Running Notes
May 9
Spring 2025 Kids Running Shoe Guide
I’ve been testing kids running sneakers for over nine years now, and happy to report out my current favorites among the many offerings in the kid’s run shoe market. Rest assured I received no compensation for these reviews or my opinions; and all shoes were purchased at retail price (or sale price!!). Note: I do not purchase Nike sneakers for myself or my family, so you’ll likely never see a Nike shoe review on Running Peas. Brand values matter deeply to me and after many years competing in the professional/semi-professional track and field world, I can say with confidence: Nike is not a good neighbor. (If you're curious why, for one example just google "Allyson Felix maternity pay".) But that's a topic for another Running Note.
The kids shoe market is currently FLOODED with options, which honestly is a blessing and a curse. You now have access to incredible tech in tiny sizes, but it can also feel overwhelming. With all these options, how does a parent choose? I struggled with these choices starting when my kids were very young! Yes, I was the parent placing tiny running shoes on barely mobile tiny feet!! 😬 After many years of trial and error, here’s what I prioritize: Durability. Construction. Price.
💪 Durability
Sneakers come in all sorts of lightweight materials these days, and most include a breathable mesh upper—which is generally sufficient. But over the years, I’ve had more than a few pairs break down far too quickly, especially in the toe box, where fabric tends to wear thin after just a few months of consistent use. Toes start poking through, or the heel begins separating from the upper (New Balance, I’m looking at you).
I always look for a durable, lightweight mesh, and the best I’ve seen so far comes from ASICS kids running sneakers. They strike that perfect balance of breathability, flexibility and resilience.
🚩Construction
To foam or not to foam—that is my question! As a longtime runner, I’ve watched the rise of “fresh foam” with mixed feelings. This soft, squishy cushioning—widely used in New Balance models and others under different names—does offer immediate comfort. And yes, if you’re looking for a walking shoe or a casual-use runner, it’ll feel great.
But too much squish comes at a cost: stability. I avoid overly soft shoes for my kids because they simply don’t need all that foam. What they do need is a flexible, stable shoe that helps them respond to the ground and develop strong foot muscles. Kids benefit most from a shoe that keeps up with their quick movements and supports natural foot development—not one that feels like a marshmallow. Save those for the post run s’mores. 😋
💲Price Point
Let’s be honest—adult running shoes are expensive, and now kids’ shoes are creeping up too. The key is to find a shoe that’s worth the investment: something that lasts. I recently took a chance on the HOKA Mach 6 for my son (yes, pricey—even on sale), and so far, they’re holding up. Time will tell if they’re worth it, but they’ve passed the initial durability test.
Ideally, you want a durable, responsive shoe—not overly squishy—at a reasonable price. A $50–$75 pair might seem like a splurge, but if it lasts twice as long as a cheaper one, it’s money well spent.
One quick note: I didn’t purchase or review On kids running shoes. When I tested them in-store, I could barely flex the sole—too stiff for my liking, and the kids didn’t like the feel either. On is still relatively new to the adult running market, so I assume their kids’ offerings are still evolving.
I also steer clear of Under Armour and Adidas kids shoes for similar reasons—not enough structure or support in the models I’ve tested.
So without further ado—here are my top recommendations for Spring 2025 Kids Running Shoes. 👟 🏃
👟 1. ASICS GEL-NOOSA TRI 16
Weight: ~7.1 oz (kids size 3)
Price Paid: $49.95 (on sale Asics.com)
Heel Drop: ~8.5mm
This shoe continues to impress me, season after season. ASICS has figured out how to build a lightweight, breathable, and ridiculously durable kids’ sneaker—especially in the toe box area, which is where most shoes fail. The upper on the TRI 16 is an engineered mesh that doesn’t break down after many months of run club, school, and all other after school and weekend activities. They wear especially well in rainy and wet conditions without suffering the usual breakdown in the upper mesh.
The GEL cushioning in the heel gives just enough bounce for comfort but doesn’t overdo it in the squish department. The ride is responsive, stable, and flexible—exactly what growing feet need. Construction is better than most “performance” kids shoes I’ve seen, but does tend to be a bit heavier than other kid’s running shoes.
👟 2. HOKA Mach 6 (Kids Version)
Weight: ~6.7 oz (big kids size 6.5)
Price Paid: $110 (full price!)
Heel Drop: 4.0mm
Yes, the price made me wince. But these Mach 6s were the first pair of running shoes my son asked to wear even when we weren’t going anywhere. The upper is sleek and breathable, and the full-length midsole foam is comfortable without being overly squishy or adding an absurd amount of height to the shoe. According to my son, it feels comfortable and light all day at school and right through after-school and evening activities.
