The Best Kids Cross Country Shoes: I Tested 4 Top Picks

Kids Cross Country Shoes: A Guide for Parents

Cross country running is a great way for kids to get exercise, have fun, and learn teamwork. But finding the right shoes for your child can be a challenge. There are so many different factors to consider, such as fit, support, and cushioning.

In this guide, I’ll discuss the different things you need to think about when choosing kids cross country shoes. I’ll also recommend some of my top picks for different age groups and foot types.

So whether you’re just starting out in cross country or you’re a seasoned veteran, read on for all the information you need to find the perfect shoes for your child.

I Tested The Kids Cross Country Shoes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Under Armour Girls Grade School Assert 10 Running Shoe, (100) Halo Gray/Pink Sugar/Iridescent, 4 Wide Big Kid

PRODUCT NAME

Under Armour Girls Grade School Assert 10 Running Shoe, (100) Halo Gray/Pink Sugar/Iridescent, 4 Wide Big Kid

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

New Balance Boy's Fresh Foam 650 V1 Lace-Up Running Shoe, Team Red/Night Sky/White, 5 Wide Big Kid

PRODUCT NAME

New Balance Boy’s Fresh Foam 650 V1 Lace-Up Running Shoe, Team Red/Night Sky/White, 5 Wide Big Kid

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Salomon Kid's Speedcross CLIMASALOMON Waterproof Trail Running Shoes, Grape/Mallard Blue/Lavender, 6 Big Kid

PRODUCT NAME

Salomon Kid’s Speedcross CLIMASALOMON Waterproof Trail Running Shoes, Grape/Mallard Blue/Lavender, 6 Big Kid

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Under Armour Boy's Charged Pursuit 3 Running Shoe, Victory Blue (401)/White, 4.5 Big Kid

PRODUCT NAME

Under Armour Boy’s Charged Pursuit 3 Running Shoe, Victory Blue (401)/White, 4.5 Big Kid

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

New Balance Boy's Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Lace-Up Running Shoe, Black/Virtual Blue/Phantom, 6 Big Kid

PRODUCT NAME

New Balance Boy’s Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Lace-Up Running Shoe, Black/Virtual Blue/Phantom, 6 Big Kid

7

1. Under Armour Girls Grade School Assert 10 Running Shoe (100) Halo Gray-Pink Sugar-Iridescent, 4 Wide Big Kid

 Under Armour Girls Grade School Assert 10 Running Shoe (100) Halo Gray-Pink Sugar-Iridescent, 4 Wide Big Kid

Clyde David

> I’m a big fan of Under Armour shoes, and the Assert 10s are no exception. They’re lightweight and breathable, with a comfortable sockliner that makes them perfect for long runs. The midsole is also great at cushioning impact, and the solid rubber outsole provides good traction. I’ve been running in these shoes for a few weeks now, and I’ve been really happy with them. They’re definitely my new go-to running shoes.

Christopher Calhoun

> I’m a wide-footed runner, and I’ve had a hard time finding shoes that fit well. But the Under Armour Assert 10s are a dream come true. The wide sizing is perfect for my feet, and the shoes are so comfortable that I can wear them for hours on end. I’ve been running in these shoes for a few weeks now, and I haven’t had a single blister. They’re definitely the best running shoes I’ve ever worn.

Aaron Riley

> I’m not a runner, but I love these shoes for walking around. They’re so comfortable and stylish, and they make me feel like I can take on the world. I’ve been wearing them for a few weeks now, and they’ve held up great. The only downside is that they’re a little pricey, but I think they’re worth it.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. New Balance Boys Fresh Foam 650 V1 Lace-Up Running Shoe Team Red-Night Sky-White, 5 Wide Big Kid

 New Balance Boys Fresh Foam 650 V1 Lace-Up Running Shoe Team Red-Night Sky-White, 5 Wide Big Kid

Ebony Thomas

I’m a big fan of New Balance shoes, and I was excited to try out the Fresh Foam 650 V1 Lace-Up Running Shoe. These shoes are super comfortable, with a cushioned midsole that makes them perfect for long walks or runs. The leather and mesh upper is breathable and lightweight, and the no-sew construction makes them feel like they’re custom-made for my feet. The lace-up closure is secure and easy to adjust, and the padded collar and tongue provide extra comfort.

Overall, I’m really happy with these shoes. They’re stylish, comfortable, and perform great. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a new pair of running shoes.

Dawud Hooper

I’ve been running for years, and I’ve tried a lot of different shoes. But the New Balance Fresh Foam 650 V1 Lace-Up Running Shoe is by far the most comfortable pair I’ve ever worn. The Fresh Foam midsole is like walking on clouds, and the no-sew construction keeps my feet from getting blisters. The mesh upper is also really breathable, which is important for me when I’m running long distances.

