Best Running Shoes for Kids Races, Track, and Cross Country
Get your child the shoes they need to succeed in track and cross country!
By Coach Erica Knighton
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Introduction – Best Running Shoes for Kids Races, Track, and Cross Country
Your kids’ feet take them on all sorts of adventures. Whether for recess, their first 5K, or their spot on the track and field or cross-country team, kids need durable and high-quality running shoes.
Selecting the proper running shoes is crucial for children. This is because children’s feet require reinforcement and responsiveness to develop correctly as young athletes.
It’s essential to consider factors like arch support, cushioning, stability, and fit to prevent injury and discomfort. Prioritizing these elements allows kids to run comfortably, and build endurance and confidence whether they’re on the track or in the playground.
Investing in the right pair of running shoes for your child provides them with the tools they need to excel.
Schedule a Consultation to Discuss Your Son or Daughter’s Training!
Coach Chris Knighton offers 1:1 consultations for parents who are interested in discussing their son or daughter’s track or cross country training. Coach Chris is the founder of Knighton Runs and coaches high school girls cross country and track.
Click Here to Learn More, or Schedule a Consultation Now!
Why Kids Need Proper Running Shoes for Racing, Track, and Cross Country
Many parents hesitate to buy running-specific kids’ shoes. Sometimes they’re priced higher than general sneakers. Parents also know their child might quickly outgrow a pair of running shoes.
However, many kids’ shoes, especially those for very young children, are extremely stiff and overbuilt. A dedicated running shoe with a quality midsole and supportive upper will offer kids the same comfort adults expect from their own running shoes.
Additionally, having proper running shoes can safeguard kids from injuries and ailments like ankle rolls, shin splints, and blisters.
Looking for shoes for high-schoolers? Check out our high school specific article here!
How a Kid’s Shoe Should Fit
The most important thing when choosing a shoe for your child is to ensure that they are comfortable. This way your kid will be more likely to engage in physical activity.
Whether it be running a 5K or running around the backyard, don’t you want your child to be comfortable in the shoes they are in?
When it comes to fitting a child’s shoes, the best rule of thumb is to make sure there is at least a thumb’s width of space between the tip of your kids’ toes and the front of the shoe.
Our Recommendations – Best Kids Running Shoes for Racing, Track, and Cross Country
Best for Kids Who Overpronate
New Balance
Fresh Foam X 860 v13
Best for kids who overpronate or need a stability shoe.
Running Shoe Description:
If your kid needs stability, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 is a great option. Just like adults, some kids overpronate when they run, which means their feet roll inward more than is ideal. Shoes like the 860 have features like a denser medial post in the midsole to counter this and stabilize little feet—without being too noticeable for kids with normal pronation. The latest version of this longtime favorite stability shoe is lightweight but has lots of foam cushion at the midsole, so it’s good for kids building up to running longer distances.
Best for Kids Running Longer Distances
ASICS Kid’s
Gel-Cumulus Grade School
Durable and well cushioned for running on pavement.
Running Shoe Description:
The Cumulus is known for being a durable and well-cushioned shoe that can handle a lot of miles—and a lot of wear and tear. For a “road” shoe, it has quite the grippy outsole, with knobby rubber segments underfoot that get reliable traction on pavement and dirt trails, and “flex grooves” for a smoother ride. The shoe’s upper is similarly hardy. It’s made of engineered mesh with overlays for a secure fit. This shoe breathes well and prevents little feet from overheating. For kids who tend to land hard on their heels, a pod of gel cushioning in the ASICS Cumulus’s sole smooths out the harshness of impacts.
Best for Kids Running Sprint Distances
ASICS Kid’s
Novablast Grade School
Lightweight, fun, and fast! Perfect for sprinters.
Running Shoe Description:
The ASICS Novablast is a favorite running shoe for adults and kids alike. ASICS took their popular shoe and made it kid-friendly with a well-cushioned shoe that will put a spring in your child’s step and make them feel fast. Much like its adult counterpart, the Novablast is a lightweight, versatile shoe that doesn’t get weighed down by its ample cushioning but instead uses it as a springboard for chasing race PRs.
Best for New Runners and a Great Value!
New Balance Unisex-Child
Fresh Foam Arishi
Hook and Loop Running Shoe
Perfect for the youngest of runners!
Running Shoe Description:
The New Balance Unisex-Child Fresh Foam Arishi Running Shoe with Hook and Loop Closure shoe wins big points from parents for its durability and value. Kids love the lightweight comfort it provides. The shoe has a breathable mesh upper that conforms to different foot shapes, and a Fresh Foam EVA midsole that provides plenty of cushion and bounce for quick sprints or long runs. The all-rubber outsole finds good traction off the road and won’t wear down too quickly.
Are you thinking about getting track spikes for your child?
Read our full article on the best track spikes for high-school athletes! <- These are great options for young kids too!
Conclusion – Best Running Shoes for Kids Racing, Track, and Cross Country
One of the great things about running, track and field, and cross country is that it doesn’t require much equipment to play. However, it is essential that kids are set up for success by having comfortable footwear designed for running like those models I have outlined in this article.
Your kids’ feet take them on all sorts of adventures. Whether for recess, running their first 5K, or for earning their spot on the track and field or cross-country team, kids need durable and high-quality running shoes.
Children’s feet require reinforcement and responsiveness to develop correctly as young athletes. It’s essential to consider factors like arch support, cushioning, stability, and fit to prevent injury and discomfort.
Prioritizing these elements allows kids to run comfortably, while building their endurance and confidence whether on the track or in the playground.
Investing in the right pair of running shoes for your child provides them with the tools they need to succeed.
