Does it matter what shoes kids run in?

In middle school my coach tried to talk me into some expensive shoes. I couldn't afford them, and now I'm glad. I think running in thin-soled shoes is good for building lower leg/foot muscles. Especially at that low age and weight, they don't need to worry about PF and Achilles Tendonitis and pronation and whatnot. They can just run.  

I say get them some shoes that look cool. That's all that matter to them anyway.

Your mileage may vary. I'm not a doctor or an orthopedist. I'm a software developer who loves to run. 

Thanks for your reply. I guess my thikning is they are young and don't have a lot of weight causing damage. But, I was never a runner. Just took it up about 3 years ago. So, I don't want to do any damage to them at an early age. But dson't want to buy expensive sneakers if I don't have to either.

Since they just started running, I would not worry too much about the shoes.  If they like to run, and start to make a commitment to running, then you might consider getting better gear.  My kids are 15 & 11, and only this past year di I move up to buying $60-80 running shoes for them.  Prior to that, it was mostly in the $30-40 range. 
Kids grow so fast (thus less chance of pounding them to nothing for support), they weigh less than adults (less pounds striking ground), and they can be rough on shoes.
So, my two-cents-worth is that you are fine for now.

They may weigh less, but they also have less bone structure, bone density, and muscle strength with which to absorb that impact, no?

I am no dr or trainer, but if my kids start running seriously, I would get them good shoes. Just me. Shoes are not that big of an investment compared to developing shin splints, tendonitis, etc. in the early stages of life. I dont see much of a downside besides the cost (which is nothing if they develop injuries and you have to start seeing specialists to fix the problem). My daughter is 6 going on 7; she always has the right shoes for the right sport. I always figure that if they are going to make the commitment to the sport...why not get them the right equipment?

Structured running shoes are a farce. The only reason we (adults) need them is because we've used them for so long. As children we would run miles in flats (addidas sambas anyone?) or even barefoot. There is no need to put your kid in a neutral cushioning shoe or a shoe with stability control. These are things that week-footed adults need.

My daughter is 8, 9 in April.  We are on day 54 of 100 days of running.  I boought her some nice shoes and she hardly wears them.  Since most of her running is on a treadmill , now she prefers to run barefoot.  She claims it does not hurt her feet and I never hear" My feet hurt from yesterday"

Now I did have a problem when she decided to run in nothing but her headphones.  She thought running naked was fun.
Joe

My middle kid has orthopedic issues. We were advised only to be sure that the last angle is relatively straight. Shoes designated as 'cross-trainers' typically have a pronounced last angle.

(last angle - referring to the angle on the form (the 'last') used to build the shoe.)

Get them running shoes. Not basketball shoes. Not skateboarding shoes. Running shoes. Go to a running store and see what the people there say. I wouldn't be rushing out to buy them spikes, but something that is dedicated to the sport of running would be a good idea.

And for the record, price has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not the shoe is "built up" or not. I have see racing flats that sell for as much, if not more than, regular training shoes. Additionally, there is nothing wrong with running in "built up" shoes, as long as the shoe fits properly and is the proper type for the person wearing them.

They both have running shoes. They actually both have Nike runners which they picked not long ago because they liked the colors etc. So, having actual running shoes isn't the issue. I was wondering if the "quality" of the running shoe matters? I personally don't run in Nikes becuase they tend to hurt my knees. I have run in Brooks for the last year. But, I am finding right now that the most comfortable shoes I have to run in are a cheap pair of Adidas Trail Runners that I got at Kohls.

So, I guess my question should have been are all running sneakers created equally for kids who don't have foot issues?

Really have to strongly disagree with this statement. As a PT some people are much less bio-mechanically advantaged to run long distances. Some people have very flat feet or very high arches and do need shoes to help them to run longer more comfortably. Not everyone is a neutral runner. I know I am far from it yet with a good pair of shoes plus my orthotics I can run pain free for mile after mile.

As for kids listen to them. If their feet hurt look into getting them a nicer pair of shoes. If their feet are fine then all is well.