Durability has been solid so far—no outsole peeling or fabric tears, and they also wear really well in wet conditions without breaking down. The rubberized outsole provides solid grip on pavement and track surfaces. While it's not a trail shoe, it can handle light off-road detours without slipping. These shoes remind me of my own trainers, without feeling overly adult-like, perfect for my almost 10 year old.
👟 3. Saucony Kinvara 14 A/C
Weight: ~6.1 (estimated- kids size 3.5)
Price Paid: $51 (price with Saucony email signup discount)
Heel Drop: ?
The Kinvara line is a longtime favorite in adult racing circles, and this kid’s version keeps that same DNA. The Kinvara 14 A/C is feather-light, breathable, and zero fuss. The mesh is durable - last year my son somehow took chunks out of the side mesh and still kept right on running in them! With that being said, the mesh upper did tend to break down quicker than other shoes we’ve worn. Flexible lace structure plus velcro make for a fast morning routine (thank you, Saucony 🙏), and the fit is snug but forgiving. It’s a lower-to-the-ground ride, with decent cushion but no excessive foam.
If you have a nimble, fast-moving kid who loves to move—this is the one. Bonus- bold, fun color choices! My daughter is currently wearing orange Kinvara's.
👟 4. New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4
Weight: ~6.1 oz (kids size 3)
Price Paid: $59.99 (newbalance.com)
Heel Drop: ~8mm
New Balance makes a great entry level running shoe for kids. Low maintenance, and no fuss with lots of options for colors and easy on/off options. As you know, I have opinions about Fresh Foam, but I do understand its appeal—cushy and soft will feel great to kids. And I will also say that I am a big fan of New Balance running shoes in general; I’ve been training in them for over ten years now.
But: the toe box mesh will wear out faster than most sneakers and as I’ve said, the heal could separate from the upper with extended wear. Overall, a good entry level running shoe for kids doing light activity or lots of walking. But if your kid is pounding the playground or putting in miles, you’ll want something tougher.
🏁 Final Thoughts
If I had to rank them for Spring 2025:
1. ASICS GEL-NOOSA TRI 16 – Most durable, balanced, versatile- and so vibrant!
2. Saucony Kinvara 14 A/C – Best lightweight, flexible daily runner.
3. HOKA Mach 6 – Best high-performance foam shoe, but pricey.
4. NB Arishi v4 – Best intro to the kids running shoe market, not great for heavy wear.
In all my years of purchasing running shoes for my kids, I didn’t think I’d ever find a more impressive kids’ sneaker than the Saucony Kinvara—until I met the ASICS GEL-NOOSA TRI. I’ll admit, I was hesitant at first. The name made me think it was designed only for kids competing in triathlons (a bit misleading!). But once I got past that, I was completely won over by its lightweight yet incredibly durable design—a rare combination in kids’ shoes.
It’s tough to find a shoe this rugged without the extra bulk. I typically avoid heavy, overbuilt sneakers for kids—they just don’t need that much! The GEL-NOOSA TRI holds up impressively: after eight months of regular wear from run club, school, and daily chaos, they still look nearly new. And I’ll be honest- I really like the design and color choices of the GEL-NOOSA, very fun.
Bonus: ASICS thoughtfully designed this model for younger runners too, including a Velcro strap for easy on and off—something I so appreciate during hectic mornings.
I’ll continue testing as the year goes on, but if you’re looking to buy smart this spring, these four models are your best bet for balancing comfort, durability, and cost.
Happy spring running,
– Joanie
Proud Mom and Founder of Running Peas
April 18
Boston Marathon Weekend Kid-Friendly Activity Guide
Running Peas is officially launching our Boston shirts this weekend to coincide with one of my favorite running events — the Boston Marathon. The energy in Boston this time of year is unparalleled and contagious. It’s the kind of buzz you feel after a great run with friends or teammates — that uplifting, joyful feeling that sticks with you all day. The Boston Shirt is a celebration of my time living, working and training in Boston. Runs along the Charles with friends are among my happiest memories. My husband even proposed to me after a long run throughout the streets of Boston! I am extremely grateful for that time of my life, and the lifelong friendships and relationships that persist to this day. 🏃
🙌 In celebration of the Boston Shirt launch we’ve gathered our favorite kid friendly Boston Marathon activities for your enjoyment! Our Running Peas family typically brings scooters to explore Boylston and Newbury Streets in search of fun pop-ups and ice cream. Then we head out to the Charles River to explore the many playgrounds.
