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Top 5: best running shoes (May 2026)

14 May 2026 1 min read
Discover our ranking of the 5 best running shoes based on our tests.
What are the best running shoes in may 2026? Comparison, reviews, tests & buying guides
  1. 🏆 ASICS GT-1000 11 GS Review: stable kids’ sneaker for running and playground abuse
  2. đŸ„ˆ Nike Star Runner 5 (PS) Review: a solid everyday kids’ sneaker that just works
  3. đŸ„‰ Nike Mystic Fly Kids Review: solid everyday runners that can actually take a beating
  4. đŸ”„ ASICS Boy's Jolt 4 GS Review: a solid everyday kids’ trainer that just gets the job done
  5. ✹ Under Armour Ua BGS Surge 4 Review: light boys’ runners that do the job for everyday use

Ranking

#1 🏆 Best choice
ASICS Unisex Kid's Gt-1000 11 Gs Sneaker 6 UK Island Blue Black

ASICS

ASICS Unisex Kid's Gt-1000 11 Gs Sneaker 6 UK Island Blue Black

  • Very good cushioning and stability for kids who run or do lots of sports
  • Durable rubber sole and structured heel that hold up well to daily school and playground use
  • Comfortable from day one with removable insole and good overall support
The ASICS Unisex Kid's GT-1000 11 GS is a solid choice for active kids who actually run, jump, and do sports regularly. The main strengths are the gel heel cushioning, the stable FlyteFoam midsole with Duomax support, and the generally sturdy build. In day-to-day use, my kid found them comfortable from day one, with no blisters or sore spots, and the shoes have handled school, PE, and playground abuse without falling apart. They feel like real running shoes scaled down for kids, not just fashion trainers pretending to be sporty.They’re not perfect: the upper is not water resistant at all, the mesh marks a bit, and kids who hate laces might complain. Style-wise, they’re more “serious runner” than “fashion sneaker”, so if your kid only cares about looking trendy, there are flashier options. But if you care about support, cushioning, and decent durability, these do a good job for the price. I’d recommend them especially for kids who do running club, lots of PE, or who have slightly flat or inward-rolling feet and need a bit more structure than a basic trainer can give.
9 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🏆 Exceptional See full review →
See offer Amazon
#2
Nike Unisex Kid's Star Runner 5 (Ps) Sneaker 2.5 UK Black Black White Summit White

NIKE

Nike Unisex Kid's Star Runner 5 (Ps) Sneaker 2.5 UK Black Black White Summit White

  • Very comfortable from day one with soft, moderate cushioning
  • Lightweight and breathable, good for long school days and PE
  • Decent durability so far: sole and toe area holding up to playground use
Overall, the Nike Star Runner 5 (PS) is a solid everyday kids’ sneaker that does what it’s supposed to do: it’s comfortable, light, and holds up decently under school and playground abuse. My kid can wear it all day without complaining, run around in PE, and still walk home without sore feet. For me as a parent, that’s the main box ticked. The materials are synthetic but decent, the grip is good enough for most surfaces, and the shoe still looks in good shape after a couple of weeks of hard use.It’s not perfect, though. The version I got is full lace-up with no strap, which is less convenient for younger kids or rushed mornings. It’s also not water resistant at all, so for very wet winters or kids who love puddles, you’ll want something else or a second pair. And the design is fairly basic: if your kid wants bright colors or flashy patterns, this black/white model will feel a bit boring.If you’re looking for a comfortable, reliable shoe for school, sports and general daily chaos, and you’re okay with synthetic materials and a mid-range price, the Star Runner 5 is a good option. Parents who want leather, waterproofing or slip-on convenience should probably look elsewhere. But for most active kids who just need a pair of trainers that can handle running, jumping and everyday wear without falling apart in a month, this Nike gets the job done.
8.8 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#3
Nike Unisex Kid's Mystic Fly Sneaker 5 UK Black White Anthracite

NIKE

Nike Unisex Kid's Mystic Fly Sneaker 5 UK Black White Anthracite

⭐ TrÚs bien noté
  • Comfortable and lightweight enough for all-day school and PE use
  • Good grip and cushioning for kids’ running and playground activities
  • Neutral, dark colourway hides dirt and works for both school and casual wear
After a few weeks of real-life use, I’d sum up the Nike Unisex Kid's Mystic Fly as a solid, no-drama kids’ running shoe. It’s light, comfortable and grippy enough for school, PE and weekend activities. My kid wears them all day without complaining, which is honestly the best feedback you can get with children’s shoes. The materials are breathable, the cushioning is soft enough for running and jumping, and the design is neutral enough to work with most outfits.They’re not perfect. They’re clearly not made for wet weather – the upper soaks fast and feels cold in the rain. There’s no velcro or quick strap, so if your kid can’t handle laces yet, you’ll be bending down a lot. And you do pay a bit extra for the Nike logo compared to generic brands. But in return, you get better comfort than the cheap stuff, decent durability, and a shoe that can genuinely handle daily use without falling apart quickly.I’d recommend these for parents who want one pair of versatile trainers for an active kid in spring/summer: school days, PE, park, bikes, casual runs. If you live somewhere very rainy, or if you specifically need waterproof or leather school shoes, I’d look elsewhere. Also, if your child absolutely needs velcro, skip this model. For everyone else, the Mystic Fly is a pretty solid, practical choice that gets the job done without any fuss.
8.6 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#4 đŸ”„ Most popular
ASICS Boy's Jolt 4 Gs Sneaker 4 UK Carrier Grey Black