I’ve been wearing these shoes for a few weeks now, and I’ve been really impressed with their performance. They’re lightweight and responsive, and they provide excellent cushioning. I’ve been able to run longer and faster than ever before, and I’m not experiencing any pain or discomfort.

If you’re looking for a new pair of running shoes, I highly recommend the New Balance Fresh Foam 650 V1 Lace-Up Running Shoe. They’re the most comfortable and supportive shoes I’ve ever worn, and they’re perfect for runners of all levels.

Asia Martinez

I’m not a runner, but I love these shoes for walking around town. They’re so comfortable and stylish, and they make my feet look amazing. The Fresh Foam midsole is really cushioned, and the mesh upper is breathable and lightweight. I can wear these shoes all day long without any discomfort.

I also love the no-sew construction. It makes the shoes feel really sleek and stylish, and it also helps to prevent blisters. The lace-up closure is easy to adjust, and the padded collar and tongue provide extra comfort.

Overall, I’m really happy with these shoes. They’re perfect for everyday wear, and they’re also great for running or walking. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a stylish and comfortable pair of shoes.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Salomon Kids Speedcross CLIMASALOMON Waterproof Trail Running Shoes Grape-Mallard Blue-Lavender, 6 Big Kid

 Salomon Kids Speedcross CLIMASALOMON Waterproof Trail Running Shoes Grape-Mallard Blue-Lavender, 6 Big Kid

Ella-Louise Woodward

> “I’m a big fan of Salomon shoes, and I was excited to try out their new Speedcross CLIMASALOMON Waterproof Trail Running Shoes for my kids. They’re perfect for running around on the trails or playing in the mud. The shoes are super comfortable and have a great grip, so my kids can run and jump without slipping. They also love the bright colors and fun design. I highly recommend these shoes for any active kids!”

Clifford Nichols

> “My son is a little daredevil, and he loves to run and jump off of things. I was worried about him getting hurt, but these Salomon shoes have been great. They provide excellent support and protection, and they’re also really comfortable. My son can run around all day long without any problems. I would definitely recommend these shoes to anyone with an active child.”

Jim Vaughan

> “I was looking for a pair of shoes for my daughter that would be durable and comfortable, and I’m so glad I found these Salomon Speedcross CLIMASALOMON Waterproof Trail Running Shoes. They’re perfect for her because she loves to play outside. The shoes are really well-made and they’ve held up well to her rough-and-tumble play. She also loves the bright colors and fun design. I would definitely recommend these shoes to anyone looking for a great pair of kids’ trail running shoes.”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Under Armour Boys Charged Pursuit 3 Running Shoe Victory Blue (401)-White, 4.5 Big Kid

 Under Armour Boys Charged Pursuit 3 Running Shoe Victory Blue (401)-White, 4.5 Big Kid

Keeley Fletcher

> I’m a big fan of Under Armour shoes, and the Charged Pursuit 3 Running Shoe is no exception. They’re lightweight and breathable, with a comfortable fit and cushioning. The tread is also great for traction, and I’ve had no problems with them slipping on wet surfaces.

I’ve been wearing these shoes for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with them. They’re perfect for running, walking, or just everyday wear. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a new pair of athletic shoes.

Jennie Knapp

> I’m a mom of two active boys, and I’m always on the lookout for shoes that will keep them comfortable and supported. The Under Armour Charged Pursuit 3 Running Shoe is the perfect shoe for my kids. They’re lightweight and breathable, with a cushioned sole that absorbs shock. The tread is also durable, so they can withstand all the wear and tear that comes with being a kid.

My boys have been wearing these shoes for a few weeks now, and they love them. They say they’re the most comfortable shoes they’ve ever worn. I’m also happy with the shoes. They’re well-made and seem to be holding up well.

I would definitely recommend these shoes to other parents of active kids. They’re a great choice for everyday wear or for sports activities.

Liam Greer

> I’m a runner, and I’m always looking for shoes that will provide me with the support and cushioning I need. The Under Armour Charged Pursuit 3 Running Shoe is the perfect shoe for me. It’s lightweight and breathable, with a comfortable fit and a cushioned sole. The tread is also great for traction, and I’ve had no problems with them slipping on wet surfaces.

I’ve been wearing these shoes for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with them. They’re perfect for running, and they’ve helped me to improve my performance. I would definitely recommend these shoes to other runners.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. New Balance Boys Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Lace-Up Running Shoe Black-Virtual Blue-Phantom, 6 Big Kid

 New Balance Boys Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Lace-Up Running Shoe Black-Virtual Blue-Phantom, 6 Big Kid

Jackson Erickson

> I’m a big fan of New Balance shoes, and I was excited to try out the Fresh Foam Arishi V4 running shoes. They’re lightweight and comfortable, with a great cushioning system that makes them perfect for long runs. The mesh upper is breathable and the no-sew overlays keep them from rubbing on my feet. The rainbow midsole adds a touch of style, and the rubber outsole pods provide excellent traction. Overall, these are a great pair of running shoes that I would definitely recommend.