Stop by Marathon Sports on Boylston Street for their annual tent sale and a list of area activities. Check @marathonsports for a full slate of store sponsored activities April 18 - April 22.
Boston Marathon Expo (April 18-20, 900 Boylston Street)
Boston’s Marathon Expo draws fitness enthusiasts, participants, friends, and athletes to gather with some of the best in the business. This year’s event will feature an Adidas store, official Marathon Sponsors/Licensees, and is sponsored by Sneakers4Good. The Expo is free and open to the public, and will take place in the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center at 900 Boylston St.
B.A.A. Youth Relay Challenge (April 18, 4:00 p.m., Boylston Street Finish)
Young student-athletes from the Greater Boston community will participate in the B.A.A. Youth Relay Challenge, featuring relay races and short sprints along Boylston Street. More than 400 youth athletes are expected to participate in the free event.
Champions Homecoming (April 18, 6:00 p.m., Boylston Street Finish Line)
Open to the public, many Boston Marathon champions and Super Bowl Champion Tedy Bruschi will make an appearance at the finish line to meet, greet and chat with runners. Champions are available to interact with athletes, pose for photos, and sign autographs.
Marathon Daffodil Dash (April 19, Suffolk Downs; 10:30 a.m.)
The annual Marathon Daffodil Dash will be held on Saturday, April 19th from 10am – 1pm at The Track at Suffolk Downs. Celebrate Marathon weekend in the city with a kids race on the historic racetrack! The Track will be filled with ‘Marathon Daffodils’ that line the streets of Boston leading up to the Boston Marathon finish line. There will be three 50-yard dash races for grades K-2, grades 3-5, and grades 6-8. The races will not be timed, and all participants will receive a bib number and t-shirt. The races will begin at 10:30am.
BAA High School Invitational Mile & Middle School 1K
(April 19, 11:00 a.m., Boylston Street Finish Line)
Top scholastic boys and girls from the cities and towns of the Boston Marathon course, as well as a field of professional male and female milers from around the world, take off in the B.A.A. Invitational Mile on marathon weekend.
Schedule:
11:00 AM Girls Middle School 1K Race Start
11:10 AM Boys Middle School 1K Race Start
11:25 AM Girls Scholastic Mile Race Start
11:35 AM Boys Scholastic Mile Race Start
11:50 AM Men’s Mile Race Start
12:00 PM Women’s Mile Race Start
Fan Fest (April 18-20, Boston City Hall Plaza)
Free and open to the public, this three-day event at City Hall Plaza features appearances by Boston Marathon champions, live music, activities, a final race clinic, and more.
*City Hall Plaza playground is a new(ish) playground right in the middle of the city! The famous slide can’t be beat!
Mile 27 Post-Race Party (April 21, Boston City Hall Plaza)
This Marathon Monday post-race party takes place at City Hall Plaza. There will be a livestream of the marathon starting at 12 p.m. and live entertainment and snacks available for purchase in the evening at the beer garden. Kids under 12 get in for free, and tickets ($5) can be purchased here.
Revolutionary Scavenger Hunt
(April 21, 12 Depot Square, Lexington Green)
Patriots Day commemorates the Battle of Lexington and the start of the Revolutionary War. Celebrate 250 years of history by joining in this event held in Lexington, MA. Test your kiddos' clue-solving and observation skills with a Revolutionary-themed scavenger hunt that takes them to sites around the Lexington Green. More Lexington Patriots Day Events
April 8, 2025
The Changing Landscape of Youth Sports: What Every Parent Should Know
As many of you know I am a runner and LOVE running! BUT if I could never run another step, I would still love the sport, especially track and field. I’ve always loved sports in general, but am especially enthralled with track, from writing a book report about Wilma Rudolf at the age of 10 to watching Michael Johnson and Cathy Freeman complete inspiring feats of athleticism at the Olympics; I was an early super fan. Since my days of youth sports superfandom, the nature of competition has not changed, however the way our young athletes develop and engage with sports seems to have certainly changed quite a bit.
