The 10 Best Running Shoes for Teens
The new year brings resolutions and the rapidly approaching high school track season, which usually means coming to terms with the fact that the stinky, worn-out sneakers in the back of your teen’s closet are only asking for an injury. But whether your teen is a seasoned athlete or a new runner looking to clock some weekly miles, online shopping for shoes can be difficult—especially for teenagers, who are more likely to base their buying decision on what’s popular among their peers over what’s right for their feet. To help ease your frustration, we’ve selected some of the best shoes for any activity they might be pursuing this year—from long-distance training to a first 5K, even just bumming around.
How We Selected These Shoes
Nearly every shoe on our list has been personally tested by our Runner’s World staff and wear-test team for their durability, comfort, and performance. Some have undergone more rigorous testing by our Test Team, which helps determine just how the shoe works. We test height, weight, flexibility, and cushioning—and sometimes even slice open the shoe to see what’s inside. For the shoes we can’t get our hands on—er, our feet into—we rely on outside testing, research, and consumer reviews. We also consult trusted experts and use our own knowledge and experience. As a former collegiate track-and-field and cross-country athlete, and with five years of experience working retail in a run-specialty shop, I’ve gained a first-hand understanding of how customers react to current shoes as well as had the opportunity to test and form opinions of the shoes myself. These are the 10 that stand out.
—BEST FOR CROSS-COUNTRY—
Brooks Adrenaline
While grass is certainly softer than concrete or a track, it can still be brutal on the legs and ankles. From steep descents to rocky patches to tilted terrain, you never quite know what you are going to hit along the way. While most high school kids will race in spikes, the majority of their miles will be done in trainers. The Adrenaline is an ideal cross-country shoe. It works well on all types of terrain thanks to the grippy trail-shoe-like treads, and the guide rails help protect ankles from turning on uneven ground. The midweight cushioning and universally good fit have made it a top choice for Runner’s World editors and runners of all abilities.
—BEST FOR TRACK—
Saucony Kinvara 11
Whether banging out some 200s or powering through mile repeats, the Kinvara will help you hit your splits. One of the lightest training shoes on the market, the Kinvara features a breathable upper and a surprisingly plush midsole for the weight. If you care about drop, the Kinvara has only 4mm, which allows your foot to sit in a more natural position. While the Kinvara might not handle the mileage that a high-cushion shoe can, it’s a great choice for speedwork and an awesome secondary shoe for distance athletes looking for a boost. And at $110, it won’t break the budget.
—FOR MARATHONS—
Hoka One One Clifton
Hokas have moved from a cult favorite to a staple of mainstream running, and the Clifton has arguably led the way. It’s hard to find something not to like about this shoe, and while it is suited for everything from a casual jog in your neighborhood to pounding out the miles, it truly shines when marathon training. Thanks to a surplus of soft EVA, the shoe has a marshmallowy-yet-springy feel that stays that way even far into a long run. It also has a built-in rocker that helps to promote a mid-foot strike, which is both more efficient and offers better protection for young legs. If you don’t want to drop $200 on your kid’s racing shoe, the Clifton is an ideal choice—light enough to race in and built to last longer than some comparable options.
—CASUAL—
Nike Air Max 97
The only running you should be doing in these is running errands, but you’ll look good and feel comfortable doing it. The Nike Air Max has been around for decades, but with the resurgence of ’90s/Y2K style, this model (based on the 1997 Air Max) is sure to be desirable. And despite being based on a vintage model, these sneakers are full of modern-day comfort. Nike kept the full-length Max Air cushioning, which gives this shoe a super plush feel, and added a durable, grippy outsole to give you traction on slippery days.
—FOR NEW RUNNERS—
Nike Joyride Dual
Nike knows that not everyone enjoys running, which is precisely why they made this shoe. It features a heel pod filled with tiny foam beads that give a super-plush and pillowy feeling. These are certainly not the most responsive shoes out there, but they aren’t supposed to be. Instead, they are a fun, comfortable, and affordable option for a new or casual runner who needs something to get them excited about running. That’s not to say this isn’t a running shoe—serious runners can enjoy these as well, especially on recovery days. The youthful style is also a plus for younger runners who may not buy into the “function over fashion” aesthetic that many running brands tout.
—COMFORTABLE—
New Balance 1080
The 1080 has been a tried and true personal favorite, and the 1080v10 has only upped the game. Using a midsole made completely from FreshFoamX, it has a bouncy, fluffy, feel—consider the knit upper, and it’s not too far from wearing a bedroom slipper you can run in. While it may be a bit soft for some runners, those who are after a plush, high-cushion feel will be delighted by the shoe. Unlike some of New Balance’s other models, these fit a narrower foot well, thanks to a tapered midfoot and a unique heel counter that keeps you from slipping out of the shoe without pinching the Achilles.
—CLASSIC STYLE—
Reebok Classics
Classic styles have been popping up everywhere from brands like Nike and New Balance, and even more niche running brands like Saucony. Reebok wanted to get in on the trend as well, and these Reebok Classics are a simple and comfortable piece to add to any teen’s wardrobe. While they aren’t meant for running, they are great for everyday wear and will give your kid more support than a slip-on sneaker or sandal. If your teen has a tendency to grow out of shoes quickly, the $75 investment for these kicks is a lot less painful.
—CROSS-TRAINING—
Reebok Nano x
If your kid plays a sport or is into Crossfit, where lifting is the primary function, a cross-training shoe is a much better option than a running shoe. Besides being more stable, cross-trainers are sturdier, flatter, and won’t compress as much when lifting heavy weight. The Reebok Nano X is a great option for kids who want something they can wear to the gym and even use to tackle a few 400 repeats or easy miles. While the Nano x probably won’t hold up to serious mileage, EVA provides nice cushioning that can handle some running and cardio without the shoe feeling like they are pounding on straight concrete.
–FOR ROAD 5KS–
Nike Pegasus
Ah, the Pegasus—mass favorite of high school runners. And how can we blame them? The Peg is a fan favorite for a reason. It’s snappy, responsive, decently cushioned, and comes in a myriad of color choices. Since most younger runners don’t need a particularly supportive shoe—especially when running the roads—the Peg is a great option that gives enough protection for long runs but is light enough to bang out some mile repeats or a weekend 5k race.
—FOR THE TRAILS—
Hoka Speedgoat
Whether your teen is into trail running, or they want a shoe for weekend hikes, the Hoka Speedgoat is a surefire winner. Like most Hokas, it features a thick EVA midsole, which provides both a cushioned sole and a layer of protection against rocks, sticks, and other sharp objects found in the woods. It has grippy lugs and a Vibram outsole that help to prevent slippage on everything from loose rocks to muddy spots. While not as responsive as most road shoes, it is still pretty bouncy and gives a decent return even on soft ground. If your kid isn’t much into running, this also works great for short hikes—especially if they want something lighter than a hiking boot.
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