The Best Running Shoes for Kids by Nike

When it comes to running and playing, kids seem to take off at a sprint no matter what's on their feet—maybe even leaving a shoe behind. But that doesn't mean children can't see benefits from shoes designed for growing feet. Wearing the right shoes might improve how they move.

A research review in the journal Foot and Ankle Surgery emphasizes that a child's or teen's foot is distinct from adult feet in terms of functional anatomy and ability to cope with pressure. As children grow up, the connective tissue in their feet gains stability over time, which means they need more cushioning and support in the right areas. Adjustability and comfort are also a big deal because those features in a shoe can empower kids to be more active. Good traction can let them run for longer over multiple surfaces without slipping.

“Kids need extra flexibility and adjustability as they are learning their bodies and what feels best for their feet,” says Lex Dixon, Nike product line manager.

Whether you have a future track star in the family or want to provide the right amount of durability to handle active youth, here are four great options for kids’ running shoes by Nike.

With younger kids, the keyword for the ideal shoes is easy. As in, easy for them to slip on by themselves or with minimal help, easy to wear while doing any activity from running to climbing to jumping, and easy for parents to feel good about because they're designed for little feet to be snug and supported.

With a bootie-like design and a front and back loop, the Flex Runner 3 is built for the kiddo on the go. A flexible foam sole is designed with grooves for multi-surface traction and forefront flex without changing a kid's natural stride.

As your child transitions from playing to sports, it's helpful to transition into shoes that are built specifically for running, and that's where the Cosmic Runner comes in. The shoe was designed for kids who love to be active and try new activities, whether joining the track team or jogging alongside their parents.

The Cosmic Runner offers supportive cushioning as well as a padded, breathable upper mesh, a foam midsole and a full rubber outsole. All of that adds up to comfort and durability, so your kid can explore the joy of running and feel supported with every step.

When a child or teenager participates in track or another sport that requires a decent amount of running, emphasis should be on performance-specific footwear. And to perform well, you need to feel comfortable. The Pegasus 41 GS offers that and more, with a responsiveness and energy return that adds a spring to young runners’ steps.

Several of the shoe’s notable features contribute to this experience of maximum energy return. A ducktail heel and tongue webbing make for kid-friendly, easy entry, and the Air Zoom technology in the heel is like an airbag for your kid's feet. The shoe has been updated with more midsole texture and added toe-tip reinforcement to boost its durability and cushioning. Plus, more breathable mesh throughout the midfoot makes the shoe more lightweight.

For the youth looking to transition from the comfort of paved roads to the fun of the trails, the Pegasus Trail 5 is a standout. This durable, responsive shoe offers the Nike Trail All Terrain Compound on the sole, an all-new rubber developed for better traction in wet conditions, as well as high-quality foam in the heel for softness and stability. Child-friendly webbing in the upper and a heel pull tab make them easy to slip on—and stay on, even on the rockiest of trails.