Shopping - Product Spotlight
Family-Tested Cross-Trainers for Kids
Four T-ball teammates try out this season's best cross-trainers to find out which shoes can handle a rough-and-tumble lifestyle. By Dayna Danson. Photography by Colleen Nicholson
From left to right
Ecco Street Invader 8/10
Geox Eclipse 8.5/10
Payless Champion Shuttle Runner 7.5/10
New Balance 571 (WINNER!) 9/10
Ecco Street Invader
Tested by Jameson, 5, with mom, Barb Dymond, Victoria
Price $99
Sizes 10.5-13, and 1-4.5
Colours Available Black/ascot, brown
Material Content Oiled nubuck/suede, textile and a leather lining
Special Features Made of naturally soft and breathable materials and has a super-flexible outsole. The moisture-absorbent foam insole keeps feet dry and cool and is made with allergy-friendly materials for bacteria and odour control. The sole is direct-injected as a solid piece onto the shoe, meaning it is not glued to the rest of the shoe and will not pull apart.
Product Availability Until March 2010. Updated version due out later.
Pros “The Velcro closures are very strong and I like the dark, neutral colours. Jameson loves them insists on wearing them all the time. They still look new and there are no signs of wear, even though they have been worn for three weeks straight.”
Cons “The shoes aren’t as breathable as some other shoes Jameson has worn in the past.”
Rating 8/10
Where to buy? eccocanada.com
Geox Eclipse
Tested by Henry, 5, with dad, Andrew Bull, Victoria
Price Sizes 9–3: $80; 3.5–7: $95
Sizes 9–3 and 3.5–7
Colours Available Red/silver, grey/orange, black/yellow, navy/silver
Material Content Geobuck (natural leather specific to Geox) and textile
Special Features Includes Geox-patented breathable technology, which eliminates odour through a perforated sole that releases sweat. A waterproof membrane keeps external wetness out. Also available in similar styles for girls.
Product Availability Until March 2010. Similar styles available each season.
Pros “Henry loves the shoes and wants to wear them every day. They fit well and are comfortable—no blisters! At the end of a couple of weeks of wearing the shoes there are no signs of wear and tear.”
Cons “No real negatives. Geox tends to be in the higher price range, so that might be a negative compared to other shoes.”
Rating 8.5/10
Where to buy? geox.com
Payless Champion Shuttle Runner
Tested by Sean, 5, with mom Dahl Gisel, Vancouver
Price $33
Sizes 10.5–13.5 and 1–6
Colours Available Navy/yellow
Material Content Leather and man-made materials, mesh tongue and lining
Special Features Cross-trainers have a Velcro Z-strap for a secure fit, a non-marking, skid-resistant rubber outsole, padded insoles for comfort and a breathable mesh lining to keep feet cool and dry.
Product Availability Until November
Pros “I like the Velcro Z-strap, it is easier for him to use than some shoes. They fit well and are comfortable to wear.”
Cons “The shoes are quite heavy. After a couple of weeks, there are signs of wear in the soles at the heels and the toe lip is starting to come off—but this seems to happen with every shoe we buy.”
Rating 7.5/10
Where to buy? payless.com
New Balance 571
Tested by Hudson, 4, with mom, Elizabeth Bell, Vancouver
Price Sizes 10.5–3: $55; 3.5–7: $60
Sizes 10.5–3 and 3.5–7
Colours Available Navy/silver, black, black/red, black/royal
Material Content Synthetic/mesh upper
Special Features Made with an injection-molded EVA foam midsole that provides cushioning and support, an outsole featuring large lugs and grooves for maximum traction and New Balance’s N-FUSE cushioning technology in the heels for extra support. Offers width sizing and is available with laces or Velcro. Also available in similar styles for girls.
Product Availability Updated version due out in January.
Pros “The shoes are very light and seem to offer good foot support. The soles of the shoes are flexible and soft, so it is easy for Hudson to run and walk in them, and the grips on the soles came in handy for climbing the rock wall at a nearby park.”
Cons “Because the shoes are black, dust and dirt really shows on them—but they wipe clean easily.”
Rating 9/10
Where to buy? newbalance.ca
Please note that the shoes reviewed were in boys styles but all the companies mentioned have great girls shoes too!
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