kids' running shoes (Read 712 times)

Really? Running shoes for kids? My daughter is seven. Her goal is to run 100 miles this year. (I talked her down from 1,000.) Now she needs new shoes. The last time, I went out and got her a nice pair of running shoes. I mean, any excuse to go to the running store, right? But do I really need to spend all that money on running shoes for a kid when probably any pair of sneakers would do? Honestly, I think she runs fastest in her flip flops. The reality is that I'll probably take her to the running shoe store this weekend. Any excuse, as I said. But I'm interested in opinions on this. Gig

When I was a kid, I got hand-me downs and cheap stuff for every stitch of clothing I wore, but every pair of shoes I got was top of the line. My mum's philosophy was "clothes don't have any effect on your bones, but shoes do". While I've happily rebelled against most of the things in my mum's philosphy, I've taken the same approach with my son on this one - not necessarily top of the line, but at least fit for purpose and properly fitted. Side note: I too am a training developer (although I concentrate more on implementation than design)

When I was a kid, I got hand-me downs and cheap stuff for every stitch of clothing I wore, but every pair of shoes I got was top of the line. My mum's philosophy was "clothes don't have any effect on your bones, but shoes do". While I've happily rebelled against most of the things in my mum's philosphy, I've taken the same approach with my son on this one - not necessarily top of the line, but at least fit for purpose and properly fitted.

This is the stance my folks pretty much took, too. Our snow boots and dress shoes were usually pretty low-rent, but for athletic shoes and anything that received lots of regular wear they didn't mess around. We also never handed down shoes to younger siblings, since my mom reasoned that every person will break them in differently. We generally buy Dane higher-end shoes--partly because he wears the hell outta them and the Payless ones rarely hold up well.

New Balance makes a couple of good pairs that I have bought for my 5 year old daughter and she loves them. They come in pink and white, always a bonus with the ladies.