How To Choose The Best Running Shoes For Your Child

A great pair of running shoes can help prevent injury and enhance your workout. However, athletic gear can get very expensive, especially when it comes to buying sneakers. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to pick out a great pair of running shoes if you know what to look for when shopping. Here is a simple guide to picking out a great pair of running shoes.

Look For The Wear Pattern

Grab your child’s last pair of running shoes and look at the insole. Depending on their running style and foot shape, there will be areas with more wear and tear than other areas. There are three types of wear patterns: Pronation where the wear is on the ball of the foot and the hell, overpronation is wear patterns along the inner edge of the insole, and supination is wear along the outer edge. When shopping for a running shoe look for an insole that offers more cushioning and support in the areas where your child’s unique wear pattern exists.

Types Of Running Shoes

There are several types of running shoes including road shoes meant for track running, trail-running meant for off road running, and cross training meant for gym workouts. Once you choose which type of shoe, you want to pick the type of shoe that meets your child’s wear pattern needs:

• Neutral shoes: Good for children with pronation and supination patterns. They provide more shock absorption than other shoes and prevent knee strain and injuries.
• Stability shoes: Good for children with overpronation. The support the arches and prevent plantar fascia injuries.
• Motion control: Good for children with overpronation and very flat feet. They have reinforced heels which counter overpronation.

Picking The Best Fit

Once you know what type of running shoe to choose, you want to make sure that you pick the best fit. Here are some tips on picking a shoe that fits perfectly:

• Try on shoes at the end of the day or after a workout when your child’s feet are swollen.
• Make sure you child has a little extra room in the toe box. You don’t want their toes banging against the front of the shoe or you could risk injury.
• If your child uses any special insoles, bring them with you when you shop. Have your child try on shoes with the insoles.

Beyond these needs, the rest is simply a matter of style, use, and budget. So instead of just buying the most expensive shoes on the rack, pick a running shoe that meets the needs of your child’s unique running style and foot pattern.