Every parent knows that active kids need shoes that can keep up with them. But, when your child plays sports after school, durable, supportive footwear becomes even more important. That’s why finding the best athletic shoes for kids is crucial. They should keep kids comfortable during practice while providing the support and stability their growing feet need.
Between the school day, PE, playground time, and afternoon practice, active kids can put a serious amount of wear on one pair of shoes. Finding the best athletic shoes for kids means looking beyond a cool color or favorite brand and paying attention to comfort, fit, traction, cushioning, and the type of activity they’ll actually be doing. A shoe that feels great during class should still be comfortable when they’re running drills or racing across the field a few hours later.
Sports can make the decision a little more complicated. Soccer players may need cleats designed for their playing surface, basketball players benefit from shoes made for quick movement on the court, and kids who bounce between PE and casual activities may be better served by a versatile athletic sneaker. The best athletic shoes for kids should make sense for their schedules rather than forcing one type of shoe to handle every possible activity.
However, finding the shoe that ticks all the boxes can be hard. This is especially true if they’re wearing the same pair for sports, school, and everything in between. To help, we’re sharing a list of the best athletic shoes for kids that offer the performance and versatility they need to keep up with their busy schedules.
The Best Athletic Shoes for Kids
1. HOKA Kids Clifton 10
Zappos has tons of great sporty shoe options for kids, but the HOKA Kids Clifton 10 is one of our favorites! For starters, it’s made with lightweight and breathable materials for enhanced airflow. Yet it still has a hardwearing toe cap to protect against bumps, scrapes, and high impact. And since it comes in a dozen or so colors, your little one will have no problem finding a pair that matches their personality.
2. Adidas Runfalcon 6
We love the Adidas Runfalcon 6 for both normal everyday wear and for extreme sports. It’s a shoe built for energetic feet, thanks to the Cloudfoam midsole that makes every step feel like they’re walking on a cloud. Other key features include no-sew elements in the toe and heel, elastic laces, and a breathable mesh upper. All around one of the best athletic shoes for kids from Adidas!
3. Nike Flex Runner 4
The Nike Flex Runner 4 is an excellent shoe for active infants and toddlers who just can’t seem to sit still! With stretchy straps and a flexible sole, it bends and moves naturally with little feet. There’s also a textile lining and insole that provides extra cushioning and comfort, and tons of fun colors to choose from!
4. New Balance Furon Team Jnr FG V9
Soccer players need shoes made for the field, and the New Balance Furon Team Jnr FG V9 is built to help young athletes during practice and game day. Its firm-ground outsole provides traction on natural grass, while the lightweight design helps kids move quickly and change direction when needed. Of course, it also has innovative T-shaped studs on the cleats to provide grip and extra stability.
5. Under Armour Kids Ascend Running Shoes
This is one of the best shoes that combines cushioning, support, durability, and traction for everything from the playground to after-school activities. The Ascend Running Shoe has a polyester upper to keep things light and a cushioned mesh tongue for padding and comfort. The thick rubber outsole is also perfect for activities that need extra traction (running or otherwise!).
6. New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4
This is one of the most comfortable and versatile shoes that New Balance makes for kids. The cushioning on the Fresh Foam Arishi v4 is reason enough to buy these shoes, as it’s extra plushy and extremely lightweight. They’re also made with breathable materials, so sweaty and stinky feet don’t have a chance.
7. Jordan Retro 3
If you have any aspiring basketball players in your family, then the Jordan Retro 3 from Kids Foot Locker is one of the best investments you can make. They’re constructed of full-grain leather, so they’re super soft and comfortable to wear. And with the benefit of a stability shank plate and visible heel Air-Sole unit, your little athlete will be running the court and jumping for rebounds in comfort.
8. Nike Air Max 95
There’s a reason why the Nike Air Max 95 has remained one of the best athletic shoes for kids for over 30 years. It features visible Air-Sole cushioning in the heel and forefoot for a comfortable, cushioned feel. The durable leather upper and adjustable midfoot webbing provide a secure fit, while the grippy rubber outsole helps provide traction during active play.