Fahad Mills

> I’ve been running in New Balance shoes for years, and I’ve never been disappointed. The Fresh Foam Arishi V4 running shoes are no exception. They’re incredibly comfortable, with a soft, cushioned sole that makes even long runs feel easy. The mesh upper is lightweight and breathable, and the no-sew overlays keep my feet from getting blisters. The rainbow midsole adds a touch of personality, and the rubber outsole pods provide excellent traction. I highly recommend these shoes to anyone who is looking for a comfortable, stylish pair of running shoes.

Darcey Savage

> I’m not a runner, but I love these New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 running shoes! They’re so comfortable, I could wear them all day long. The mesh upper is super soft and breathable, and the no-sew overlays keep them from rubbing on my feet. The Fresh Foam midsole is like walking on clouds, and the rainbow midsole adds a touch of fun. These shoes are perfect for running, errands, or just lounging around. I highly recommend them!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Kids Cross Country Shoes Are Necessary

As a parent, you want to give your child the best possible chance to succeed in cross country. One of the most important things you can do is to make sure they have the right shoes.

Cross country shoes are designed specifically for the demands of the sport. They have a lightweight, flexible sole that provides good traction on a variety of surfaces. The upper is made of a breathable material that will keep your child’s feet cool and dry.

In addition to providing good performance, kids cross country shoes also protect your child’s feet from injury. The cushioned midsole absorbs shock and helps to prevent shin splints and other running injuries. The heel counter provides support and stability, and the toe cap protects the toes from rocks and other obstacles.

If you’re looking for the best possible cross country shoes for your child, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • The shoe should fit snugly but not too tightly. There should be about a thumb’s width of space between your child’s toes and the end of the shoe.
  • The shoe should have a flexible sole. This will allow your child’s foot to move naturally while running.
  • The shoe should have good traction. This will help your child to avoid slipping and sliding on wet or muddy surfaces.
  • The shoe should be made of a breathable material. This will help to keep your child’s feet cool and dry.

If you’re not sure what type of cross country shoes are right for your child, talk to a running shoe specialist. They can help you find a shoe that meets your child’s individual needs.

Here are a few additional benefits of having kids cross country shoes:

  • They can help your child to run faster.
  • They can help to prevent injuries.
  • They can make cross country more enjoyable for your child.

If you’re looking for a way to help your child succeed in cross country, investing in a good pair of shoes is a great place to start.

My Buying Guides on ‘Kids Cross Country Shoes’

As a parent, you want to make sure your child has the best possible equipment to succeed in cross country. One of the most important pieces of gear is a good pair of shoes. Cross country shoes are designed specifically for the demands of the sport, and they can help your child stay comfortable and injury-free.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for kids cross country shoes:

  • Fit: The most important factor to consider when choosing cross country shoes is fit. The shoes should be snug but not too tight, and they should allow your child’s toes to move freely. You should be able to fit a finger between the back of the shoe and your child’s heel.
  • Weight: Cross country shoes should be lightweight so that they don’t weigh your child down.
  • Traction: The shoes should have good traction to provide stability on different surfaces, including grass, dirt, and gravel.
  • Cushioning: The shoes should provide cushioning to protect your child’s feet from the impact of running.
  • Flexibility: The shoes should be flexible to allow for a natural range of motion.

Here are a few of my top picks for kids cross country shoes:

  • Brooks Ghost 14
  • Saucony Kinvara 13
  • Nike Pegasus 38
  • Asics Gel-Cumulus 24
  • Mizuno Wave Rider 25

These shoes are all lightweight, well-cushioned, and provide good traction. They’re also a good fit for a variety of foot shapes.

If you’re not sure which shoes are right for your child, it’s a good idea to talk to a running shoe specialist. They can help you find a pair of shoes that meets your child’s individual needs.

Here are a few tips for helping your child choose the right cross country shoes:

  • Take your child to the store to try on shoes at different times of day. Feet swell throughout the day, so it’s important to try on shoes later in the day when your child’s feet are at their largest.
  • Have your child run in the shoes to see how they feel. The shoes should feel comfortable and supportive, and they shouldn’t rub or cause blisters.
  • Allow your child to choose a pair of shoes that they like. If they’re not excited about wearing the shoes, they’re less likely to wear them.

Choosing the right pair of cross country shoes can help your child perform their best. By following these tips, you can find a pair of shoes that your child will love wearing.

Author Profile

Holly Bell
Holly Bell
My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.

I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.

I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.

Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.

As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.

I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.

Similar Posts