New Balance Kids Running Shoes for Protecting Small Feet

The company terms their New Balance kids running shoes the "632 Collection."

What is the significance or emotional appeal of those numbers? I have no idea. They seem like meaningless marketing to me. The shoe model numbers all contain the sequence of numerals "632." But so what? That's an internal inventory system, not a way to light up the fires of consumers imaginations.

As a parent, are you thrilled to think of your children wearing shoes from the "632 Collection." Probably not, unless all the parents you know are already talking about it.

New Balance Kids Running Shoes Have Three Closures

Their shoes for kids do come with three different closure styles: lace, bungee and hook and loop.

They also have three different age ranges: Infants, Pre-Schoolers and Grade Schoolers.

That's pretty clear. What's confusing is when you click on the shop this collection button you're taken to a page that pictures eight shoes.

They are labeled "Infant Running," "Pre-School Running" and "Grade School Running." They are all the "New Balance 632" model number. There are pictures, but no other descriptions. Why four Grade School Running, but only two Infant Running and Pre-School Running styles of shoes? We don't know. Presumably grade school children are old enough to demand the latest hip and cool styles, and a variety to choose from, but we're not told anything about these styles.

It gets a little clear when you click on the Learn More links under the shoes grouped by age group.

First is Shoe KG632SBI, which is for infants.

(I'm not sure how infants are defined separately from pre-schoolers here. Babies I think of as infants can't walk, so obviously don't need New Balance kids running shoes. Once they're on their feet and running around, I think of them as pre-schooler.)

This model has a rubber outsole to make them durable. They come with a hook and loop closure. They also include Injection-Molded EVA Foam (IMEVA) mid-sole for cushioning.

Check With a Medical Professional About New Balance Kids Running Shoes

Personally, I strongly suggest you check with a pediatric podiatrist before putting your baby's feet into such shoes at such a young age. If you cushion them now, when will the muscles of their feet and lower legs ever develop the strength they will need?

I doubt that many infants put in enough mileage every week to need such shoes.

The next model is the KG632SPP for pre-schooler. This also has a hook and loop closure and IMEVA mid-sole. Plus, it has ABZORB cushioning in the heel.

ABZORB is New Balance's foam material that is a blend of Dupont Engage, Isoprene rubber and proprietary materials.

I guess that's for all those pre-schoolers who are already heel strikers, who have already gotten into the bad habit of landing on their heels as they run.

The next model is the KV632NRY for grade schoolers. This is much like the KG632SPP, except it has a bungee closure. This resembles laces, but is easier for children to slip on and off

So, really, you do not get a choice between hook and loop, bungee and laces closure. The particular models have their particular closures and no other. And one of the three models comes with lace closure.

It occurs to me that "grade schooler" is broad age group. It includes a six year old who is just starting out and an eleven year old who is already experienced and putting in some serious mileage. I'm not sure that the needs of both those children are the same.

For one thing, I myself like my running shoes to feel reasonably tight, not like they're about to fall off. Therefore, I want my shoes to be held on with laces. All adult running shoes that I know of have lace closure.

I'm Sure New Balance Running Shoes for Kids are Well-Made

New Balance makes a lot of excellent shoes. I'm sure that all these shoes are well-made from great materials, and will probably not wear out until the children's feet have outgrown them.

However, I really would advise consulting with a pediatric podiatrist to see whether it’s really a good idea to put very young children’s feet into shoes with elevated heels.

Obviously they need shoes when they go outside to protect their feet from the weather and dirt and hazards such as broken glass. However, I doubt it’s a necessity for really young children to need midsole and heel cushioning just to play around in their yard as they have done for the past two million years without any known problems.

The situation may be different for children who are old enough to have become serious runners. They made need support and cushioning from their New Balance kids running shoes.

Next: Nike Kids Running Shoes -- a wide variety of choices, including the children's version of the Free minimalist shoe.