The best running shoes for kids | RUNNER'S WORLD

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More and more manufacturers are bringing suitable running shoe models for children onto the market. Good this way! But before you buy, you should consider a few things. We present five tests that you should definitely carry out before you buy. Ideally, you should also seek advice from a special running shop or specialist running shop. Here your child can try on several models and the sales staff can assess the individual fit and the suitability of the new shoe for the desired purpose. In the end, however, the child's assessment is the most important thing: Which shoe does walking feel best in?

Tests for buying running shoes for children

And now we show you the latest children's running shoes that we can recommend with a clear conscience. For kids who prefer to run on field and forest paths than on asphalt, there are even trail running shoes especially for children. See the end of this article for recommendations.

Everything you need to know about running training with children and young people

Current children's running shoes - recommendations of the editors

Recommendation: Thanks to Sportscheck's "Back to School" campaign, you get a 10 percent discount on the entire kids segment.

Reebok Rush Runner 4

Manufacturer

Order here: Reebok Rush Runner 4

The Rush Runner 4 by Reebok is a universal running and sports shoe for children with a lightweight EVA midsole. The grippy outsole has indentations in the running and lateral directions for flexibility when running. The air-permeable mesh upper is fitted with bonded elements in a classic design, the heel is reinforced with artificial leather.

Reebok Rush Runner 4Sizes: 27 to 38.5RRP: 28 euros

Adidas Ultraboost 21

Manufacturer

Order here: Adidas Ultraboost 21

Girls and boys can run like the big stars with the Adidas Ultraboost 21 children's running shoe, which is available from size 36, but at 160 euros almost at the adult price (180 euros). The Ultraboost for children also offers the responsive Boost midsole with super comfortable cushioning. The sock-like Primeknit upper, which comfortably encloses the child's foot, is also familiar from the adult models.

Adidas Ultraboost 21Sizes: 36 to 40RRP: 160 euros

Asics GT-1000 10

Manufacturer

Order here: Asics GT-1000 10

The latest Asics of the GT-1000 series is available for children from size 36 and is suitable for overpronation, i.e. if the feet bend inwards too much. The combination of gel technology and EVA foam offers comfortable cushioning at a low weight. The mesh fabric lets your feet breathe, while reflective elements ensure better visibility in the dark. The removable insole also has a printed toe line that parents and children can use to see if the shoe is the right size.

Asics GT-1000 10Sizes: 36 to 40RRP: 59.95 euros

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38

Manufacturer

Order here: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38

The classic Pegasus from Nike is also available for young runners from size 32 upwards. The flexible sole and the springy Zoom Air cushioning should give a dynamic running feeling. When laced up, the midfoot webbing ensures the air-permeable mesh upper hugs the midfoot snugly and securely. The ankle and tongue are additionally padded and in combination with a wider toe area offer comfort when running and playing.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38Sizes: 32 to 39RRP: 84.99 euros

Mizuno Wave Rider 24JR

Manufacturer

Order here: Mizuno Wave Rider 24 JR

The Mizuno Wave Rider Junior was developed for young runners and is available from size 32. As with the adult running shoes, Mizuno uses the new Enerzy material in the heel area and the Foam Wave. The manufacturer wants to give young runners a softer feel with more dynamics and support. The mesh upper is also breathable.

Mizuno Wave Rider 24 JRSizes: 32.5 to 40.5RRP: 65 euros

Puma ST Activate

Manufacturer

Order here: Activate AC PS (28 to 35), Activate AC Inf (20 to 27)

The ST Activate children's running shoe from Puma is available in three versions for very small to slightly larger young athletes. Puma has focused on light comfort and minimal weight. The sole is made of lightweight, injected EVA and offers comfortable cushioning with the SoftFoam insole. The thin air mesh upper is breathable.

ST Activate JrSizes: 35½ to 39RRP: 39.95 euros

ST Activate AC PSSizes: 28 to 35RRP: 34.95 euros

ST Activate AC InfSizes: 20 to 27RRP: 29.95 euros

Solomon Sense

Manufacturer

Order here: Salomon Sense J, Salomon Sense K

In the Salomon Sense, little runners feel comfortable both on and off the road. The Contagrip outsole consists of a very durable material mixture and has a light lug profile that is designed for hard, smooth as well as soft or loose surfaces. The toe cap protects against stones and splash water. Light materials and a flexible sole made of shock-absorbing EVA foam ensure a comfortable walking experience, the tight fit ensures a secure hold. In the children's version in sizes from 26 to 30, the shoe is equipped with the elastic bungee lacing system, in the junior version for the larger ones with normal laces.

