When you think of footwear for a child, you’ll probably think of cute looking sandals or fancy and colorful shoes with lights. But there’s more to kids’ shoes than that. Like adults’ shoes, kids’ shoes also have a variety based on the functionality.
Among the many options are sports shoes for children. They come in different variants depending on the sport your kid plays. Kids’ sports shoes are designed to offer the best comfort and protection, thus enabling children to play their favorite sport or train outdoors for hours.
In this MomJunction post, we list some of the best kids’ sports shoes and also give you a buying guide for selecting the right ones.
Things To Consider While Buying Kids Sports Shoes
Different sports warrant different leg movement and training, and the shoes the child wears must support that. Along with that, here is what you should consider before buying sports shoes for your kid.
- Price and size: As children grow, their shoe size increase. Investing too much on sports shoes, early on, can become an expensive venture. So, make sure to invest moderately without compromising on quality. Also, do not go for a bigger size as it can cause fitting issues, which, in turn, could lead to injuries.
- Comfort: Kids can’t keep the shoes on for long if they aren’t comfortable in them. So look for shoes that provide cushioning and keep the heel stable and protected.
- Durability: Look for shoes that are constructed using good quality fabric and sole material.
- Flexibility: Sports activities require a lot of movement, and hence, it is necessary to ensure that the shoes offer flexibility.
- Lace/Velcro strap: While buying shoes for older kids, you can look for shoes with lace. However, younger children may not be able to tie the lace, so a Velcro strap option is a better idea.
- Reviews: Go through the reviews of the product to understand more about its pros and cons.
21 Best Kids’ Sports Shoes To Buy
If you are looking for long-term usage of shoes, here is a list of some of the best kids sports shoes to choose from.
1. Adidas Originals Kids’ Pro Spark Basketball Shoe
These basketball shoes from Adidas are designed to offer comfort and traction. The knitted mesh is breathable, and the sturdy synthetic sole offers great grip. These shoes are available in seven different colors.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Good quality material used
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Kids will have to know how to tie the lace since it has no Velcro option
2. New Balance KJ990V4 Running Shoe
It is specifically designed to fit a toddler’s feet and offers utmost comfort to their feet while running or walking. No matter what terrain the kids run on, these sports shoes from New Balance have a cushioning sole, which offers utmost protection to the child’s tender feet.
Pros:
- It has c- cap midsole
- Sturdy rubber sole
- Made of leather
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons:
- Laces are a little longer and can become a hindrance when not tied properly
3. Under Armour Boys’ Baseball shoes
The shoes are designed to offer exceptional comfort and durability. The synthetic sole and rubber molded cleats offer great traction on the field. Also, these sports shoes come in various color options.
Pros:
- Mesh tongue for enhanced breathability
- Durable
- Lightweight
- EVA midsole for comfort
- Cushioning under the foot
Cons:
- Some parents felt that the shoes are narrow and choosing a size bigger could be a good idea for a comfortable fit
4. Adidas Cloudfoam Ultimate Shoes Kids’
Comfort with style is what these sports shoes promise to deliver. The sturdy design and traction makes them durable and ideal for running and walking. The three seamless stripes on the side of the shoes give it a trendy look.
Pros:
- Breathable knitted cloth
- Rubber soles
- Comfortable to wear
- Lightweight
- Cloud foam cushioning for the springy feel
Cons:
- They have laces, and may not be easy for the younger kids to handle
5. BODENSEE Unisex Sports Shoes
These unisex sports shoes from BODENSEE are of good quality, support the feet, and keep them dry. The fabric used is breathable, and the soles of the shoe offer good grip. These are perfect for walking, running, and other outdoor and indoor activities.
Pros:
- Advanced shock absorption
- Good cushion
- Lightweight
- Velcro strap
Cons:
- Limited color options
6. Under Armour Kids’ Basketball Shoe
The basketball shoes from Under Armour are designed to offer support and comfort on the field. Leather and textile enhance breathability and comfort. Also, the sturdy rubber sole provides great hold on the ground.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- High-quality material
- Unique traction pattern for lateral movements
- EVA midsole for comfort and responsive ride
Cons:
- Some customers felt that it is a bit bulky
7. Nike Free Run
This model of Nike’s sports shoes is designed with a tri-star outsole pattern and provides great traction with flexible cushioning. They have a sturdy rubber sole that makes it ideal for running and walking.
Pros:
- Breathable mesh
- Made of synthetic and leather
- Rounded heel for natural footstrike
- Breathable mesh
Cons:
- Ideal for only 8 to 12-years-old kids
8. Vizari Stealth FG Soccer-Shoes
The Vizari soccer cleat shoes for kids offer great comfort and an excellent grip of the ground on the soccer field. They have been designed to keep the child comfortable throughout the game.
Pros:
- Durable and strong with anti-stretch lining
- Collar lining for comfort
- Padded heel
- Rubber sole
Cons:
- Parents say that it is best to buy a size bigger than your child’s present shoe size
9. Dream Pairs Athletic Soccer Football Cleats Shoes
These soccer football shoes from DreamPairs are designed to offer a great grip and control on the ground, especially on a soft or damp field. They come with a two-color synthetic texture and offer great comfort and maximum durability.
Pros:
- Molded rubber outsole reduces the pressure and offers better control
- Durable
- Breathable textile lining
- Lightweight
- Cushioned insole
Cons:
- Some customers felt that the fit is tight for narrow ankles
10. NIKE Kids’ Mogan Mid 2 Jr Skateboarding Shoes
This skateboarding shoe from Nike makes a good choice for kids aged between 8 and 12 years. They are available in various colors and keep the child comfortable throughout the day. Their iconic style makes them trendy too.
