10 Best Running Shoes for Kids and Toddlers Reviewed in 2024

Design

The midsole provides light cushioning without being rigid and painful on feet with lower arches. The full-length midsole is made of foam and assists in this department as well, with its own flex grooves. A hook-and-loop closure means they’re easy to put on and take off, and a Velcro strip across the top of the shoe helps to hold it snugly in place, specifically around the ankle. (Shoes fitting too loosely or tightly at the top can cause rolled ankles and sprains.) This sleek shoe model comes in 46 different color combinations, from vivid neons to stark primaries to basic blacks. Strap your own runners on; your little one will be off and flying in these.

Comfort

This shoe provides subtle support via the full-length foam midsole, while still being lightweight and breathable. No clunky sneakers here; these manage to avoid the usual heaviness with their airy mesh design, so your kid can play for hours and still be comfortable.

Value

They’re stylish but also help to support a natural motion for healthy running and play. They’re super-light and breathable, so kids won’t put up a fuss about putting them on, too.

Design

The foam midsole provides a very subtle, lightweight cushioning for the foot, and various grooves have been carefully laid in the rubber sole to keep traction and to encourage natural movement. These shoes are lace-up only and come in 51 different color combinations. They run a little small, true to Nike’s usual sizing, so order up a half size or full size if you need to, and avoid extra thick socks. These are so weightless and comfortable, your little one will have happy feet even after hours of running around in them.

Comfort

These durable mesh shoes are lightweight and don’t trap the foot or sweat. Their grooves and construction encourage people to run in the way that is most natural and healthy to their body, rather than forcing them off-course.

Value

It’s durable while still being pretty flexible. Kids can run in these and not worry about rigid structure and material causing them to trip or sprain something. Plus all of the color combinations make it easy to customize the shoe to your style.

Design

The air pillow pockets add a little more bounce to every step. The footbed is composed of gel infused memory foam which provides support and a luxurious level of comfort to your child’s feet. The tongue is padded and the inside of the shoes is lined with a soft fabric, thus neither will irritate your child’s skin. These shoes come in a variety of colors and designs for girls between the ages of 1 and 12. Go crazy, and choose a pair with glitter soles.

Comfort

These shoes will allow you to spend a few extra minutes on yourself in the morning as they are designed with a velcro strap. The strap makes it easy for children to put their shoes on and take them off by themselves. The strap also adjusts to your child’s foot, so they can wear these sneakers as they grow.

Value

The gel infused memory foam will allow your child to play for hours as it provides comfort and support. The soft lining and padded tongue increase the comfort of the shoe and will not irritate your child’s skin.

Design

The name of the game for these sneakers is that they are flexible, so baby’s feet will be given room in the shoe to grow properly and to grip the floor so he can walk properly. The soles give a good grip on the floor so that traction is good and your child’s step is stable. This shoe comes in exciting colors, and there are a variety of colors included in the same shoe that gives it an interesting look. Every kid in your child’s class will have his eye on these great looking sneakers and will be envious of the comfort and agile moves your child can come up with as he plays. There are no laces to tie, so it’s easy on/easy off when it comes to putting on the shoes and taking them off.

Comfort

For boys, it’s all about running, playing, and as they grow, competing. This Saucony Baby Ride Sneaker is a great shoe to start with when your boy is ready for shoes. They are very flexible, which is what we like best about it. Flexibility helps your child’s foot grow and move properly. Since the sole is rubber, there will be lots of traction for running around like an agile wild man. This helps your kid do all the playing kids are supposed to do, using his imagination, telling stories, and competing with others. The Saucony Baby Sneakers will help your little boy get the start he needs for all of his play, games, and competitions. Imagine your boy in college football, basketball, and baseball.

Value

The lightweight mesh helps your child’s feet stay cool, the whole shoe is lightweight making running and jumping easier and making walking a cinch. Your child will have confidence in placing his feet firmly on the ground so he can keep playing all the way home. The durability factor helps these shoes last a bit longer. With any luck, your child will have use of these sneakers for much more than one or two months.

Design

The midsole of these shoes is made of EVA for comfort and shock absorption. You never know when your baby will improve her walking skills for running, so these shoes could provide a wonderful transition. And if your child has sweaty feet, the liner will help with breathability because of the mesh lining. And the upper on this shoe is mesh and synthetic, so it’s lightweight for easy movement. Your kids will enjoy their shoes so much that they will want another pair when they outgrow their current shoes. It’s the comfort that counts for little kids and they will want to wear these lovely shoes on a daily basis because their feet will feel so good. New Balance has been around since 1906 and is based in Boston. People have been trusting New Balance with their feet and their kid's feet for over 100 years, and this company makes great shoes for people and kids who are active. New Balance has many styles of shoes that are mostly made in the USA. They also have factories in the UK.

Comfort

Kids play. That is their ‘work.’ It’s what kids are supposed to do in order to learn about the world around them. In order to do this, after learning to walk, kids need shoes to protect their feet from harm. So while they are running and playing they need a shoe that fits properly. New Balance has, in part, made a name for itself by producing both narrow and extra wide shoes that some other companies don’t produce. This helps parents who are frustrated because they can’t find a shoe that fits their kids. This New Balance shoe is very popular. Your child will look great in these shoes and their feet will be protected and comfortable. They can run, play, jump, and have fun because of the cushioned midsole, the mesh upper, and the mesh inner surface that keeps feet cool.

