Back to school shoe shopping for your kids can be frustrating. It is difficult to find a balance between buying the style your child likes and ensuring the shoes are comfortable and supportive. The safe bet is to choose running shoes as they come in just about any colour. Yes, you can probably find that shade of blue that’s in the t-shirt your 8 year old won’t take off. I know a thing or two about kids’ shoes with 3 of my little ones heading back to school next week. Keep reading for a list of my suggestions.

My go-to shoe recommendation is the Asics Gel-Contend (available in laces and alternate closure). It is light-weight, has ample support, and lots of room for toes to wiggle and it also comes in six colours. If you can’t find a colour in this shoe that your child likes, the Saucony Ride is another great choice.

For a bit more stability and support I like the Asics GT 1000. The GT 1000 is a great shoe for kids who have flatter feet, and tend to break down the inside of their shoe quickly. The Saucony Guide also offers a really nice supportive fit and more durability for kids with weak ankles. (Runner’s Choice in Kingston carries the Saucony Guide).

If your child needs a wider fit I would suggest checking out New Balance. I really like the New Balance 880, which comes in a standard and wide width. (I know that Runner’s Choice in Kingston carries New Balance in Wide).

If you are looking for a shoe that has a bit more cushioning but is still supportive, the Asics Gel Nimbus is our other household favourite. It is a bit more expensive but it fits well and is a really nice running shoe. We recommend the Nimbus for our little runners in running clubs or for cross-country practice.

I often get asked about lower profile shoes or ‘training shoes’. Kids seem to like them because they are light-weight and colourful, and young athletes like them because they usually have a big-name athlete in their commercials. While the flexibility of these shoes challenges the muscles of growing feet, I am not a fan of these for really active kids ages 8-12. I find the soles too flexible so they don’t support the arch well, and the low heel to toe offset to easily irritate soft tissues in the foot and calf, or the growth plate in the heel.

As parents we have to balance our kids’ wants with their needs. The flashiest colour and lightest sole is not always what is best for active feet.

And please remember to donate gently-used shoes to the ReRun Shoe Project @rerunshoeproject