Running for juniors

A soft and lightweight shoe

A running shoe for children must primarily be soft at the forefoot to allow the foot to move freely and lightweight. The technologies from adult models are found in junior versions, such as the adidas Ultraboost Light in children's sizes or the Questar, but without the rigid plates of competition shoes, which are unnecessary and unsuitable for a growing foot. Moderate cushioning is sufficient: the child is light and exerts little pressure on the sole.

Shoe size is often checked, as feet grow quickly. About a centimetre of space in front of the toes provides room without slipping the foot. Velcro closures or elastic laces help the younger ones put on their shoes themselves.

Running young: fun and variety

For children, running is first practiced in the form of play, relays, and various activities rather than long outings. Athletic federations also adapt competition distances for each age category, with short cross-country races for the youngest. Varying sports—football, swimming, cycling—develops coordination and limits growth pains associated with repeating the same movement.

Family trail running on easy paths is a great introduction: it naturally alternates walking and running. A junior trail shoe with lugs ensures grip on the trails.

Young runners' gear

Technical polyester clothing, such as Craft t-shirts, wicks away sweat and dries quickly, preventing the child from staying wet after exertion. In cold weather, an extra layer that is easy to remove and a hat are sufficient. Bright colours and reflective elements make the child visible during late outings.

The entire junior selection

The selection is organized by type and brand:

• Running shoes, soft and lightweight for the road.
• Trail shoes, with lugs for the paths.
• Children's clothing, t-shirts, shorts, and jackets.
• adidas, with junior versions of its flagship models.
• Under Armour, for training outfits and shoes.
• Asics, with its GS models for schoolchildren.
• Puma, for lightweight and colourful models.

The men's shoes and women's shoes, the men's clothing and women's clothing, the equipment and the brands complete the universe on the running page.

New products and good deals

The new products showcase the latest releases, the promotions highlight discounted items, and the items shipped within 24h are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours. The good deals, the clearance, the sales, and the Black Friday have their running page, throughout the Black Friday, year-end holidays, winter sales, and French Days.

Frequently asked questions

What space should be left in a child's running shoe?

About a centimetre in front of the toes: enough for growth, without the foot slipping. The foot grows quickly, so shoe size is checked often, and Velcro closures or elastic laces help the younger ones put on their shoes themselves.

Should running be limited for children?

Instead of long outings, running is practiced through games, relays, and short cross-country races, distances that athletic federations adapt for each age category. Varying with football, swimming, or cycling develops coordination and limits growth pains.

Is trail running suitable for children?

Yes, on easy paths and with family: it naturally alternates walking and running, which is well-suited for the young. A junior trail shoe with lugs ensures grip on the paths, whereas a road shoe slips on wet ground.

What should a child wear for running in cold weather?

A technical polyester t-shirt, like those from Craft, wicks away sweat and dries quickly. In cold weather, an extra layer that is easy to remove and a hat are sufficient, and bright colours or reflective elements make them visible at the end of the day.

Do adult running shoes come in children's sizes?

Yes, several flagship models have a junior version, such as the adidas Ultraboost Light or the Questar, and Asics has its GS models for schoolchildren. These versions retain the adult technologies, without the rigid plates of competition shoes.