“Why Can’t Development Be a Word We Embrace?” - Alexi Pappas
One of the many reasons I started Running Peas initially was to fulfill my own need to find children's activewear that reflected youthful spirit and energy, rather than a miniature version of adult activewear, reflecting adult win-at-all-costs brand values. And as my own kids grew and dipped their toes in youth sports, I noticed this marked cultural shift in focus and priorities. Much like the trend of mini-adult activewear, youth sports had become increasingly adult-driven emphasizing performance over joy. From private coaching, expensive clubs, and packed schedules, to intense sidelines complete with crying kids, we’ve all observed the behaviors and perhaps been swept up in them! The fun and very much accessible sport experience of my youth has been replaced by specialization, structure, and stress. Our kids are working hard, and much harder than ever before. What used to be fun is now leading to early sport and activity burnout, with most of our little athletes exiting these activities all together by high school. Around 70% of youth athletes stop playing sports by the time they reach high school, and a significant portion of them cite burnout as one of the main reasons for quitting. Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, Overuse Injuries, Overtraining, and Burnout in Young Athletes, January 22, 2024.
More Change is Coming..
Yesterday, U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken held a final approval hearing for a landmark $2.8 billion settlement in the House v. NCAA case. The settlement, scheduled to take effect July 1, represents a significant shift in college athletics, fundamentally altering how student-athletes are compensated for their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). NIL refers to the idea that athletes can make money from their personal brand. This includes earning money from their name, their image (photos or videos of them), and their likeness (how they look or are represented). For example, an athlete might sign a sponsorship deal, be featured in advertisements, or get paid for social media posts. The settlement, if approved, will provide significant backpay ($2.8 billion) to current and former student-athletes who participated in NCAA Division I sports over the last ten years. NCAA institutions will be able to use 22% of revenue budgets to directly compensate student-athletes for their NIL rights, as well as provide additional benefits to student athletes. Additionally the settlement places limits on team rosters instead of scholarships, potentially eliminating the ability for athletes to 'walk-on' to teams. And while the initial intention behind NIL was good, the implications of the settlement are far reaching with some NCAA Div 1 schools institutions reducing or eliminating athletic programs in an effort to meet new revenue demands.
Read more here:
Our Sports are Under Siege Part 2
Implications for Youth Sports
The focus on NIL compensation at the collegiate level could lead to a trickle-down effect, encouraging younger athletes to prioritize personal branding and monetization opportunities, over the more traditional values of youth sports. The emphasis on NIL earnings in college and high school might influence the aspirations of young athletes, shaping their perceptions of success and achievement in sports. Equitable opportunities to compete may be overly influenced by media and the allure of NIL-sponsored high school and youth athletes, encouraging young athletes to engage with social media and branding at an earlier, less healthy age. As institutions allocate significant resources to support NIL opportunities for student-athletes, there may be concerns about equitable distribution of funds, possibly impacting the availability of resources for youth sports programs. Overall, the expectations on youth athletes will grow; develop faster, quicker; be college ready by high school; be high shool ready by middle school, etc. Where does it end?
What You Can Do as a Parent of a Developing Athlete
1. Talk to your child’s coaches about prioritizing development over winning, show appreciation for their efforts!
2. Let the coach be the coach! Your child can only listen to so many voices from the sidelines. Focus on positive sideline commentary (Go team! Great pass! Good effort! Yay!!).
3. Be supportive; not every athletic activity needs a parental debrief. Most kids move on quickly. If they want to chat about it, they will come to you.
4. Keep an ear out for commentary, encourage positive interactions among teammates and friends.
5. Play the long game; seek supportive, positive teams where long term athletic development and healthy habits are prioritized over short term wins and gains.
6. Make it fun! Try different sports and activities with a friend. Invest in fun athletic apparel! :)
7. Model the behavior you want to see in your child's life. Our kids are watching us….every minute…..
As Running Peas moves full steam ahead into 2025, we are pausing to wish a very sincere Thank You! to you, our customers and subscribers for supporting us in our first 6 months! We all know it takes a village to raise kids, well turns out the same is true for launching small businesses. We are very thankful for our Running Peas community!
Now to 2025…. We are excited to share some fun news…..
Running Peas is the proud sponsor of the Boston Run Show’s - Kids Get Active Zone, March 1 - 2, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (Seaport District), alongside the Boston Outdoor Expo. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting your outdoor journey, both events will be packed with everything you need for an epic year of outdoor activity and adventure!
What to Expect:
🔸 Vendors from all over the New England and the national running community
🔸 Expert speakers (Des Linden & Meb Keflezighi!!, and more)
🔸 Interactive demos & workshops
🔸 The latest running and outdoor gear & gadgets
🔸 Fun activities for all ages (Running Peas!)
We’ve been busy testing out fun activities for kiddos of all ages, so if you are in the area stop by for some serious energy burn, coloring, pictures with Running Pea, product testing and more. We will also debut our new Running Peas Boston Shirt.
