value sports kit, so it’s no surprise that it’s come up trumps with the Kalenji At 500 Kiprun, a versatile, comfy shoe for active kids who dabble in a range of after-school sports. Its lightweight design is made for athletics, has a kid-specific fit and includes a seamless forefoot construction for added comfort (no blister-related incidents). Ideal for PE, track and road running, the cushioned foam absorbs impact forces from running and jumping, while the non-marking rubber half-sole provides grip even on the wet track.
Sizes: UK 13K to UK 6
ASICS is the master of stability running shoes, so if your child has low arches or flat feet and a propensity for overpronating, you’re in safe hands. The Litetruss support system in the midsole helps keep young feet stable through their stride, while overlays in the mid-foot add structure and support. Built on a kid-specific last, it includes a combo of EVA cushioning and Gel technology for a lightweight, flexible and soft ride during pavement (and playground) pounding. Made to last, it includes a solid rubber sole and toe rubber stitching for durability.
Sizes: UK 13K to UK 6
Your mini-me will love this kids’ version of Saucony’s flagship neutral adult running shoe. Ideal for budding athletes who clock up several runs a week, its bouncy EVA midsole cushions growing bones from impact and offers a comfy, responsive ride. The one-piece upper is lightweight, breathable and completely seamless, reducing the chance of blisters and rubbing. Junior running shoes should be flexible, and this one includes a grippy Tri-Flex rubber outsole which flexes with the foot for smooth transitions. There’s a reinforced toe cap for durability, and parents everywhere will appreciate Saucony’s ‘anti-stink’ shoe lining!
Boasting the most trickle-down tech from Under Armour’s adult performance shoes, the Charged Rogue 3 is ideal for speedy road runs and after-school sports. UA’s Charged Cushioning midsole gets the thumbs up for comfort and impact absorption while offering snappy responsiveness that young runners will appreciate. The plush sockliner provides a comfy fit and includes anti-odour technology, and there’s an external heel counter to keep young feet stable. It’s also a safe bet for durability with a solid rubber sole and strategically placed pods in high-abrasion areas.
Sizes: UK 13.5K to UK 6
Looking for a kids’ running shoe with a solid athletic pedigree? Here it is. Packed with all the Pegasus tech you’d expect from Nike’s iconic running shoe, including springy React foam and a bouncy Zoom Air unit, this kids’ version is uber-comfy, plush and responsive. The wider forefoot gives growing feet space to spread while the padded collar and tongue help prevent rubbing. A rubber sole provides traction and durability, and there’s a plush breathable mesh upper, so kids can run and charge around comfortably.
Sizes: UK 7K to UK 6
Lightweight and airy is the name of the game during summer, especially if your child’s feet are prone to overheating. Columbia’s Vent shoe is designed for hot weather and combines a breathable mesh upper with midsole vent openings to allow cool air to circulate and keep young feet comfortable. Kids will love the easy bungee and toggle lace system, while the lightweight Techlite midsole offers cushioning and high-energy return for comfy running, jumping and exploring. The non-marking Omini-Grip traction makes this a viable road-to-trail shoe, too.
Sizes: UK 12K to UK 4
Although not a running shoe per se, the GoRun Krozor’s comfy Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole and lightweight, well-cushioned midsole make it a solid choice for active young kids. Versatile and comfy, it’s ideal for PE, school sports, and junior parkruns. The engineered mesh upper is breathable, and the slip-on style with Velcro closure is simple for kids to get on and off. Plus, the shoe is machine washable, which is always a bonus.
Mizuno’s Wave Rider shoe first debuted in 1997 and is still going strong. This junior version borrows key specs from its adult counterpart to offer budding runners a smooth and springy run experience. A heel wedge of Mizuno’s signature Enerzy material adds bounce and softness, while Mizuno’s Wave foam midsole delivers stability. Up top, AIRmesh keeps the shoe breathable and comfy when hot. Ideal for longer distances and regular wear, the outsole features X10, a very hard-wearing carbon rubber that adds durability to high-impact areas.
Also available: Nike Huarache Run for Younger Kids, sizes UK 10K to UK 2.5
If you’re trying to coax your tween into running with you, a good-looking shoe with street cred helps. Enter the Nike Huarache Run for Older Kids. Its chunky style might not scream ‘running shoe’, but, being Nike, it boasts running-friendly specs, including a caged heel for support and stability and soft underfoot foam for lightweight cushioning. The stretchy fabric upper hugs the foot, and the snug inner neoprene bootie-like design feels comfy and secure. One for style-conscious occasional runners, it also doubles as an everyday shoe.
Sizes: UK 10K to UK 2
Also available: GS shoe, sizes UK 13K to UK 6
If your budding triathlete loves a bright shoe, it doesn’t get more colourful than this. Inspired by Asics' adult triathlon shoe, the Pre-Noosa Tri 13 PS boasts an eye-catching design and several multi-sports features. The pull-on tab and Velcro fastening make bike-to-run transitions easy, and there’s plenty of (injection EVA foam) cushioning in the midsole for a comfy ride and impact protection. Toe stitching and a rubber outsole compound lend the shoe durability, while the breathable mesh upper helps prevent overheating.
This junior version of New Balance’s adult Roav shoe gives active kids and junior runners an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride, thanks to the comfy Fresh Foam in the midsole. Doubling as a great everyday sports and PE shoe, it includes rubber pods where needed for traction and durability and a soft, breathable knit upper to keep feet fresh. It looks pretty sleek, too, so you’ll have no complaints from style-conscious tweens.
OK, these kicks are pricey. But given they’re loaded with much of the same tech as their adult counterpart, they’re worth considering should your wallet allow it. Energetic Boost cushioning in the midsole is primed to keep young runners comfy over longer distances, plus there’s a firmer LEP torsion system to boost the shoe’s responsiveness. The comfy Primeknit upper includes foam around the heel for blister prevention and contains at least 50% recycled Parley Ocean Plastic. With a grippy Continental outsole, you won’t be worried about young feet staying sure-footed – the shoe promises excellent tarmac traction, whether wet or dry.
When only top-tier traction will do, Salomon’s legendary Speedcross delivers. This tech-packed kids’ trail running shoe is fully waterproof and nimbly navigates off-road terrain with its aggressive 4mm lugs, making it ideal for junior fell races, cross country and orienteering. Salomon’s Sensifit tech offers a snug, comfy fit with superb ground feel, while the faff-free Quicklace system is a doddle for youngsters to use. To keep young feet cushioned over rough ground, there’s a moulded and injected EVA midsole and comfy EVA sockliner, too.
Sizes: UK 10K to UK 6.5
Ignore the ‘hiking’ in the name; Adidas designed this kids’ shoe for trail running, and it shares some tech with the brand’s race-winning adult performance trail shoes (worn by its roster of top-tier mountain athletes). The Traxion outsole offers a multidirectional grip for excellent traction off-road, and the EVA midsole provides comfy cushioning over rugged terrain. There’s also an Ortholite sockliner for added comfort, but it’s the BOA fit system that’s sure to appeal to parents. Turn the lace wheel to tighten (no lace tying!) for a customisable fit that’s easy as pie for young kids to use.
If your child favours minimalist shoes, this one from Merrell is almost as close to barefoot as you’ll get, offering a zero heel-to-toe drop. Its outsole is grippy enough for cross-country races, family hikes and rock scrambling, and the easy Velcro closure suits kids of all ages. Sweaty young feet will benefit from the lightweight, breathable mesh and synthetic upper, and the recycled PET lining with anti-odour properties helps keep the shoe pong-free. Parents report it as having a wide toe box, which is a bonus for growing feet.