You would not just throw on any pair of shoes if you spent your days running around and playing, so neither should your children. Picking the right pair of running shoes for your kids is very important because of how much those shoes will go through. Your children's day consists of constantly being on their feet, whether they are at school, gym class, playing outside for recess, or out and about with their friends. You want their feet to be comfortable and supported all day, so the first thing you should think about is fit.

The way your kids running shoe fits is extremely important, they need to fit properly. There should be approximately a finger width between the longest toe and the front of the shoe. If you do not leave enough space their feet will feel squished and uncomfortable throughout the day, but too much space and there is a cause for injury. If your child’s shoes have laces, ensure that they are properly tied up; even double knotted if need be, but not too tight.

The importance of wearing the proper socks with running shoes is huge. First and foremost they must stay up throughout the day, otherwise, blisters and irritation will occur. Ankle socks are great if you do not want your socks to show with perhaps shorts, or cropped pants but they must be high enough that the ankles are protected from the shoe, so no rubbing occurs. The thickness of the sock is up to you and your child and depends on things like how they will affect the fit of the shoe such as making them too tight.

It is recommended to look at more neutral shoes rather than ones with corrective support unless your child has a foot condition where they are in need of extra support. Wearing running shoes that are neutral allow for kids' feet to grow and develop however they naturally should, without something that could potentially change how their foot lays. If your child is in need of extra support like potential medical orthotics, ensure that the shoe's sockliner is removable and can properly accommodate it, without changing the fit of the shoe.

Not buying the proper fitting shoe can lead to many serious issues:

Your child should experience immediate comfort when putting on their new pair of best junior running shoes. Unlike other types of shoes, runners should have little to absolutely no break-in period and should feel comfortable and ready to run in straight out of the box. If your child is complaining of something not feeling right, or the shoe being too stiff, it is not the correct fit and should be exchanged for either a different size or a new shoe altogether. They will not feel better with time, and even if they were too, why be uncomfortable for any period of time if it’s not necessary.

Running outdoors, indoors and anywhere they can, children have so much energy that they need to get out throughout the day and giving them the proper shoe to do that is essential. Really access how your child runs, where they are running and the number of other activities they will be doing while wearing their running shoes. There is a big difference between regular tennis shoes and sneakers and running shoes, and taking the time to ensure you are getting the right shoe to fit your child's needs is very important.

The first thing to decide on is what material you are looking for, and which one will hold up the best over time, considering how they will be worn. The most popular, durable yet breathable materials are leather, suede, and canvas and they all provide your child with something different.

Your child may like the sleek look of a leather upper, however, because of the way our feet move when we run, that part of the shoe tends to crease, especially with a material like leather. Whereas mesh is much more flexible and can easily bend with your feet without showing any signs of wear.

As the warmer, summer months approach it is especially important to buy shoes that wick away moisture because, in the long run, it will preserve the longevity of their shoes. The more feet tend to sweat in shoes, the more moisture that seeps into the insole, cause bacteria to grow and odor to increase. Avoid that at all costs necessary but buying the material that fits your kid's lifestyle.

If you find your children's shoes are always getting dirty and muddy, prevent that by spraying them with a protectant, this can in turn act as a barrier against water making them last even longer. If they are already dirty, materials like leather are convenient because you should be able to wipe away the dirt with a damp cloth, whereas canvas can be a little bit trickier at removing the stain rather than rubbing it around.

The option to machine wash the shoes is a big bonus and can make everyone's life a lot easier, as well as maintain the look of the shoes. Your child’s running shoes will probably be going through a lot throughout the day, from potential scuffs to just the weight of your child stomping down on them, so take the time to go through a few pairs of shoes until you find the pair that can really hold up against your child’s busy life.

When you start your search for children's running shoes you may not realize how many important factors go into picking the perfect pair, from fit to support and everything in between, these will more than likely be your child's go-to shoes throughout the week and therefore should be the most comfortable. Breathability is key where comfort is concerned because it can mean the difference between hot sweaty and potentially smelly feet, and nicely dry and cool feet.

Kids are always on the go and have more energy than adults can dream of, so it is important to differentiate what it is we need in shoes, and what our children need. You do not want your child coming home after a busy day, and taking off their shoes only to find their feet stink. Taking the time to find the proper running shoe material for their needs will change that, and will make them feel confident and comfortable.