Salomon Sense JSizes: 31 to 37RRP: 44.95 euros

Salomon Sense KSizes: 26 to 39RRP: 44.95 euros

Saucony Kinvara 12

Manufacturer

Order here: Saucony Kinvara 12 (32 to 39), Saucony Kinvara 12 A/C (30 to 33.5)

The Saucony Kinvara 12 is also available for children. The midsole made of FORM2U memory foam cushions the impact softly, the footbed is a high-performance, preformed FORMFIT footbed. The mesh upper is seamless and the shoe collar is generously padded at the ankle. The lining is antimicrobial, prevents unpleasant odors and is made from recycled PET bottles.

Sizes: 27 to 35RRP: 55 euros (Kinvara Kids A/C with Velcro)

Under Armor Charged Pursuit 2 / Pursuit 2 AC

Manufacturer

Order here: Charged Pursuit 2 (36 to 40), Pursuit 2 AC (27½ to 35)

The Under Armor Charged Pursuit 2 is available for young athletes from shoe size 35½. The cushioning EVA midsole is firmer in the heel area and softer under the forefoot. The shoe offers heel runners support on impact and comfort in the transition phase. The grippy outsole was inspired by car tires and its indentations ensure flexibility. The upper is made of lightweight, seamless mesh, the collar and tongue are softly padded.

The Pursuit 2 AC is the little brother of the Charged Pursuit 2. It is available in sizes from 27½ to 35. A Velcro fastener makes it easier for little runners to put on and take off. Here, too, the upper material is air-permeable and the soft EVA midsole promises gentle cushioning and a dynamic run.

Under Armor Charged Pursuit 2Sizes: 36 to 40RRP: 55 euros

Under Armor Pursuit 2 ACSizes: 27½ to 35RRP: 50 euros

Coming soon: Joe Nimble playToes

Manufacturer

Order here soon: Joe Nimble playToes

With a wider, asymmetrical toe box, the Joe Nimble playToes guarantees that the feet are supported in their natural development. While conventional children's shoes can restrict the foot, the playToes offer enough toe freedom and thus maximum comfort. The special fit not only makes the light shoes extra comfortable, but also ensures that the toes sufficiently stabilize the foot when running. The controlled landing is intended to prevent incorrect loading. The sports shoe made in Germany is softly padded on the ankle and Achilles tendon. The non-slip Michelin outsole does not stain and is therefore suitable for all floors.

For those who are unsure about shoe sizing, Joe Nimble has created foot templates that can be downloaded from the website and printed out. This is particularly practical if parents want to check before ordering whether the shoe in the desired size fits perfectly on the child's foot.

Read here: baby joggers and strollers in the test

Trail running shoes for children – Editor's recommendations

Salomon Speedcross

Manufacturer

Order here:Speedcross J (Junior, 32-38), Speedcross Bungee K (Kids, 27),Speedcross CSWP J (Junior, waterproof), Speedcross CSWP K (Kids, waterproof, 26)

The Speedcross from trail specialist Salomon is already available from size 26. The aggressive lug profile provides grip even on deep, muddy ground, and Salomon uses its most durable material compound for the outsole. The midsole consists of the shock-absorbing EVA foam EnergyCell.

In the junior version (Speedcross J, sizes 32 to 38), Salomon uses the Quicklace lacing system known from the adult range with a lace pocket in which the lace end can be stowed away. This prevents it from getting caught on branches or the like. In the kids' version (Speedcross Bungee K), elastic lacing is combined with a Velcro fastener for easy dressing. Both the junior and the kids version of the Speedcross are also available in a waterproof version with a CSWP membrane (ClimaSalomon Waterproof). In the case of the waterproof models, the tongue is also connected to the upper on both sides to prevent the ingress of water and small stones.

Speedcross JQuicklace lacingSizes: 32 to 38RRP: 74.95 euros

Speedcross Bungee KBungee lacing and Velcro Sizes: 26 to 30 RRP: 69.95 euros

Speedcross CSWP JQuicklace lacing, waterproofSizes: 31 to 39RRP: 84.95 euros

Speedcross CSWP KBungee lacing and Velcro, waterproofSizes: 26 to 30RRP: 79.95 euros

Saucony Kids Peregrine 10 Shield

Manufacturer

Order here: Saucony Kids Peregrine 10 Shield, Saucony Peregrine 10 Shield A/C

The Kids Peregrine is inspired by the adult trail shoe of the same name and is just as suitable for short trail runs as it is for playing in inclement weather. The Runshield membrane makes the Peregrine waterproof, dirt-repellent and durable. The profiled rubber cleated sole provides good grip on muddy paths, while the compression-moulded EVA midsole cushions on hard ground. The lining of the Peregrine is antimicrobial. The Peregrine is also available with Velcro (Peregrine Shield A/C).

Sizes: 32 to 40 RRP: 59.95 euros (Kids Peregrine 10 Shield) / 55 euros (Kids Peregrine 10 Shield A/C with Velcro fastener)

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