If your child is or wants to run track, buying the right shoes is obviously extremely important. When purchasing running shoes for your child, there are a few key characteristics to look for:
Cushioning. Cushioning, especially in the mid-sole and heel, is the most important part of a running shoe. If a running shoe doesn't provide adequate cushioning, your child runs a much higher risk of suffering an overuse injury [1], running shoes should be replaced every 350 to 500 miles of running [2], even if the bottoms show no signs of obvious wear.
There are cheap running shoes out there but it is worth it to invest in as good a shoe as you can reasonably afford to minimize the risk that your child will suffer shin splints [3] or another form of overuse injury [1], which are very common in track. When it comes to buying shoes for track, it really is an instance where you don't want to be penny-wise and pound foolish.
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Links:
[1] https://www.momsteam.com/node/928
[2] https://www.momsteam.com/node/711
[3] https://www.momsteam.com/node/607
[4] https://www.momsteam.com/forums
[5] https://www.momsteam.com/successful-parenting/guide-to-buying-athletic-shoes-for-children
[6] https://www.momsteam.com/successful-parenting/replacingon-athletic-shoes-even-if-no-signs-excessive-wear
[7] https://www.momsteam.com/sports/track-field/safety/overuse-injuries-in-track-field