Value

It’s great that these shoes are mainly made in the USA. Kids feet feel comfortable so their play doesn’t get interrupted by pain and soreness. They can play in peace and have fun with parents and other kids. Plus the great colors and functional styling of the shoe make it great for casual wear, too. You will love the easy on/easy off fit so you can get on your way quickly, and the velcro closure with the elastic laces help the shoe fit snugly to your child’s foot. You and your child will love these great shoes from New Balance.

Design

This shoe has a slip back feature and is a bit of a retro style. This shoe is wonderful if your little one wants to match their personality as it comes in an extremely wide variety of styles that they can choose from.

Comfort

Saucony running shoes are durable. They withhold any type of physical activity and won’t tear after longtime use. Made with a cushioning mesh, they are 100% lightweight meaning that your child’s feet won’t be soaked with sweat no matter how long they wear them for.

Value

We love these shoes because they’re perfect for your athlete. They have a unique style to them and come in a variety of colors to match your child’s favorite. They’re lightweight which is perfect especially if your child is wearing them for a long period of time.

Design

The breathability of the material will also keep odors from building up inside of the sneaker. Not only does the mesh provide a comfortable fit but it is lightweight and will not hinder your baby’s mobility. The material makes this an ideal shoe for the summer. They’re super easy to clean as they can be thrown in the washing machine. The combination of athletic and leisure in the design gives this shoe an overall modern look that will look nice with any outfit. This running shoe is available in 12 different color patterns that are sure to please any boy or girl.

Comfort

The suede toe cap at the front of the shoe will keep your baby’s toes free from injury. No matter how rough playtime gets these shoes will stay on as the velcro strap provides a snug fit. The soles are made of highly durable rubber. It’s no secret that children grow fast. With these shoes being priced between ten and fourteen dollars, you won’t have to stress when your little one grows out of them and it’s time to buy another pair in the next size.

Value

The mesh fabric provides the wearer with a ton of benefits. For instance, it will not hinder mobility as it is lightweight and the breathability of the fabric will keep feet feeling fresh all day.

Design

How great is the love the kids have for these super comfy sneakers? They can run, jump, and play hard and long and still have the energy to spare at the end of the day because the sneaker is well constructed and comfortable. Plus, the sneakers stand up to muck and grime, chocolate, mud piles, and a whole host of other dirt creations that kids can get stuck in. Just wash and air dry and you’re good to go. Plus, many parents love not only how sturdy these shoes are, but that they have really good wide sizes that fit their kids’ feet. Kids with wide feet often have trouble fitting into shoes, and Stride Rite seems to have come up with a solution to this problem, based on great buyer reviews.

Comfort

As a parent, you will love these well-fitting easy keepers. They support your kids’ feet well with great traction for active play. Your child can wear these shoes just about anywhere. Going to a church or school function? These are great for that. Maybe it’s a trip to a playground or a gym. These shoes work for that. They can be worn to any activity that is less than formal and your child will be able to fit right in. The colors are great neutrals that you can wear with anything. As a Mom, your triumph is the great ways you can wash these sneakers. Just hose off or machine wash and then set out to dry. These shoes are built well with foot support and comfort in mind.

Value

These shoes seem to be light and easy to wear. Kids just pull on and pull off for a quick out the door getaway. They come in some great colors that kids like. They wear well outside but also are nice enough to wear to a gathering that requires more formal clothes. Kids enjoy these shoes, and they have a rubber sole that is tractable so children don’t slip and fall. Stride Rite has made one of the most comfortable and supportive shoes for kids that is a great go-just-about-anywhere sneaker.

Design

The soles are phylon, made from EVA material and quite flexible for easy movement. The outsoles are non-marking, so they are no problem in school. These might be a bit slippery on a wood floor, but otherwise, they work well. Kids will have fun in these because they are great for playing, jumping, running, and games outside. Inside, your kids will be able to play in play areas in school, comfortably walk the hallways to and from class, visit the library, and go just about everywhere a kid is supposed to go in school. Kids are finding these shoes fun and trendy.

Comfort

Your child is going to love walking and running in these lightweight shoes, and she will be wearing something trendy and cool besides. The shoe is great for playtime and comfortable to wear inside and out. The look is casual, so these shoes can be worn for family or school gatherings. You child won’t even have to change shoes after school. The Phylon sole is tractionable outside so there shouldn’t be any slipping and sliding. Phylon is a bit like rubber in that way. Comfort is the main thing with these shoes, as they are soft for comfort. And that means your child won’t complain about pain or pinching. The best way to achieve this is to get shoes that fit her.

Value

This shoe is about comfort and bold, blazing colors, which most kids really like. The soft, flexible construction makes this a top rated shoe. Buyers love that they buy these at a good price and still have a durable shoe. There are some really cool neon colors in the shoe selection and others that are so cheerful that it would be almost impossible not to have a good time. Your child could end up to the envy of all of her classmates wearing these handsome sneakers because they are very stylish and trendy.

Design

These shoes are lace-less, so they are easy for your children to slip on and off. This shoe is also a cross-over of a sneaker and a water shoe as well.

Comfort

This shoe is perfect for any kind of young athlete or if you’re planning on going to the beach or pool. They’re lightweight, durable and can also be easily washed! A parent’s dream shoe! They are made with a breathable mesh which makes it so that these shoes will be nice and comfortable for your little one no matter how long they wear them throughout the day.

Value

We love this product because not only is it a sneaker but it’s also a water shoe. It’s perfect especially if you’re planning on doing a lot of summer activities that require water, but you don’t necessarily want your child to take of their shoes. We love that this shoe is versatile and perfect for any occasion.