Joybuy Insights

Choosing trainers for children: how to find the right pair for school, play and sport

A new pair of trainers for children needs to withstand everyday wear and tear, stay securely in place and suit their daily routine. Yet many parents focus mainly on colour, brand or a striking detail. This can result in a poor purchase: a fastening a child cannot manage independently, a size that comes up small or a sole that is unsuitable for how the shoes will be used.

This buying guide helps you compare children’s trainers based on verifiable features. The selection focuses on children with shoe sizes 27 to 33 inclusive.

Three common pitfalls when choosing children’s trainers

1. A striking design gets more attention than the fit

Trainers with lights, bright colours or a well-known logo often catch children’s attention straight away. However, this says little about the size, width or fastening. Always check the size chart and see whether the shoe has a standard, narrow or wider fit.

One model may be described in the product information as true to size, while another may come up small. For example, the Skechers Flex Glow 90542L is stated to come up small, with one size larger recommended. This information is more important than the appearance alone.

2. “For sport” does not automatically mean suitable for every sport

Many children’s shoes are described as suitable for school, play, sport and everyday use. This is a broad product description. For intensive outdoor sports, indoor training or a sport with specific requirements, dedicated children’s sports shoes may be more suitable.

Pay particular attention to the type of sole, the tread and the fastening. A low trainer with a rubber outsole is practical for everyday use, but is not necessarily designed for a specific sporting discipline.

3. Buying too much room to allow for growth

Children grow quickly, but a shoe that is clearly too big may be less stable. Too little room, on the other hand, puts pressure on the toes. Measure both feet at the end of the day and compare the measurement with the brand’s size chart. Also check the returns policy before ordering, so that trying the shoes on at home is possible under the applicable terms.

Important features to check before buying

Size, width and fit

An EU size is not identical across every model. In addition to the size, check:

  • Fit: standard, narrow or wide.
  • Shoe width: some models use designations such as D or G.
  • Toe room: the toes should not press against the front.
  • Size advice: look out for notes such as “comes up small” or “true to size”.

The models available in this selection range from size 27 to 33, among others. However, a product page may show only one specific size, such as 28.5, 29, 30, 31, 32 or 33. Always check that the size you want is actually available.

Fastening: laces, elastic or hook-and-loop

The fastening determines how quickly a child can put on and take off their children’s shoes.

  • Hook-and-loop: practical for young children and school days.
  • Elastic laces with hook-and-loop: combine easy slip-on wear with additional adjustment.
  • Regular laces: can provide a precise fit, but require the child to be able to tie them independently.
  • Elastic laces without extensive adjustment: convenient, but check that the shoe fits securely enough.

A fastening should hold firmly without being too tight. High-top trainers for children may have an additional strap around the ankle for extra adjustment, but also check whether the child can use the fastening independently.

Material, sole and care

Look at the full material specification rather than relying only on words such as “durable” or “breathable”. The product information for the selected models includes the following materials:

  • Textile or mesh: often described as lightweight and airy.
  • Synthetic material: easy to wipe clean, depending on the construction.
  • Suede and leather: generally require more care; some models may recommend applying a protective treatment before first use.
  • Rubber outsole: listed as the sole material for several models, sometimes with tread for grip.
  • EVA midsole: listed for the New Balance PC574EVN as a lightweight cushioning material.

Clean lightly soiled trainers with a damp cloth and mild soap if this is recommended by the manufacturer. According to the product information, models with built-in lights must not be put in the washing machine, as the lighting and battery components could be damaged.

Our recommendations by user type

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

Skechers Microspec Texlor 403770L BBK 30

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this black low-top trainer has an elastic fastening with hook-and-loop and is suitable for everyday use. Size 30 is clearly stated.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that it has a standard fit and recommends choosing the child’s usual size. There are no lights or additional electronic components that could make care more complicated.

Key benefit & advantages

Textile upper, rubber sole, standard fit and a combination of elastic and hook-and-loop fastening.

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

New Balance PC574EVN28.5

Why it suits this profile: According to the product information, this navy children’s trainer combines suede, synthetic material and textile mesh with an EVA midsole. The hook-and-loop fastening is well suited to school and everyday use.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications list the materials, fastening and sole separately. This allows you to base your choice on use and care rather than the brand’s appearance alone.

Key benefit & advantages

Hook-and-loop fastening, EVA midsole, rubber outsole with tread and a combination of suede, synthetic material and mesh.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Skechers Meteor-Lights Krendox 401495L-BKBL 33

Skechers Meteor-Lights - Krendox 401495L-BKBL 33

Why it suits this profile: According to the product details, this high-top children’s trainer features lights, hook-and-loop fastening, a standard fit and shoe width G. This makes it relevant for children who want a distinctive look and a higher ankle design.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page explicitly states that the model is true to size. For care, wiping with a damp cloth is recommended; machine washing is unsuitable because of the built-in lighting.

Key benefit & advantages

High-top design, hook-and-loop fastening, rubber sole, standard fit and lights in the sole with an on/off button.

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 trainers for children

How much room should children’s trainers have?

There should be enough room so that the toes do not press against the front, but the foot should not slide forwards. Use the size chart for the specific model and check the fit with the socks the child normally wears.

Are trainers with lights suitable for everyday use?

That depends on the product details and care instructions. According to the product description, the Skechers models with lights in this selection are intended for everyday use. The instructions state that they must not be put in the washing machine; wiping them with a damp cloth is the recommended method.

Are hook-and-loop shoes suitable for school?

Yes, hook-and-loop fastenings can be practical for children who want to put their shoes on independently. However, check that the strap is long enough to secure the foot properly and that the shoe does not fit too loosely. For older children who can tie laces, boys’ trainers with laces may also be a suitable choice.

How long do children’s trainers last?

How long they last depends on growth, how often they are worn, the surface they are used on and how well they are cared for. Check regularly that the sole still has sufficient tread, the fastening works properly and the toes are not pressing against the front. A pair that still looks tidy may nevertheless no longer fit because of your child’s growth.