Best Selling Kids Shoes for Active Youth

When it comes to kids’ footwear, especially for those who lead an active lifestyle, the right pair of shoes is about comfort, durability, and encouraging healthy habits while supporting development. At ASICS, we’re known for our expertise in athletic footwear, including footwear specifically designed for kids. You’ll find a range of top-selling kids’ shoes crafted with high-tech, kid-friendly features and sustainable materials so your child can look and feel their best.  

Let’s explore why it’s essential for kids to have proper running shoes and learn about some of the best-selling models from ASICS.

Why running shoes are important for kids

Just like adults, kids need the right type of shoes for their activities. Running shoes designed for children provide the necessary structure, cushioning, and flexibility that their growing feet need. Many kids' shoes are made with stiff materials, which aren’t built for the stress that kids may place on their feet throughout the day. Wearing shoes designed for activity can help protect active kids from injuries and reduce pain in their ankles and feet.  

When outfitting your child with running shoes, look for options with benefits such as: 

Impact reduction

Active children often run and jump on uneven surfaces, which can be hard on their bodies. Running shoes with ample cushioning will absorb the impact of these activities. In turn, this cushioning provides added comfort in addition to helping prevent strain and injury during activities.

Support for developing feet

As children grow, their feet are constantly developing. Running shoes that are well-designed offer the necessary support this growth requires. Ideally, kids’ shoes should be engineered to aid in healthy foot development, ensuring that as children’s feet grow, they are supported in a way that promotes normal and healthy growth patterns. 

Increased durability

Many running shoes include durable soles, protecting the shoes from wear and tear against rough surfaces outdoors. Whether wear comes from continuous movement, rough surfaces, or both, the durable material of running shoes can help reduce the frequency your child’s running shoe needs replacement.  

5 Best Selling Kids’ Shoes 

Outfit your active child with shoes designed to meet their unique needs. ASICS designs its footwear to support kids’ growing feet.  

1. For multi-direction movement: UPCOURT 5

The UPCOURT 5 shoe is a versatile shoe designed for the young athlete who is always on the move. This shoe offers excellent stability and support with midfoot overlaps, making it ideal for a variety of sports and playground activities that include lateral movements and direction switches. Its durable design includes a toe and heel counter reinforced with durable panels that can withstand the rigors of active children.  

2. For speed: NOVABLAST^® 4

The NOVABLAST® 4 shoe is all about combining comfort with style. These shoes feature a responsive cushioning system, providing a springy feel that’s perfect for energetic kids. The design of these shoes propels your child forward with a trampoline outsole design while increasing the comfort of their gait. Plus, your child will feel stylish and inspired with the “Better your best” phase detailed on the outsole of the shoe. 

3. For stability: GEL-KAYANO^® 31

The GEL-KAYANO® 31 shoe is a top choice for kids needing extra support and stability. Known for its FF BLAST^TM PLUS ECO cushioning, rearfoot PureGEL^TM technology, and structured design, this shoe is ideal for both sports activities and everyday wear. This shoe has a built-in ASICS SIZE CHECKER^TM feature to help kids check when they’re outgrowing their shoe, an important feature to promote healthy development for growing children. 

4. For versatility: GT-2000^TM 12

This shoe is jam-packed with high-tech features to provide everything your child needs before hitting the playground, field, or track. The GT-2000™ 12 shoe offers a size-checker to help your child notice when it’s time for new shoes, a 3D GUIDANCE SYSTEM to improve stability and encourage correct gait, and FLYTEFOAM^® and GEL^® technologies to offer cushioning while keeping the shoe lightweight. Plus, this shoe offers superior step-in comfort with the Ortholite^® X-30 sockliner and durability with the AHAR^®PLUS^TM heel plug rubber. 

5. For style: JAPAN S

For the younger kids, the JAPAN S shoe combines the classic retro basketball style of the JAPAN S shoes with child-friendly features. These shoes are easy to put on and take off, perfect for kids who are just learning to dress themselves. The comfortable fit and durable design make them ideal for daily wear. Plus, this model comes with vibrant color options kids love.  

Get active with ASICS

ASICS kids’ shoes are more than just miniature versions of adult running shoes — they are specifically engineered to meet the needs of young, growing athletes while utilizing sustainable materials. With a variety of styles and designs, ASICS offers shoes that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of children, encouraging them to stay active and healthy. Whether for sports, school, or play, ASICS has a shoe to keep every child comfortable, supported, and ready to explore the world on the move.