What happens when you eat yeast and shoe polish? Every morning you rise and shine! Alright, that wasn’t a great pun, but you know what is great? The number and styles of great quality running shoes available for your tween.
What’s the best value for your dollar? What’s the best shoe on the market? Which brand is best? Should I stay loyal to a brand? Is lighter, better?
The truth is, there isn’t a “Best Running Shoe” on the market. The activity of choice strongly influences the shoe of choice. For example, you wouldn’t want a heavy traction shoe that was intended for cross country running if you’re playing tennis where speed and agility is a requirement. In the case of many tweens, where running shoes are merely a style preference, we’ve compiled a list of five great running shoes for your consideration. Let’s take a look.
Adidas has been selling athletic supplies since 1949 when the two brothers who ran the Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory in Germany, parted ways. One started Adidas, the other, Puma.
Fun fact aside, the Adidas Ultraboost 4.0 is a great shoe for athletics and casual walks. Testers for this shoe reported that they construction was lightweight yet durable and had features that made them feel supported during activities. The price point of the Ultraboost 4.0 was considered to be a major deterrent which could be a significant consideration when looking for the perfect running shoe for your tween. With all shoes, the right fit is necessary. This shoe has a narrower fit, typical for runners.
Adidas Unisex-Kid’s Cloud Foam Racer TR
Staying with Adidas for this recommendation, the Cloud Foam Racer was described by many as being a very comfortable shoe. While color choices are somewhat limited, many praise the lightweight and breathability features of this particular shoe. Unlike the aforementioned Adidas Ultraboost 4.0, the Cloud Foam Racer was described to have a slightly wider fit than anticipated. With a great starting price point, the Cloud Foam Racer is a high quality shoe within reach for most buyers.
Can you believe it? New Balance has been in business since 1906 as the New Balance Arch Support Company so they must know a thing of two about great fitting running shoes for your tween.
The New Balance KJ990 V4 comes in a wide variety of colors and features a lace keeper that holds the shoe’s laces and tongue securely in place during physical activity; a feature many found effective and appreciated. The durable construction and stability comes with reflective features increasing the visibility during night activity.
The design of this shoe is bulkier, with stiffer construction making it a less appealing option for activities requiring great flexibility, but provides great support for your feet and arches. And overall, it looks and feels great.
Salomon Unisex-Kid’s Speedcross J Trail Running Shoe
Born out of the heart of the French Alps, the Salomon Group specializes in sports equipment and these shoes will make you look like you’re ready to tackle the alps themselves.
With a mix of fabric and textile combined with a rubber sole, the Speedcross J Trail Running Shoe provides a comfortable fit while allowing you to feel your terrain. Featuring a quicklace system this shoe is easily slipped on and off yet keeps your tweens feet secure during activity.
One Amazon buyer, Gavin H., described this shoe as, “The best outdoor shoe I’ve ever found,” and went on to list a broad array of activities making this shoe exceptionally versatile. The only drawback to this shoe is the softer sole is susceptible to wear on hard and abrasive surfaces such as concrete and asphalt.
On a final note about the Salomon Speedcross, this shoe comes with a two-year limited warranty so you can run your worries away.
ASICS GT-1000 2 GS Running Shoe
Originating in Japan in 1949, ASICS is named from a latin acronym that translates to “Healthy soul in a healthy body.” Beginning with basketball shoes, ASICS has expanded their line of footwear to embrace a wide array of sports which eventually landed right here with the GT-1000 2 GS. This show may be the perfect running shoe for your tween while helping ensure a healthy soul in a healthy body.
Ninety-two percent of customer reviews on Amazon gave the GT-1000 2 GS 4 or 5 stars making them a highly rated shoe. From the design, to the bright and fun color options, from the quality structure to the firm support, this shoe is a definite contender. Some buyers note that the fit may feel wide for some tweens but overall this is a shoe worthy of your attention.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve stood before a wall of running shoes in a daze of color and confusion. Getting to know the shoes, combined with the purpose of use, and knowing the great traits that differing shoes have to offer, you will be better equipped to make the right choice about the right shoe for your tween. As you have seen, the five shoes we’ve explored here are great choices for your tween, and any one of them is a runaway winner.
