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.
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.
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.
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.
Don't just look at the European size; check the stated fit too:
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.
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:
Don't judge terms such as “durable” or “comfortable” in isolation. Check which materials, fastenings and care instructions are actually listed.
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.
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.
The sizing information lists a regular fit and size 30. This means you can base your choice on specific details rather than appearance alone.
Textile upper, rubber sole, regular fit and a fastening that's easy for children to use.
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.
The product description lists an upper made from suede, synthetic material and textile mesh, so you can check exactly which materials are used.
Navy upper, EVA midsole, rubber treaded sole and hook-and-loop fastening.
Why it suits this need: For children who enjoy wearing light-up shoes for everyday activities and outdoor play.
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.
Technical mesh upper, elastic laces, hook-and-loop fastening and lights with an on/off button on the side.
We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
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.
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.
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.