Finding breathable running shoes should be pretty easy because most brands realize the significance it has on children's feet, however less expensive brands may use cheaper materials resulting in a shoe that offers zero airflow and that is the last thing your child needs. So what materials are the most breathable?

Materials that are synthetic (which is common) do not allow feet to properly breathe and can cause serious issues down the line, aside from just very smelly feet. When it comes to running shoes, your child is most likely running and sweating in them, so a pair that does not wick away moisture is a big no-no. Aside from not allowing air to flow, synthetic materials can also restrict the foot's movement and not allow them to splay out the way they naturally should.

Running shoes should almost always have a mesh upper as well, this will allow for air to flow throughout the shoe and keep your child's feet feeling nice and cool, especially during warmer months. Although there are leather uppers as well, these tend to be quite a bit stiffer, they will stretch after time if you’re patient, but with children, whose feet are continuing to grow, you may not have the time to wait, so the mesh is the best option. Not only will mesh allow for breathability but it also is softer and will allow your kid's feet to easily move around.

Kids running shoes should be comparable to adults in the sense that they offer the right amount of support and fit just right. This is the prime stage in their life where their feet are growing and developing so you want to make sure they are wearing the correct footwear that will ensure everything develops as it should. Sending your child off to school in slip-on shoes or rain boots is fine, but depending on what their day will be consisting of, a pair of shoes that are made to support your child’s feet during physical activities are important to have on hand, to change into.

The amount of support and type of runner they need will vary throughout their childhood, depending on the activities they take part in. If they are for everyday running around, basic cushioning, shock absorbency and ankle support are fine, however, if they are getting involved in sports or track and field you need to look into more of a quality shoe. This shoe should really perform when it comes to shock absorption and good heel stability which will keep the ankle in place, and prevent injuries.

Proper cushioning goes hand in hand with support and is very important, so the midsole should be of good quality. A cupsole is common with kids shoes, but they are cheap and do not offer a comfortable platform for your feet to rest on, especially while you run. Foam midsoles will offer the most amount of comfort and will best help to absorb shock.

Although you may think the more supportive the shoe the better that is not always the case with children. When it comes to shopping for yourself, and other adults extreme support can be a must-have because of your age and the possible injuries you will be prone to. Children are still growing, and having running shoes that do not allow their feet to properly splay out can damage them long term.

Buying shoes for your children can be fun, there are so many brands creating different stylish and fun shoes every day, however when it comes to running shoes, try to not keep style at the forefront of your mind, and more important qualities there instead. The second you start browsing for shoes your child is going to be drawn to certain ones, based on color, design, and style and although running shoes can be both cute and supportive, that isn’t always the case, and the priority should always be fit and support.

There should be a good amount of traction on the bottom of the shoe, such as flex grooves to ensure stability. If the soles of the shoe are slippery they are almost utterly useless to be worn as running shoes because your child will be slipping and falling all over the place. The amount of grip and traction will vary depending on the type of running shoe you buy; for instance trail shoes, but the smallest bit will make a large difference in how confident your child feels running around on different surfaces.

When shopping for running footwear, whether it’s for yourself or your child, you need to consider the amount and type of cushioning that you will need. Everyday wear certainly won’t require as much as professional training, but some protection from the force that’s generated with every landing may still be a good option.

Most models on this list feature at least an adequate amount of shock absorption, always found in the midsole of the sneaker. Some models go with the traditional EVA foam system, while others introduce tech that’s more advanced, lightweight and does a better job at protecting the joints and muscles from the force of impact. Any shoe that will be used to run in should meet the bare minimum of criteria, with at least a heel cushion. It can be gel, silicone, an air pouch or even a wave plate such as that found in Mizuno running shoes, but without this, footwear simply won’t be suitable for athletic wear.

If your child has a training regime that includes pavement running or cross-training, you might want to go a step further and look for something that protects the forefoot as well. Not only will this lower the damage done to their bodies, but it will also give them a much-needed push forward with a better amount of energy return they’ll surely appreciate.

One thing to consider, however, is that you should never go overboard with shock absorption and cushioning in children’s footwear. Maximalist shoes will often do all the work in terms of accommodating landings, which may result in weak arches and ankles. Instead, choose an option that is both responsive and protective, while still allowing for the proper development of your child’s podiatric health.