The choice of children's shoes is important to be made carefully, as children's feet are constantly growing and need the right support. Whether you choose them for their first steps or for school and their everyday activities, athletic children's shoes must meet certain specifications that make them ideal.

How to choose the right athletic shoes?

Engaging in a sport

If your child plays basketball, football, or participates in any other sport, you need to find the right shoe, based on the manufacturer's specifications. All major athletic brands have the corresponding shoes, designed for the specific sport they are intended for.

A basketball shoe, for example, should cover the ankle and hold the foot in place during direction changes, a running shoe should be lightweight with midsole cushioning for shock absorption, and a soccer shoe should have the appropriate sole, depending on where it will be worn.

How do I know I have chosen the right size?

In children, the foot is constantly growing, so athletic shoes need to be changed frequently in order to ensure proper fit. By choosing athletic shoes on Skroutz, you can see the size that corresponds to each brand based on the length of the foot by clicking "Find your size". This way you will get the right size!

When the child wears the athletic shoes, you should check with your finger to see if there is a gap between the big toe and the edge of the shoe, at least one centimeter. To properly check, the child should stand up so that the sole is in the correct position.

We pay special attention to not buying larger shoes with the idea that they will be worn next year, no matter how economical they are, because they cause injuries, movement problems, and improper foot development, which is not properly supported.

With laces or velcro

For smaller children, the best choice is velcro, meaning the adhesive straps. They are very easy to put on and take off, which is particularly convenient for parents, but also for the children themselves when they start dressing on their own. Laces are for older children who want to adjust the tying as they please and have learned how to tie them on their own. The combination of laces and velcro is also convenient for all ages, as the laces are usually elastic and the shoe is fastened with the adhesive strap. Slip-ons have no closure and are worn with one movement like slippers.

What materials to prefer

Choose sports shoes made of breathable materials, such as fabric mesh surfaces for the warmer months and leather shoes or shoes with waterproof lining for the winter. Make sure the outer sole is made of rubber for better grip and slip resistance.

Also, for foot protection and comfort, the sole should be durable and flexible with grooves to provide natural movement of the foot. The midsole should be soft and anatomically designed to support the arch and promote proper foot placement, contributing to the overall correct posture of the child.

Technologies & materials you need to know:

Upper part

• Synthetic leather: flexible and durable material that withstands friction, lightweight, and allows the foot to breathe better.
• Mesh fabric: Lightweight mesh fabric made of polyester that allows the foot to "breathe", keeping the feet dry and cool during exercise.
• Leather: It is durable and molds to the shape of the foot, providing comfort. Ideal for winter months.
• Water-repellent materials: Provide waterproofing to the shoe and prevent water from entering in case of rain.

Inside the shoe

• EVA midsole: Soft and flexible material that contributes to walking comfort and shock absorption.
• Polyurethane insole: Foam plastic, lightweight, flexible, and highly resistant to friction.
• Phylon insole: White foam synthetic plastic that provides support and shock absorption.
• Ortholite insole: Antimicrobial insole that provides improved breathability, sweat and odor control, and shock absorption.
• Cloudfoam insole (adidas): Soft material that molds to the shape of the foot, providing comfort, soft cushioning, and anti-shock protection.
• Ampli-Foam (Asics): Durable and elastic material that maintains its shape and provides great bounce, making the running experience more intense.
• Adifit insole (adidas): adidas technology for selecting the right size.
• Zoom Air protection (Nike): Provides fast and immediate high-responsive feel during the foot lift from the ground.

Outsole

• Usually made of rubber, a particularly durable material with resistance to friction and non-slip properties. It offers good grip in sports activities (good traction) and stability in walking and running.

A special category in the outsole is football shoes, for use on different fields:

• Studded sole: Suitable for use on fields with classic turf.
• Sole with studs: Suitable for use on fields with natural or artificial grass.

• They come in various types (FG, SG, MG, AG) depending on the surface.
• Indoor Sole: Suitable for use in indoor courts.