ASICS

ASICS Boy's Jolt 4 Gs Sneaker 4 UK Carrier Grey Black

⭐ TrÚs bien noté
  • Comfortable and supportive enough for all-day school wear and PE
  • Durable outsole and upper that handle daily playground abuse well
  • Neutral design and colour suitable for school uniforms and casual use
The ASICS Boy's Jolt 4 GS in Carrier Grey Black is a practical, no-nonsense kids’ trainer. It’s comfortable enough for full school days, cushioned enough for PE and running around, and tough enough to handle regular playground abuse. The GEL heel and AMPLIFOAM midsole do their job without making the shoe feel bulky, and the neutral colour works well with school uniforms. Most importantly, it holds up: the outsole wears slowly, the upper doesn’t fall apart quickly, and the inside stays intact longer than cheaper options.It’s not perfect, though. The outsole can feel a bit slippery on wet smooth surfaces, so if your kid often walks on wet pavements or tiles, that’s something to consider. The insole is glued in, which is a pain if you need to use orthotics. And design-wise, it’s pretty plain – fine if you want something discreet, less exciting if your kid wants bright, trendy shoes. There’s also no water resistance, so expect wet socks if they step in puddles.I’d recommend this shoe for parents who want one solid pair for school and light sports, care more about comfort and durability than flashy looks, and don’t need orthotic-friendly insoles. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind replacing cheap trainers more often, or if you need serious grip in wet conditions or waterproofing, you might want to look elsewhere. Overall, though, it’s a reliable, good-value kids’ trainer that does exactly what you need for everyday use.
8.6 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#5
Ua BGS Surge 4 Laufschuhe 6 UK Black

Under Armour

Ua BGS Surge 4 Laufschuhe 6 UK Black

  • Very light and breathable, good for school and PE in warmer months
  • Comfortable fit with good ankle padding and neutral true-to-size sizing
  • Decent durability so far thanks to rubber pods and reinforced mesh areas
Overall, the Under Armour Ua BGS Surge 4 is a solid, no-nonsense boys’ running shoe. It’s light, breathable, and comfortable enough for daily school wear and PE classes. The cushioning is moderate, the grip is fine for road and playground use, and the design is simple enough to work with most school dress codes, especially in this black colour. My kid wore them without complaints, which is usually the best real-world test.They’re not perfect. Cushioning is more on the firm side, so if you want a super soft ride for long-distance running, this isn’t it. They’re also clearly made for dry, warmer conditions – the mesh and lack of water resistance make them a poor choice for heavy rain or winter slush. But if you accept that and use them as a spring/summer and indoor sports shoe, they do the job well and feel fairly priced for the quality and comfort they offer.I’d recommend these for parents who need a light, everyday sports shoe for kids who run around a lot but aren’t doing serious competitive training. Good for school, PE, and casual runs. If your kid is a heavy runner, has specific support needs, or needs one pair to handle all seasons and all conditions, I’d look at something more cushioned and more weatherproof. For most everyday use cases, though, the Surge 4 is a pretty solid pick.
8.4 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon

Comparison table : Running shoes

Overall score Value for money Design Comfort Materials Durability Performance Presentation
ASICS Unisex Kid's Gt-1000 11 Gs Sneaker 6 UK Island Blue Black
#1 ASICS
ASICS Unisex Kid's Gt-1000 11 Gs Sneaker...
See offer Amazon
9/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Nike Unisex Kid's Star Runner 5 (Ps) Sneaker 2.5 UK Black Black White Summit White
#2 NIKE
Nike Unisex Kid's Star Runner 5 (Ps) Sne...
See offer Amazon
8.8/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Nike Unisex Kid's Mystic Fly Sneaker 5 UK Black White Anthracite
#3 NIKE
Nike Unisex Kid's Mystic Fly Sneaker 5 U...
See offer Amazon
8.6/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
ASICS Boy's Jolt 4 Gs Sneaker 4 UK Carrier Grey Black
#4 ASICS
ASICS Boy's Jolt 4 Gs Sneaker 4 UK Carri...
See offer Amazon
8.6/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Ua BGS Surge 4 Laufschuhe 6 UK Black
#5 Under Armour
Ua BGS Surge 4 Laufschuhe 6 UK Black
See offer Amazon
8.4/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Frequently asked questions

According to our tests, the best running shoes is the ASICS Unisex Kid's Gt-1000 11 Gs Sneaker 6 UK Island Blue Black with a score of 9/10.

The cheapest running shoes in our comparison is the ASICS Unisex Kid's Gt-1000 11 Gs Sneaker 6 UK Island Blue Black.

The most popular running shoes is the ASICS Boy's Jolt 4 Gs Sneaker 4 UK Carrier Grey Black with 778 customer reviews.

To choose a running shoes, we recommend comparing performance, build quality, value for money and user reviews. Our comparison table above helps you make the right choice.

We have tested 5 Running shoes to establish this ranking.
#1 ASICS Unisex Kid's Gt-1000 11 Gs Sneaker 6 UK Island Blue Black ASICS Unisex Kid's Gt-1000 11 Gs Sneaker 6 UK Island Blue Black
9/10 Best choice
See offer Amazon