Pros:
- Lightweight.
- Durable.
- Perforations near the toe area assure breathability
- Foam padded collar to lock the foot
- Adjustable ankle strap for a secure fit
Cons:
- Tying the really long laces of these shoes can be a hassle
11. T&B Kids’ Turf Soccer Football Cleat Shoes
These football shoes from T&B are made of thermoplastic urethane and are designed to offer great traction on hard ground and turf. They also offer greater control on the ball over the turf. Moreover, these shoes are available in multiple color options.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Traditional lace-up closure
- Smooth waterproof upper
- Sturdy rubber soles
Cons:
- A quick and cheap option for a child who is just starting with soccer or football, so the quality may not be as expected
12. New Balance Kids Fresh Foam Zante v3
These New Balance shoes are next-gen sportswear offering great comfort and excellent foot movement. Its bootie construction provides slipper-like fit to ease-of-use.
Pros:
- Great traction
- Durable
- Fresh foam midsole
- Sturdy rubber soles
Cons:
- Ideal for little kids in the age group of 4-8 years
13. Salomon Kids’ Running Shoes
This trendy sneaker from Salomon is specially designed to offer great traction and durability. The sole is constructed using high-quality material that offers flexibility and comfort. These speedcross shoes offer that extra grip that helps the young one’s feet to move fast on any terrain while cushioning the foot.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Comfort fit
- Good-quality fabric used
- Sturdy rubber soles
Cons:
- Tying the laces can be a hassle
14. Adituo Kids Tennis Sneakers
A simple, casual design makes this tennis sneaker from Adituo the perfect sportswear for kids. Its knitted fabric construction allows the foot to breathe. It comes with hook-and-loop closure and offers maximum range in the movement.
Pros:
- Toe-cap anti-collision design
- Flexible outsole for good movement
- Lightweight
- Breathable
Cons:
- Some customers felt that the Velcro detaches after a few uses
15. SDSpeed Kids Roller Skate Shoes
These roller skating shoes for kids from SDSPEED have been designed to offer a smooth glide. It comes with LED lighting at the base, which gives it a trendy and sporty look.
Pros:
- High-quality material
- Breathable
- Wear-resistant rubber sole
Cons:
- The LED battery cannot be replaced
16. Qansi Child Kids Fashion Sneakers
These athletic sneakers are ideal for girls and boys to wear for running or walking. These high-quality sneakers offer great comfort and durability. The design ensures a comfortable and accurate fit for all foot sizes.
Pros:
- Anti-slip sole
- Ultra-lightweight
- Breathable and stretchy knitted cloth
- Wear-resistant
- Comfy insoles
Cons:
- It only has Velcro straps and no laces, making it more suitable for little kids and not teens
17. ASICS Kids’ Gel-Contend 4 GS Running-Shoes
ASICS gel-contend shoes offer durability and comfort to help your kid move on any terrain. The breathable mesh lining ensures sweat-free feet. Its sturdy rubber sole also offers great traction and the gel cushioning system absorbs shocks in the rear portion of the feet.
Pros:
- Reinforced stitched toe cap for durability
- Minimize the shock impact on foot
- Lace-up closure for a snug fit
- Breathable mesh lining
- Removable sock liner
Cons:
- Some customers felt that the laces start to fray after a couple of weeks of use
18. Feetmat Kids Sneakers
These tennis shoes from Feetmat are ideal for running and walking. The rubber outsole offers great cushioning and enables anti-slip performance. It is ideal for outdoor and indoor sports, and can also be used as casual or sportswear.
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight
- Cushioned insole
- Two type closures: hook-and-loop and lace-up styles
- Anti-twist and abrasion-resistant
Cons:
- Knitted mesh can wear off after several uses
19. Adidas Swift Run Shoes Kids’
These running shoes from Adidas are available in sizes ideal for toddlers to big kids. They offer a comfortable fit and great traction while running. The shoes come in a number of colors to choose from.
Pros:
- Synthetic sturdy sole
- Regular fit
- Lace closure
- Durable
Cons:
- The shoe has an upper cloth material, which can tear easily
20. Nike Boys’ Downshifter 6 Running Shoe
Nike shoes offer durability and comfort to help your kid move on any terrain. The breathable mesh lining ensures sweat-free feet. The sturdy rubber sole offers great traction, and its phylon midsole provides lightweight cushioning.
Pros:
- Deep flex grooves for a good motion
- Lightweight
- Breathable mesh
- Ideal for wearing every day
Cons:
- The fabric may rip owing to a rough use
21. VIFUUR Water Sports Shoes
These water sports shoes from VIFUUR is designed to offer great comfort and to protect the feet from being hurt by sharp objects. It is recommended for activities like yoga training, cycling, kayaking, weight-training, swimming, walking, and jogging.
Pros:
- Sturdy rubber soles
- Smooth neck design prevents chafing
- Breathable, smooth fabric
- Flexible and comfortable
Cons:
- Some customers felt that the stitching might wear out
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How are long-distance running shoes different from short distance running shoes?
The long-distance running shoes are much lighter than the short distance running shoes.
2. How to clean sports shoes?
They can be put in a washing machine for a gentle wash in cold water or cleaned using a damp cloth.
Sports shoes serve a specific purpose and should be purchased keeping in mind the purpose they are being bought for. This helps you get value for money and also ensure optimal comfort and protection for your child’s feet when they’re on the field.
Have you purchased sports shoes for your kid? Share your experience in the comment section below.
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