No matter what your son is into – running, football, basketball, or any other sport – his feet need the right support, stability, and comfort for an active lifestyle. Hence, while shopping for sports shoes for boys, there are quite a few things you need to get right. The idea is to gift your kiddo the freedom to move around and have fun without compromising their natural development. After all, wearing the wrong pair can give rise to issues like pain, accidents, and poor posture. So, when looking for branded shoes at the lowest prices online, don’t forget to pick a pair that is perfectly aligned with your boy’s needs.
Sports Shoes for Boys: 8 Factors to Consider First
While boys’ sports shoes come in a whole host of colours, styles, and patterns, don’t base your decision-making solely on looks. Be mindful of the following too.
1. Aim for a Snug Fit
Sports shoes for boys shouldn’t be so tight that they dig into his feet and cause pain and chafing. Remember that constricted shoes can also cause developmental problems, bunions, scabs, and blisters. But the pair shouldn’t be loose either, or your munchkin might have to drag around their feet or will trip and fall. A snug fit is ideal, where your kid has enough room in the front to flex his toes. Measuring the length and width of both feet is recommended to zero in on a suitable size.
2. Make Sure the Shoes are Supportive Enough
When buying sports shoes for boys, ensure the midsoles are solid and not hollow. Also find out if the uppers are reinforced, so they can hold the feet in place and in line with the shoe plate. Give the heel counter (back) a pinch too, to gauge the support around ankles. If the counters collapse easily or don’t budge at all, they are not right. Go for a pair with firm yet flexible heel counters. This is especially important if your son loves playing football.
3. Check for Adequate Cushioning
Most games and activities require footwear that features ample cushioning to counter shocks and impacts. This lessens the load on your child’s musculoskeletal system. Hence, while choosing sports shoes for boys make sure they come with versatile cushioning. This can make it easy for your son to deal with sudden movements, change in direction, and sideways movement. The best pairs usually feature midsoles that are dense enough to cushion children’s feet efficiently and yet light. Some might have additional cushioning layers too.
4. Find Out if the Grip is Sufficient
Sports shoes for boys should ideally come with strong and durable outsoles that are designed for ample traction on courts, tracks, fields, etc. Also check if the outsoles are made of high-quality rubber for the perfect balance between firmness and flexibility. During the rainy season, your little one will particularly need a decent grip.
5. Assess the Breathability
Never settle for poor-quality materials when purchasing sports shoes for boys. They don’t allow easy air circulation and can make your child’s feet excessively sweaty and smelly. By trapping heat and humidity, such materials can also trigger the growth of infection-inducing microbes. Low-grade materials also tend to be harsh on the skin and can lead to irritation, rashes, and itching. So, make sure the pair you intend to buy is crafted with materials that breathe, are easy on your child’s skin, and yet long-lasting.
6. Check If the Pair is Protective
It is easy for your kiddo to hit a rock, skid on a gravelly surface, or scrape their feet against a tree root while playing. Hence, get sports shoes for boys that are adequately protective. And remember that multiple factors go into that – the design, materials, soles, as well as fit. So, check every little aspect of the shoes, so your son’s feet don’t get scraped, bruised, or fractured easily. Also ensure the design is such that it prevents dirt and grime from getting inside.
7. Go for Lightweight Shoes
When buying branded shoes at the lowest prices for your little one, check the weight of the pair. They shouldn’t be too heavy; otherwise it can hamper your child’s performance on the field or make it uncomfortable to move freely. However, light in weight doesn’t mean you can compromise on functionality or supportive features.
8. Ensure the Pair is Durable Enough
How sports shoes for boys are engineered and the materials used are the key factors that determine their durability. Check the stitching on the uppers too, to make sure they will last. Remember that dynamic sports can cause a lot of wear and tear if the pair you pick is not hardy enough. So, choose shoes that won’t get tattered in just a few months. This way, what you spend on the pair will be worth it.
Conclusion
When it comes to sports footwear for boys, you will come across plenty of branded shoes at the lowest prices online. But don’t forget the 8 things to check first, as discussed in this guide. Consult a podiatrist too for specific guidance if necessary. And make sure the shoes are a good fit for your son’s feet from the moment they slide into them. To test the pair, get him to walk, jog, and run around in them as well. If you are confused about how to score sports shoes for boys that are comfy, durable, supportive, and yet pocket-friendly, explore the collection from Asian Footwears