10 Best Running Shoes For Kids 2026 in the United States

The New Balance Kids Arishi Fresh Foam v4 Sneaker offers several strengths that make it suitable for young runners. The fit is secure thanks to the lace-up closure, ensuring the shoe stays on during active play. The Fresh Foam midsole provides impressive cushioning, which is essential for comfort during long runs or playtime. Additionally, the shoe’s lightweight nature adds to the comfort, making it easier for kids to move around without feeling weighed down.

The no-sew overlays contribute to the shoe's durability, particularly in areas where kids typically experience wear and tear. The rubber outer and sole materials suggest good longevity. The design, featuring kid-friendly seasonal colors, is appealing and likely to be a hit among children. The shoe excels in comfort and durability.

The New Balance Kid's Dynasoft Reveal V4 Boa running shoe offers a comfortable and supportive option for young runners. Its standout feature is the DynaSoft midsole, which provides a nice balance between soft cushioning and responsive performance, helping kids stay comfortable during activity. The synthetic and mesh upper ensures good breathability, keeping feet cool and dry. Durability is boosted by no-sew overlays around the toe and heel — areas prone to wear — which helps the shoes last longer through rough use.

The Boa Performance Fit System is a handy addition, allowing kids to quickly and precisely adjust the fit with a dial instead of traditional laces, making it easy to get a snug, secure feel. Weighing about 1.4 pounds, the shoe is reasonably light for its class, which helps avoid weighing down little feet. While it offers solid cushioning and durability, the shoe’s support features are more basic, so it’s best suited for everyday running and play rather than specialized sports requiring extra ankle or arch support.

This shoe represents a great pick for active kids needing comfort, easy fit adjustment, and breathability in a durable package.

The New Balance Kid's Fresh Foam 625 V1 running shoe offers a good balance of comfort and durability suitable for active kids. The Fresh Foam midsole provides soft and lightweight cushioning that helps absorb impact during running, making each step comfortable. The lace-up design allows for a snug, customizable fit, which is important to keep the shoes secure during play. Its mesh upper ensures decent breathability, helping keep feet cool and reducing sweat buildup.

The outsole is made of rubber, which adds reliable traction and durability, allowing the shoes to handle outdoor surfaces well. While the cushioning and durability are strong points, this shoe does not include extra features designed for specialized support, which may be a consideration if your child needs more arch or ankle stability. At about 2.1 pounds, the weight is moderate—not the lightest, but still manageable for children.

These shoes serve as a solid choice for everyday running and casual play, especially for children who do not require custom support but want a comfortable, breathable, and durable shoe.