🎟️ Grab your FREE tickets today! Use PROMO CODE: RUNNINGPEAS (expires 2/14)
Follow us on instagram for the latest updates!
@runningpeasmaine
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November 22, 2024
Dear Running Peas Friends,
It feels like an eternity since my last email. We’ve been busy exploring international running communities, participating in our first marathon expo (yay!!), directing and coaching our local girls Fall Run Club; while also maneuvering our way through the complexities and intricacies of starting a small business. Fun!
With the temporary lull in activities that late fall often brings, I find myself with an immense sense of gratitude for community. Not just community in the traditional sense of the word, but all the various ways we experience community everyday. We find community in our families, in our town or area in which we live, in our places of faith, in our hobbies, and yes, even in running. And often these communities intersect with each other in many wonderful ways. The different types of communities I’ve experienced throughout my own running life in high school, college, and post college still continue to grow. We’ve laughed together, cried together, and celebrated each other. We’ve become parents, we’ve lost parents, and generally experienced the ups and downs of life in support of one another. These communities ebb and flow like tides, building upon one another all the while providing a sense of joy and belonging.
Running Peas was started on the foundational belief that running, at its core is simply fun and we strive to create a culture of belonging. One of the ways we do this is to create clothing as an expression of community. A community that celebrates the joy of movement and the simple fun of running. Our kids remind us everyday with a smile that even in their most competitive frame of mind, they are having fun. We strive to preserve this simple joy and at times re-ignite it, in ourselves.
Cheers to you and your communities!
Happy Running,
Joanie
Founder | CEO Running Peas
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August 10, 2024
Dear Running Peas Friends,
As the Olympics wrap up and we try to savor every last moment, a fun way to celebrate this special time is hosting your very own backyard Olympics. It’s a great way to get your kiddos outside and engaged in fun, creative and low-key competitive play.
We’ve hosted a few backyard Olympics over the years with varying activities such as jumping over cardboard boxes (thank you Amazon!), slow dramatic runs (hone those acting skills!), and broomstick pole vault (not as dangerous as it sounds). We’ve also tried a more traditional approach with our daughter’s Pre-K class last year. Her classmates jumped over low hurdles, tossed frisbees for the discus throw, threw a Turbojav for javelin, ‘long’ jumped between cones, and practiced running with friends to ‘break the (painter’s) tape’ at the finish line (a crowd favorite!).
This year though, with the help of neighborhood friends we expanded the events to include more multidisciplinary activities. It was extra special! We opened with a torch walk using torches of ice cream cones topped with baked cheetos. The kids took charge and chose basketball toss, soccer goal shots, and a short but quick street bike ride followed by an equally swift run. A sprinkler infused water break ensued (our Running Peas kits dry quick-hooray!) followed by volleyball, badminton, and everyone’s favorite, a rhythmic gymnastics routine using sticks with streamers set to their favorite tunes. And just like our fellow olympians we showed our best olympic camaraderie and cheered each other on!
For our closing ceremonies, the kids enjoyed some well earned rest and decorated wooden medals made from pre-cut branches and construction paper. You can also use these unfinished wooden medals from Bright Creations.
For more information on backyard olympic fun see here: Active for Life
Happy Running,
Joanie
Founder | CEO Running Peas
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July 26, 2024
(me at age 7)
Dear Running Peas Community,
I fell in love with running early in life, on the playgrounds of my elementary school and the fun competitive play of late spring field days. It was as much a part of our lives as spelling and multiplication tables. We played tag, jumped over logs, raced with potato sacks, jump ropes, and batons. The joy we experienced while running set me on a path for life; racing on the track, running with friends, playing tickle monster with my kids and now creating clothing.
To that end, today we excitedly celebrate the launch of Running Peas, running clothes for kids! As we like to say, the run inspires fun, so grab your kiddos some inspiring clothing today.
We are also celebrating the start of the Olympics and the Olympic spirit. We will be watching and cheering for all the athletes in the coming weeks. We will celebrate their athletic fervor and joy while also remembering that most olympic athletes start as a kid running around a playground.
Happy Running,
Joanie
Proud Mom and Founder/CEO Running Peas
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June 18, 2024
Welcome to the Running Peas Community!
Running Peas started with a vision to share my running life story with my children. My hope is to capture the joy, simplicity, and fun of running with thoughtful clothing design.
I can't wait to share more about the Running Peas story in the coming months.
Until then, welcome and keep checking back for updates!
Happy Running,
Joanie
Proud Mom and Founder | CEO of Running Peas