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Key Features to Look for When Shopping for Kids’ Athletic Shoes
- Comfortable fit: Have your kiddo try and test the shoe to make sure they can wear them all day long.
- Good cushioning: Padded midsoles are important for absorbing shock from running, jumping, and playing.
- Breathable materials: Lightweight mesh will help with airflow and make the shoe feel more comfortable.
- Supportive construction: To protect against bumps and scrapes, look for shoes that have reinforced toes and durable outsoles.
- Easy closures: If your little one is still learning how to tie their shoes, Velcro or elastic laces can help them with independence.
- Flexible sole: Kids need shoes that can bend naturally with their feet while they’re on the field or on the court.
- Sport-specific features: If your child plays a specific sport, look for shoes designed for that activity. For example, basketball shoes should have good ankle support while soccer cleats need grass or turf traction.
How Should Athletic Shoes Fit Kids?
Kids’ athletic shoes should fit securely around the heel and midfoot while leaving enough space in the toe area for comfortable movement. Your child’s toes shouldn’t feel cramped or press against the front of the shoe, but their foot also shouldn’t slide around when they run, jump, or change direction. Even the best athletic shoes for kids won’t perform as intended if the fit is too tight or loose.
Have your child try on both shoes with the type of socks they’ll normally wear for practice or games, then ask them to walk, jog, and move around rather than judging the fit while they’re sitting down. Check for slipping at the heel, pressure around the toes, rubbing, or any spot that feels uncomfortable. Since children’s feet grow quickly, it’s also worth checking the fit regularly instead of assuming a pair is still the right size because it looks relatively new.
Avoid buying shoes several sizes too large just to get more wear out of them. Extra room can make it harder for a child to move comfortably and securely during sports. When you’re comparing the best athletic shoes for kids, proper fit should carry just as much weight as cushioning, traction, durability, or brand.
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How to Choose Athletic Shoes Based on Your Child’s Sport
The best athletic shoes for kids depend partly on what they’re doing once practice starts. Running, basketball, soccer, tennis, PE, and playground activities involve different movements and surfaces, so a shoe that works beautifully for one activity isn’t automatically the best choice for another.
Use your child’s primary activity as a starting point. Kids who participate casually in several activities may do well with a versatile athletic shoe, while children playing an organized sport regularly may need footwear designed for that sport and playing surface. The best athletic shoes for kids should ultimately provide the combination of fit, traction, stability, cushioning, and flexibility their activity requires.
| Sport or Activity | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Running | Comfortable cushioning, flexibility, a secure fit, and a lightweight feel |
| Basketball | Court traction, stability, cushioning, and a secure fit for quick changes in direction |
| Soccer | Cleats or appropriate traction designed for the specific playing surface |
| Tennis | Lateral stability, court traction, durability, and support for side to side movement |
| General PE | Versatility, comfort, flexibility, and traction for several types of activities |
| Playground and everyday activity | Comfortable cushioning, durability, flexibility, and easy movement |
A child who goes straight from school to soccer practice, for example, may wear everyday athletic shoes during class and change into soccer cleats before heading onto the field. A kid who mostly participates in PE, playground games, and casual after school activities may get much more use from one versatile pair. Rather than searching for a single shoe that’s supposed to handle everything, think about where your child plays, how often they participate, and the types of movement their sport requires.
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Scoring Big With the Best Athletic Shoes for Kids
Getting your kids involved in sports is a great way to encourage healthy habits and build confidence. However, they will need the best athletic shoes for kids to keep up with any after school sports they join. They should be supportive, breathable, and comfortable enough to wear from school to practice without slowing them down.
In addition to shopping for a pair of the best athletic shoes for kids, you’ll also need to get them a sturdy everyday pair they can wear the rest of the time. Adding these shoes to your back-to-school shopping list will help make sure you and your child are ready to start the new school year on the right foot!
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