Joybuy Insights

Choosing children's trainers: how to find the right pair for school, play and everyday wear

Children put their shoes through a lot. They walk to school, play outside, cycle, run and often put their trainers on and take them off themselves. So when choosing children's trainers, eye-catching design isn't enough. The fit, fastening, materials and care instructions all help determine whether a pair is practical for everyday wear.

In this buying guide, Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer runs through the key things to check. You’ll also find a selection for different needs, from children's shoes with hook-and-loop fastenings to light-up children's shoes.

Three common pitfalls when choosing children's trainers

1. Choosing by colour or brand alone

Blue children's trainers, black children's trainers and styles with eye-catching details often appeal to children straight away. But colour says little about the fit or whether a pair is suitable for school and outdoor play. A well-known brand name is no guarantee that every style fits the same way, either. Always check the sizing information for the specific product.

2. Buying a size too big to make them last longer

A little growing room is useful, but shoes that are too big can move around as your child walks. This can mean less stability and faster wear to the heel lining. Check the stated size, width and fastening system. Children's shoe sizes 28 to 36 may be available in half sizes, and the fit can vary between brands.

3. Mistaking lights or special details for everyday practicality

Light-up children's shoes are appealing, but built-in components often need special care. For example, the Skechers Meteor-Lights are not suitable for machine washing, as the light and battery components could be damaged. According to the product information, cleaning them with a damp cloth is the recommended care method.

What should you look for in children's trainers?

1. Fit, size and width

Don't just look at the European size; check the stated fit too:

  • Regular fit: suitable if your child's foot falls within the size shown in the size chart.
  • Shoe width: some styles specify a width such as D or G. This helps you compare how much room is available.
  • Fastening: elastic laces with a hook-and-loop fastening are practical for children who want to put their shoes on by themselves.
  • Heel shape: low-top trainers without a heel are suitable for everyday wear, while high-top styles have more material around the ankle.

Pay extra attention to any style described as coming up small. For example, the Skechers Flex Glow 90542L BBLM is listed as a small fit, with advice to order one size up. Always check the current product page for the latest information.

2. Upper and sole

The upper affects how easy the trainers are to care for and how well they ventilate. Textile and mesh are lightweight and are often chosen for everyday wear. Suede and synthetic materials can give a sturdier look, but need different cleaning methods.

Also check the sole:

  • Rubber outsole: offers grip and is suitable for walking and play.
  • Treaded sole: can be practical on different surfaces.
  • EVA midsole: used in some styles to keep the weight down and, according to the product description, support cushioning.

Don't judge terms such as “durable” or “comfortable” in isolation. Check which materials, fastenings and care instructions are actually listed.

3. Care and intended use

For school and everyday wear, children's trainers that are easy to clean are often a practical choice. Not every style is machine washable. The New Balance PC574EVN28.5 can be washed on a delicate cycle with cold water, while several Skechers styles should only be cleaned with a damp cloth.

Leave trainers to air-dry and avoid direct heat. According to the product information provided, shoes with lights are especially unsuitable for being immersed in water.

Recommended children's trainers for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Skechers Microspec Texlor 403770L BBK 30

Skechers Microspec Texlor 403770L BBK 30

Why it suits this need: This black style has elastic laces and a hook-and-loop fastening, and is listed as suitable for everyday wear. That makes it a practical choice for school and play.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The sizing information lists a regular fit and size 30. This means you can base your choice on specific details rather than appearance alone.

Key benefits & features

Textile upper, rubber sole, regular fit and a fastening that's easy for children to use.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
New Balance PC574EVN28.5

New Balance PC574EVN28.5

Why it suits this need: An option for parents looking for a considered mix of materials and a sporty look for school, walks and everyday wear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description lists an upper made from suede, synthetic material and textile mesh, so you can check exactly which materials are used.

Key benefits & features

Navy upper, EVA midsole, rubber treaded sole and hook-and-loop fastening.

Suitable for: Specific needs & active wearers
Skechers Flex Glow 90542L BBLM 28

Skechers Flex Glow 90542L BBLM 28

Why it suits this need: For children who enjoy wearing light-up shoes for everyday activities and outdoor play.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists both the size and the advice that this style comes up small. It also explains that the shoes need to be cleaned with a damp cloth.

Key benefits & features

Technical mesh upper, elastic laces, hook-and-loop fastening and lights with an on/off button on the side.

Looking for more options?

We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about children's trainers

Which children's trainers are suitable for school?

Choose a style in the right size, with a rubber sole and a fastening your child can manage independently. Children's shoes with hook-and-loop fastenings or elastic laces are often practical on busy school mornings. Also check that the care instructions suit everyday wear.

How long do children's trainers last?

It depends on how quickly your child grows, how many hours they wear them, the surfaces they walk on and how well the shoes are cared for. Check regularly that there's still enough room for their toes, that the sole still has tread and that the fastening is working properly. Rotating between two pairs can be practical, as it gives each pair time to air and dry.

Are light-up children's shoes suitable for rain?

Always check the care instructions for the specific style. For styles with lights or battery components, washing or immersing them in water is often not recommended. Instead, clean them with a damp cloth as described in the product information, then leave the trainers to air-dry.