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Buying trainers for children in the UK requires a different set of priorities than buying for adults. Durability on UK primary school surfaces — tarmac playgrounds, grass pitches, muddy fields, and PE hall floors — is the primary consideration. UK primary school PE lessons require trainers or plimsolls in most schools, and the expectation is that children will have dedicated indoor PE footwear as well as outdoor trainers for playtime and sport. Understanding whether you're buying for indoor PE, outdoor use, or general everyday wear shapes the right choice considerably.
For children under seven (Key Stage 1 — Reception through Year 2), Velcro fastening is strongly recommended over laces. UK schools regularly note that children in this age group struggle to tie laces independently, meaning a child with laced trainers often arrives on the playground with undone shoes, creating both a safety risk and a social inconvenience. Most major trainer brands produce Velcro variants of their popular children's models — in this guide the New Balance 570 comes in both Velcro and lace versions, and the Fila Kids Dispo uses a Velcro strap — so choosing Velcro rarely means settling for a style children don't want.
Feet grow rapidly in childhood — UK guidelines from the College of Podiatry recommend measuring children's feet every six to eight weeks for children under five, and every three months for children aged five to twelve. This means children's trainers have a shorter useful life than adult footwear, and spending at the very top of the children's trainer market is difficult to justify economically for parents. The sweet spot for most UK families is the £25–£45 range, where durability is adequate for a school term and the trainer is likely to be outgrown before it wears out. Wide-fit options are worth seeking if your child's foot shape is broad — children with wide feet in standard-width trainers often develop blisters and toe problems.
Buying guide
What should you look for in Kids' Trainers?
1Measure your child's feet at home using a foot measuring guide (many UK brands provide free printable guides) and cross-reference to the brand's size chart — children's UK shoe sizes do not always match between brands.
2Always allow at least 1cm of growing room at the toe — a trainer that fits perfectly when purchased will often be too small within 3 months for primary school-aged children.
3For children under 7, choose Velcro fastening over laces — this keeps shoes secure on the playground, saves time during PE kit changes, and prevents the safety risk of trailing laces.
4Check whether the outsole is non-marking — many UK school halls require non-marking soles for indoor PE, and most children's trainers from major brands are non-marking, but always verify before buying specifically for school PE use.
5Machine-washable uppers (offered on some children’s models) are a significant practical advantage for UK primary school parents — muddy playgrounds and arts activities mean trainers need cleaning regularly.
Our process
How do we choose our picks?
We don’t lab-test products ourselves. We earn a commission if you buy through our links, but that never changes which products we rank.
Published specs
We compare manufacturer specifications so each pick is right for a real budget and use-case.
UK-specific fit
We factor in UK voltage and plug/fitting standards — details that generic global lists miss.
UK 1.5–6 (children's range), Velcro and lace options
UK 1–6 (children's)
UK 1–6 (children's and junior)
UK 10 infant–6 junior
Fastening
Velcro and lace versions available
Available in lace and Velcro (Flyease) versions
Velcro strap (single strap)
Boa closure or velcro depending on variant
Velcro strap
Non Marking Sole
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
The rankings
The best Kids' Trainers, ranked
1
New Balance
Top Pick
NNew Balance
New Balance 570 Kids Trainers
New Balance 570 Kids is our top pick for UK school-age children: wide-fit sizing that few children’s brands offer, ABZORB midsole cushioning for high-activity play, and construction robust enough for UK playground conditions. It comes in both Velcro and lace versions, so it suits Key Stage 1 children still learning to tie laces as well as older children.
Material
Synthetic and mesh upper
Sole
ABZORB midsole cushioning
Sizes
UK 9.5 infant–6 junior
Fastening
Velcro and lace versions available
Non Marking Sole
Yes
What we like
+New Balance offers wide-fit children's options — one of the few brands with proper wide-fit UK children's sizing
+ABZORB midsole provides meaningful impact absorption — better than basic foam for high-activity play
+New Balance has growing street credibility with UK school-age children (driven by adult NB popularity)
+Robust construction holds up to UK playground conditions better than lighter performance models
Worth noting
–More expensive than entry-level kids’ trainers for similar performance
–Slightly heavier than lightweight mesh trainers — less ideal for speed-focused PE activities
No verified retailer listing for this pick — we earn nothing from it.
2
Nike
Nike Revolution 6 Kids Trainers
Nike Revolution 6 Kids is a recognisable-brand option for school-age children. It is listed in both lace and Velcro (Flyease) versions.
Material
Mesh upper with synthetic overlays
Sole
Foam midsole with rubber outsole
Sizes
UK 1.5–6 (children's range), Velcro and lace options
Fastening
Available in lace and Velcro (Flyease) versions
Non Marking Sole
Yes
What we like
+Nike brand recognition matters to UK school-age children — reduces the ‘wrong trainer’ social dynamic
+Foam midsole provides good cushioning for active playground and PE use
+Lightweight mesh upper allows breathability during PE and sports activities
+Non-marking rubber outsole appropriate for school hall PE
Worth noting
–Mesh upper absorbs UK mud and takes longer to dry than leather — muddy playground sessions require quick action
–Sizing can run slightly small — consider ordering a half size up
View on Amazon UKAmazon UK shows no offer for this product as of 12 Oct, 01:00 (London time). Details
3
Adidas
Adidas Tensaur Run Kids Trainers
Adidas Tensaur Run is a single-strap Velcro trainer aimed at younger primary school children, with a rubber outsole and a brand that is familiar in UK schools.
