Best Kids' Running Shoes in 2025
Children's feet grow approximately one to two sizes per year between ages 4 and 12. This creates a practical problem: the shoe you buy in September may not fit by February. It also creates an opportunity — since you are buying new shoes frequently, you can prioritise fit and function each time without feeling the cost pressure that comes with adult performance footwear.
This guide focuses on kids' Grade School (GS) sizes — typically 3.5Y to 7Y — and the most important considerations for buying footwear that supports healthy foot development.
Some links in this article are affiliate links. SoleHunt may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
How children's feet differ from adult feet
Children's feet are not simply smaller versions of adult feet. Until approximately age 8, the foot is mostly cartilage — the bones have not fully ossified. This means that ill-fitting shoes can cause permanent deformity, not just temporary discomfort.
The key considerations:
Toe box room. Children need approximately 12mm of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. Adults often size their children's shoes based on heel fit, which is wrong — if the heel fits snugly but the toes are at the front, the shoe is too short.
Flexibility through the forefoot. Children's shoes should flex easily at the forefoot. A rigid sole that does not bend restricts the natural push-off motion and can cause gait compensation.
Breathability. Children's feet sweat at higher rates than adults, and fungal infections are more common in non-breathable footwear. Mesh or textile uppers are preferable for active use.
Lightweight construction. Heavy shoes disproportionately affect children's gait. A shoe that weighs 400g may feel negligible to an adult but represents a significant load for a 25kg child.
Our top picks
Nike Revolution 7 GS — best overall kids' running shoe
The Revolution 7 is consistently excellent value in the kids' running category. The foam midsole provides adequate cushioning for playground and PE use, the mesh upper breathes well, and the easy on/off construction (no lacing required in some colourways) is practical for younger children. Durability is above average for the price point.
New Balance 996 Kids — best premium kids' shoe
New Balance transfers its adult construction quality to the kids' range more reliably than most brands. The 996 uses the same ENCAP midsole technology as the adult version, the upper construction is more durable than typical kids' shoes, and the wider last accommodates the naturally broader forefoot of children. The price is higher but the shoes last significantly longer.
Skechers S Lights Kids — best for reluctant wearers
The S Lights line addresses the practical reality that children often resist wearing shoes. The lights in the sole that flash with each step are more than a novelty — they genuinely motivate children to walk rather than be carried. The construction is surprisingly capable for an attention-driven shoe: adequate cushioning, breathable upper, and reasonable durability for the price.
ASICS GT-1000 13 GS — best for overpronation
Children's overpronation is common and often resolves as the foot develops, but for children with significant inward rolling, a stability shoe can provide comfort during the developmental period. The GT-1000 GS uses the same guidance technology as the adult version at a junior-appropriate price, and the durable rubber outsole holds up to playground use.
Brooks Ghost 16 GS — best for junior runners
For children who run seriously — junior cross-country, track, or road races — the Ghost 16 GS provides adult-quality cushioning and propulsion in Grade School sizing. The DNA Loft v3 midsole is more responsive than typical kids' training shoes, and the engineered mesh upper provides a secure fit appropriate for sustained running rather than casual use.
Nike Air Max SC GS — best lifestyle kids' shoe
For children who want the visual appeal of an Air Max without the budget of adult Air Max pricing, the Air Max SC GS delivers the iconic silhouette with a cushioning unit appropriate for after-school and weekend use. Not a serious running shoe, but an excellent everyday option for children who care about what their shoes look like.
Fitting tips for parents
Measure both feet. Children commonly have differently-sized feet. Fit to the larger foot.
Measure at the end of the day. Feet swell during activity, just as adult feet do.
Check fit every 8 weeks. Children's feet grow in spurts. A shoe that fit well at the start of the school year may be half a size too small by October.
The "press test". Press down from above on the shoe — you should feel the big toe approximately 12mm from the front. If you can feel the toe at the very front, the shoe is too short.