Running & Training
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Explore the range of running and training gear for kids at PUMA. From high-performance running shoes and versatile training shoes to breathables tops and bottoms that support hours of active movement, you’ll find the perfect attire for your kids’ needs.
View the range on this page and refer to our FAQs for further details. Buy online or visit your nearest store to let your kids try the gear on in-person. If you have any questions, get in touch.
FAQs
What’s the best running and training gear for kids’ daily sports activities?
Among the range of kids’ running and training gear you’ll find at PUMA, you’ll discover plenty of features and proprietary technology that make them ideal for daily sports activities - both at school and as part of extra-curricular activities. When choosing the the attire for your kid, keep the following in mind factors in mind:
- Lightweight, breathable tops and bottoms: Keep an eye out for tees, tops, and bottoms made from breathable materials or that make use of PUMA’s dryCELL moisture-wicking technology to help keep your kids cool and dry during sport and everyday activity.
- Flexible bottoms for movement: To guarantee ease of movement and sudden shifts in momentum, look for bottoms that include stretch fabrics that support unrestricted movement across running, training, and play.
- Supportive and comfortable footwear: Running and training shoes should offer cushioning, grip and stability to support growing feet across different surfaces.
How should kids’ running shoes fit for comfort and growth?
Boys’ running shoes and girls’ running shoes, much like those for adults, should account for a few key fundamentals. The main additional factor you need to be mindful of is how quickly your child’s feet will grow over time, which is why it can be a good idea to opt for a shoe size that is one larger than their current size - but just make sure that the larger size won’t increase the risk of them tripping over or having less control over their running strides.
Along with being mindful of their growth, the following are the best pointers for ensuring that your child’s running shoes are the right fit for overall comfort.
- Secure heel: When the shoes are on securely, your child’s heel should feel locked in place with little to no movement. But be mindful that it isn't too tight to the point that it causes unwanted friction, which could lead to their ankles blistering.
- Toe room: The space between your child's longest toe and the front of the shoe should usually measure between 10 to 15mm, offering them room for growth without the shoe being too large that it could present a tripping hazard.
- Comfortable width: Your child’s feet should be secure in the shoe but without any pressure points applied to the sides of their feet.
- Feet expansion: Much like adults, children’s feet are their largest and widest after a workout or in the evening. It can be a good idea to measure their feet post-workout or at night to get a clearer sense of what the best shoe dimensions could be for their needs.
How often should kids’ running shoes be replaced?
For kids, it’s not just about replacing shoes when they’ve been worn out, but also how quickly a child’s feet are growing that will necessitate a new pair of shoes. While adults can often make good use of running shoes (if used frequently) for up to a year, chances are your child will need new running shoes simply due to rapid growth before they even have the chance to wear them out entirely.
Whenever you purchase a new pair for your kids, make sure there is approximately 10 to 15mm of space between their longest toe and the front of the shoes. If you do this, you’ll likely find you may have to replace running shoes per the following timeframes:
- For toddlers (children between 1 to 3 years): Every 3 to 4 months, depending on growth.
- For younger children (those aged between 4 to 6 years): Every 4 to 6 months.
- For older kids (7+ years): Every 6 to 12 months.
As they enter into their teenage years, the growth of their feet should slow down and mostly reach their full size by 18 years. For girls, this can happen by age 16. Depending on how frequently they use running shoes, you may find that the need to replace them is dependent more on how quickly they’re worn down than the actual growth of your child’s feet.
When fully grown, replacements are usually needed around every 12 months if worn and used frequently.
Are lightweight shoes better for kids' running performance?
Yes, in general, lightweight shoes will enable better performance for boys and girls when running. A lightweight construction gives them greater control and movement, as well as overall lift as the materials aren’t holding their feet down. This allows them to run closer to how they naturally would while barefoot.
What’s the difference between running shoes and training shoes for kids?
The key difference between both is evident in their names. Running shoes are designed specifically for running - so they’re for forward momentum, are lightweight, offer greater cushioning and arch support, and are designed to go the distance (from short-distance to long-distance running). They also tend to be more breathable so that the feet won’t sweat excessively.
Training shoes are designed to be more versatile for various forms of training and activities, such as weightlifting, agility training, CrossFit, sports like basketball, volleyball and tennis, and more. They tend to be flatter than running shoes, have a lower heel-to-toe drop, and generally provide more stability for different activities.
So, if your kid’s key passion is running - go with running shoes. If they prefer varying sports or more gym-centric activities, training shoes are likely the better fit for their needs.
Can kids wear running shoes for everyday use?
Kids can certainly wear running shoes for day-to-day use as the cushioning and arch support will serve them well when walking around. However, we’d ultimately recommend investing in a pair of kids’ sneakers for everyday comfort. This way, they’ll get more use out of their running shoes for actual jogging, running, and cross-country pursuits. Using running shoes for general walking will wear them out faster and require you to purchase replacements sooner.
How do you choose the right size for growing feet?
One of the key challenges with growing kids is knowing which shoe size to opt for. While it’s hard to judge how quickly your kids will grow at different points in their childhood, especially with the occasional growth spurt, there are some general rules of thumb worth following.
The first rule literally has to do with your thumb. When choosing the shoe size for your child, it’s best to leave at least around a thumb’s width between your child's longest toe and the end of the shoe itself. This usually equates to a measurement of about 10mm to 15mm in length.
The other key point to remember is that, ideally, you shouldn’t go beyond one shoe size larger than your child’s current foot size. That’s because going beyond that can increase the risk of them tripping or struggling to have as much control over their steps and movement. It’s a good idea to measure your kids’ feet every three to four months to assess how much their foot size has increased.
Are breathable materials important for kids’ sports gear?
Yes, it’s always important for sports-focused kids gear to be constructed with breathability and/or moisture-wicking in mind. Whether they’re participating in track and field, team-based sports, cross country or any other number of fitness-focused activities, you want to ensure your children are comfortable and can perform at their best.
This is why our selection of kids’ running and training gear puts a premium on using breathable materials - or materials that offer effective moisture-wicking. It prevents issues such as overheating or discomfort caused by excess sweat build-up.