Joybuy Insights

Choosing children’s trainers: a practical guide for school, play and sport

Children’s trainers need to withstand daily use, fit securely and suit your child’s activities. However, choosing the right size, fastening and combination of materials from the wide range available is not always easy. An eye-catching design says little about grip, care or fit.

With this guide, you can compare trainers for children based on verifiable features. That way, you can avoid a disappointing purchase and find children’s shoes that are suitable for school, outdoor play and light sporting activities.

Common pitfalls when choosing children’s trainers

1. A trendy design gets too much attention

Lights, glitter and bright colours can be appealing, but they do not determine whether a shoe is practical. Also look at the sole, upper material and fastening. For example, a hook-and-loop fastening is useful for young children who want to get dressed independently. A white synthetic shoe may look smart, but it will need cleaning more often.

2. “Comfortable” is not always explained clearly

Brands regularly use general descriptions such as comfortable, supportive or suitable for active children. According to the product description, this might refer to an EVA insole, a flexible sole or a mesh upper. That does not guarantee a personal fit. Always check the size, width, insole and fastening.

3. The wrong shoe for the activity

A casual tennis-style shoe is suitable for everyday use, but not automatically for intensive training. For children’s sports shoes, features such as a rubber outsole, a secure fastening and suitable upper material are relevant. Croslite clogs are practical for use at home, leisure time or short trips, but they have a different construction from closed children’s trainers.

Features that deserve priority

Size and fit

Ideally, measure both feet at the end of the day, when they take up slightly more room. Compare the measurements with the size chart for the specific model. An EU size 30 from one brand does not necessarily feel exactly the same as a size 30 from another brand.

Pay attention to the information about width:

  • D is listed as a standard width for several models.
  • G may indicate a roomier width in the product information.
  • A standard fit does not mean that every child will find the same shoe comfortable.
  • Check that the toes can move without the heel slipping out of the shoe.

Do not automatically order a size larger “to allow for growth”. Too much room can make a child less stable when walking or cause them to put strain on the shoe in a different way.

Fastening: hook-and-loop, elastic or slip-on

Children’s shoes with hook-and-loop fastenings are practical for school and young children. They are quick to put on and easy to adjust. The New Balance PC574EVN and several Skechers models in the range feature hook-and-loop fastenings. Some Skechers Flutter Heart Lights models combine elastic laces with a hook-and-loop fastening.

Slip-on models, such as Crocs children’s shoes, are convenient when putting shoes on and taking them off quickly is important. They are mainly designed for leisure and everyday convenience. For running, cycling or longer walks, a closed trainer with a secure fastening is often a more logical choice.

Material and sole

The material affects care, ventilation and possible uses:

  • Textile or mesh: often lightweight and more breathable, but more prone to getting dirty.
  • Synthetic leather: can be cleaned easily with a damp cloth.
  • Suede, synthetic material and mesh: a combination that, according to the New Balance PC574EVN product description, combines durability and ventilation.
  • Rubber outsole: check whether it has a tread and whether the sole feels sturdy.
  • EVA: used in midsoles or insoles. For the models mentioned, EVA is listed as a lightweight cushioning material.

A shoe that is labelled as machine-washable should still be treated according to its specific care instructions. Other models may only be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. In particular, shoes with lights must not be submerged or machine-washed.

Our recommendations by usage profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Skechers Microspec Texlor 403770L BBK 30

Skechers Microspec Texlor 403770L BBK 30

Why it suits this profile: This black low-top model has a standard fit, width D, and a combination of elastic and hook-and-loop fastenings. This makes it suitable for everyday use and putting on independently.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information provides specific details about the fastening, width, fit and sole material rather than relying only on general comfort claims.

Main benefit & advantages

Textile upper, rubber sole, elastic fastening and hook-and-loop fastening; the listed size is EU 30.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
New Balance PC574EVN30.5

New Balance PC574EVN30.5

Why it suits this profile: For parents who value the material construction and a sturdy design, this model features an upper made from suede, synthetic material and textile mesh.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details separately specify the upper, EVA midsole, rubber outsole and hook-and-loop fastening.

Main benefit & advantages

Lightweight EVA midsole, rubber sole with tread, mesh panels and hook-and-loop fastening; available in size 30.5 according to the product listing.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
Skechers Go Run 400-Darvix 405102L-BBK Running Shoes, Size 35

Skechers Go Run 400-Darvix 405102L-BBK Running Shoes, Size 35

Why it suits this profile: This low-top model is aimed at active children and features a mesh upper, rubber sole and hook-and-loop fastening for everyday use.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description distinguishes between the breathable mesh upper, rubber sole and standard fit. However, check that the model is suitable for the intensity of the sport.

Main benefit & advantages

Mesh upper, rubber outsole, hook-and-loop fastening, standard fit and size 35 according to the product page.

Suitable for: Quick to put on and take off
CROCS 207018 Neon Purple Digital Violet Unisex C5

CROCS 207018 Neon Purple/Digital Violet Unisex C5

Why it suits this profile: This unisex clog is designed for children who want a lightweight model that is easy to put on and take off at home, during leisure time or on short trips.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The slip-on design avoids the hassle of laces or buckles. However, choose this type specifically for leisure time; it is not a traditional closed sports shoe.

Main benefit & advantages

100% Croslite according to the product information, lightweight construction, slip-on design and size 20-21.

Comparing brands and models

Those looking for Lacoste children’s shoes will mainly find minimalist tennis-style models. The LACOSTE L001 SET 224 1 SUI has a white base with light pink details, an EVA insole and a rubber outsole. The white L001 SET 224 2 SUI and Carnaby Set 224 7 Suc focus more on a neutral look.

Skechers children’s shoes range from low-top mesh models to high-top trainers with lights. Shoes with built-in lights need to be cleaned carefully; according to the product information for the Meteor-Lights models, cleaning with a damp cloth is recommended.

New Balance children’s shoes such as the PC574EVN combine suede, synthetic materials, mesh, EVA and rubber according to the listed product specifications. Check the available size when buying, as the product list contains different size variants.

Care and expected lifespan

Lifespan depends on growth rate, use and care. Check weekly:

  • whether the sole is coming loose;
  • whether the tread is visibly worn down;
  • whether the fastening still works securely;
  • whether the shoe is becoming misshapen;
  • whether the size still provides enough room.

Allow wet children’s shoes to dry at room temperature. Avoid radiators and other direct heat sources, as materials may become misshapen. Use a soft cloth and mild soap for synthetic materials. For textile, suede and shoes with lights, always follow the washing or care label.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about children’s trainers

How much room should there be in children’s trainers?

There should be enough room for the toes to move without the foot sliding forwards. Use the brand’s size chart and check the fit with the socks your child normally wears. A significantly larger size is not automatically a good choice.

Are children’s shoes with hook-and-loop fastenings suitable for school?

Yes, hook-and-loop fastenings are practical for children who put their shoes on themselves. Check that the strap is long enough to secure the shoe properly and that the width suits the foot. For sport and intensive outdoor play, the sole and upper material are also important.

How often should children’s trainers be replaced?

Replace them when the size is no longer suitable, the sole no longer has enough tread, the fastening no longer works properly or the shoe is visibly misshapen. With rapidly growing feet, the size may change before the shoe becomes technically worn out. Therefore, regularly check both the fit and the condition of the shoe.