The best athletic shoes for active kids

The best athletic shoes for active kids

What are the best athletic shoes for your child? See top suggestions and choose the ones that fit their everyday life and favorite sports activities!

Running & Track

For children who are involved in running or have intense activity at school, shock absorption is the "key".

  • Nike Air Zoom Pegasus: Nike’s flagship model. Users love the Zoom Air technology that provides "energy return", making the child feel faster.
  • Asics Contend 8 PS: Features the AMPLIFOAM midsole, which is more durable than regular foam, and heel reinforcement to keep the foot straight.
  • Nike Revolution: Uses soft foam in the sole for shock absorption and highly breathable mesh on the upper to prevent the foot from sweating.
  • Nike Air Zoom Pegasus Nike Air Zoom Pegasus
  • Asics Contend 8 PS Asics Contend 8 PS
  • Nike Revolution Nike Revolution

Basketball

Here we need traction on the court and ankle protection.

  • Under Armour Curry 13: Considered the "gold standard" for grip. Reviews mention that it "sticks" to the court, allowing for sudden changes of direction.
  • Nike Giannis Freak 7: Antetokounmpo's model is a favorite among kids because of its style, but also for its excellent heel support.
  • Adidas D.O.N. Issue 6: Very durable sole, also suitable for outdoor courts (concrete) that wear out shoes quickly.
  • Nike Giannis Immortality 4: Very good ankle support and a sole that doesn't slip, even on courts with a bit of dust.
  • Under Armour Curry 13 Under Armour Curry 13
  • Nike Giannis Freak 7 Nike Giannis Freak 7
  • Adidas D.O.N. Issue 6 Adidas D.O.N. Issue 6
  • Nike Giannis Immortality 4 Nike Giannis Immortality 4

Football

Whether on grass or 5-a-side, contact with the ball is everything.

  • Adidas F50 Sparkfusion: The legendary model returns. It is extremely lightweight and narrow, ideal for kids who want speed.
  • Nike Mercurial Superfly 10: The model with the "sock" (collar). Users prefer it because it offers the feeling that the shoe is an extension of the foot.
  • Adidas Predator League: Much more comfortable on the instep compared to Nike. The 'League' edition is the golden mean of quality and price.
  • Adidas F50 League: Ideal for fast kids. Its sole has incredible grip on artificial grass (5-a-side).
  • Adidas F50 Sparkfusion Adidas F50 Sparkfusion
  • Nike Mercurial Superfly 10 Nike Mercurial Superfly 10
  • Adidas Predator League Adidas Predator League
  • Adidas F50 League Adidas F50 League

Everyday & School (Lifestyle/Everyday)

These shoes need to withstand the "rough play" of recess and be easy to put on and take off.

  • Skechers GoRun 400 V2: "Like walking on clouds." It's the number 1 choice among parents for kids who don't want to tie laces.
  • Nike Court Borough Low 2: Cleans very easily with a wipe because it's leather. Avoid white if your child plays a lot in the dirt, as the stitching can get dirty.
  • Fila Disruptor Kids: For kids who want style (chunky sneakers). They're heavier, but very durable for rough use.
  • Skechers GoRun 400 V2 Skechers GoRun 400 V2
  • Nike Court Borough Low 2 Nike Court Borough Low 2
  • Fila Disruptor Kids Fila Disruptor Kids

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