Puma for young runners
The Puma junior running page brings together the running shoes from the feline brand for children and teenagers, from school cross country to club athletics and physical education: lightweight models, grippy soles, Velcro fastenings for the little ones and laces for the older ones, featuring the visual codes of the shoes worn by adult sprinters.
The spirit of speed from Puma, tailored for juniors.
Puma, a sprinter's brand since 1948
Puma was born in 1948 in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, when Rudolf Dassler founded his own sports shoe company. The Formstrip that runs along the upper appeared ten years later and became its signature. The brand has been associated with speed ever since Usain Bolt broke his world records in the 100 and 200 meters in 2009 in Berlin, wearing Puma spikes. The junior models feature the leaping feline and the Formstrip from the adult shoes, a nod that appeals to young athletes discovering the track and cross-country, making the sports shoes a popular choice for school wear.
What a young runner needs
A child doesn't need the competition plates and foams of adults: a light, flexible shoe in the forefoot to allow the foot to move, well-held at the heel by a firm counter and with a grippy rubber sole is enough. Weight matters: for a child, a heavy pair quickly tires the legs. Velcro closures, marked by Puma's AC, for alternative closure, and elastic laces allow younger kids to put on their shoes independently in the changing room. Spikes come later, in club training, on the coach's advice.
Sizing for Inf, PS, and Jr
The foot is measured standing, at the end of the day, heel against a wall, leaving about a centimetre of space in front of the longest toe, without exceeding it: a shoe that is too big causes tripping and blisters. With Puma, children's models come in Inf for toddlers, PS for preschool and primary school children, and Jr for older kids, whose sizes match those of adults. The size should be checked every three to six months, and a pair should be replaced if the sole is smooth or the heel is worn down, even if it still looks clean.
The rest of junior running
Young runners can also find their running shoes, trail shoes, clothing, and selections from adidas, Asics, Under Armour, on the junior page.
New arrivals and great deals
The new arrivals showcase the latest releases, the promotions feature discounted items, and items shipped in 24 hours are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The good deals, clearance sales, sales, and the Black Friday all have their running page.
Frequently asked questions
Do Puma running shoes run large or small?
The size varies from model to model: rely on the foot length measured in centimetres and the size guide rather than the size of the old pair. Leave a centimetre in front of the toes, no more.
What shoe for a child starting athletics?
A light, versatile running shoe is enough for track, jumps, and cross-country. Spikes are only needed in competition, on the coach's advice.
Velcro or laces: at what age to switch to laces?
Velcro is suitable for children who can't yet tie their laces, often up to six or seven years old, and saves time in the changing room. Laces hold the foot better in fast races: switch to them as soon as the child can tighten them alone.
Can children's Puma running shoes be machine washed?
It's better to wash them by hand, in warm water with mild soap, using a soft brush for the sole. The machine and tumble dryer distort the upper and detach the sole: let them air dry, with newspaper inside.
Do you need special shoes for school cross-country?
A running shoe with a treaded sole is enough for running on grass and dirt. Avoid smooth city soles that slip in turns, and have a spare pair ready if the course is muddy.
