How do I Choose the Best Kid's Running Shoes?

There are a wide variety of brands and styles of running shoes available for kids. To choose the best kid's running shoes, visit stores that sell top-quality adult running shoe brands. Most top running shoe makers make kid's versions of their adult shoes. If you have a dedicated running shoe store in your area, consider starting your search for your kid's running shoes there. Personnel at specialty running shoe stores often are more knowledgeable than their counterparts at regular sporting goods stores about the qualities of good running shoes.

Be sure to take your kid with you to the shoe store when shopping. Just like adults, kids must try on their shoes to ensure comfort and a good fit. Your child should wear the type of socks that he or she typically will wear when running in the shoes.

Choose a kid's running shoe that has good cushioning in the sole and that fits snugly, but not too tightly. Don't buy running shoes that are too big, thinking that your kid can grow into them. Shoes that are too large can slip off at the heel. A good rule is to allow about a thumb's worth of room between the child's toes and the end of the shoes. Choose shoes that are flexible at the front of the foot behind the toe area but not in the arch.

The best kid's running shoes should fit your child’s foot type. Stores sell running shoes for flat feet, shoes for normal arches and styles for higher arches. They also sell models that can help correct problems with running gaits, such as overpronation or underpronation.

Pronation has to do with how the foot hits the ground. A person who overpronates has feet that roll inward more than normal when striking the ground. Someone who under-pronates has feet that roll inward less than normal. Neutral running shoes are for kids who have a normal amount of pronation in their gaits.

You often can tell whether your kid is an underpronator or an overpronator by looking at a pair of old shoes. An overpronator's shoes will show an inward tilt, while an underpronator's shoes will tilt outward. Shoes of kids with neutral gaits will show even wear across the bottom of the shoe.

Another thing to consider when choosing kid's running shoes is the cost. If your child is serious about running, buy the best shoe you can afford. A high-quality shoe usually will last longer and will offer your child better support than a lower-quality, cheaper version.