Material
Synthetic mesh upper
Sole
Tensaur rubber outsole
Sizes
UK 1–6 (children's)
Fastening
Velcro strap (single strap)
Non Marking Sole
Yes
What we like
+Single velcro strap can be managed independently by younger children
+Tensaur rubber outsole is designed for grip on UK playground surfaces
+Adidas brand is well-liked in UK primary schools and avoids trainer brand conflict
Worth noting
–Single velcro strap provides less security than a double-strap or laced alternative for active sports
–Limited colourways compared with the wider kids’ trainer market
View on Amazon UKAmazon UK shows no offer for this product as of 12 Oct, 01:00 (London time). Details
4
Skechers
SSkechers
Skechers Kids' Microspec Max Shoes
Skechers Microspec Max is a machine-washable option with wide-fit sizing, aimed at younger primary school children. The brand may be less aspirational to older children.
Material
Machine-washable synthetic upper
Sole
Air-cooled memory foam insole, rubber outsole
Sizes
UK 1–6 (children's and junior)
Fastening
Boa closure or velcro depending on variant
Non Marking Sole
Yes
What we like
+Machine-washable upper — practical for UK primary school wear
+Air-cooled memory foam insole is cushioned for long active days
+Wide-fit options available — important for children with broader feet
+Skechers' light-up variants appeal to younger primary school children
Worth noting
–Skechers carries less playground street credibility than the big sportswear names among older primary school children
–Memory foam insole can feel soft and unstable for fast-direction-change sports like football or tag
Fila Kids Dispo is the best budget buy for UK parents who need a functional, non-marking Velcro trainer at minimum cost. For a spare pair or a school-only set, the value-to-function ratio is strong.
Material
Mesh upper with synthetic toe cap
Sole
EVA midsole, rubber outsole
Sizes
UK 10 infant–6 junior
Fastening
Velcro strap
Non Marking Sole
Yes
What we like
+Fila's price point is the most affordable on this list while maintaining non-marking sole for school PE
+Velcro strap is simple and secure for younger children
+EVA midsole provides adequate cushioning for low to moderate activity levels
+Fila's heritage brand positioning means it carries some credibility in UK primary school settings
Worth noting
–EVA midsole compresses quickly with heavy daily use — longevity on active playgrounds is lower than the New Balance 570
No verified retailer listing for this pick — we earn nothing from it.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 12 Oct, 01:00 (London time) and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Editor's Note
Children's footwear in the UK should follow the Shoe and Allied Trades Research Association (SATRA) guidelines for fit and support. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, trainers that fall apart within a few weeks of normal use are considered not of satisfactory quality and can be returned for a full refund. UK children's shoe sizing differs from EU sizing — always measure in a Clarks or Start-Rite store if unsure, as many kids' trainers only come in whole sizes. Look for non-marking soles if the trainers will be worn for school PE.
Our Take
Sports Direct is where most UK parents end up buying kids’ trainers, and honestly, the mainstream sportswear options there are identical to what you’d pay more for on the high street. New Balance is one of the few brands doing a genuine wide fit in children’s sizes — worth knowing if your child has broader feet. Skechers have become the playground favourite for light-up styles, but styles like that rarely survive a full school term of daily wear.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
What trainers do UK primary schools require for PE?
Most UK primary schools require trainers with non-marking soles for indoor PE (to prevent marks on hall floors) and any suitable outdoor trainer for outdoor PE. Some schools specify plimsolls or pumps for indoor PE and trainers for outdoor — check your child's specific school kit list. The key practical requirements are non-marking soles, secure fastening (Velcro for younger children), and a separate pair kept in school rather than worn from home, to keep outdoor dirt off the hall floors.
What is the right children's trainer size in the UK?
UK children's shoe sizes start at infant size 0 (newborn) and run up to size 12.5–13, after which they transition to junior sizes 1–6, and then to adult sizes from size 3 upward. There is no consistent relationship between age and shoe size — always measure your child's foot length in centimetres and compare to the specific brand's size chart. Children's feet grow on average 2–3 full sizes per year in early childhood, slowing to 1–2 sizes per year in junior school.
How much toe room should there be in children's trainers?
There should be approximately 1–1.5cm (roughly a thumb width) of space between the end of the longest toe and the front of the trainer. This allows for growing room and for feet to spread naturally during activity. A trainer that fits with exactly the right length when purchased will likely be too short within 2–3 months for primary school-aged children. Err on the side of more room rather than less — a slightly longer trainer is better than one that is too short.
Are Velcro or laced trainers better for UK school children?
For children under 7 (Reception to Year 2), Velcro is strongly recommended. Children in this age group typically cannot tie laces independently, meaning laced trainers come undone frequently during PE and playtime — creating a safety hazard and requiring teacher intervention. From around age 7 (Year 3 onwards), most UK children can manage laces, and laced trainers offer a more secure fit for sport. If in doubt, choose Velcro — it's faster, more secure, and builds confidence in children who are learning to manage their own clothing.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. UKPicks earns a small commission from qualifying purchases made via links on this page. This does not affect our editorial recommendations or the price you pay.
