What To Look For
The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends testing the shoe before your child even tries the shoe on. The APMA shoe test calls for squeezing the back heel area of the shoe for integrity, testing the front of the shoe to make sure it allows for a moderate amount of bend and twisting the shoe to see if it twists in the middle. Kids' tennis shoes should be rigid and not twist in the middle. Since every child's feet are different, there is no one tennis shoe that is the best. Find tennis shoes that fit properly and feel comfortable from the moment. Shoes that fit properly should have the space of a fingertip between your child's toe and the top of the shoe. The outer sole of tennis shoes for kids should be broad to provide added stability.
Common Pitfalls
Children's tennis shoes that fit improperly can cause toe problems, bunions and calluses. Avoid buying kids' tennis shoes that do not provide enough lateral support. Tennis requires quick movement and direction changes so it's important that kids' tennis shoes provide enough support to hold feet steady. Avoid buying running shoes for use when playing tennis. Look for tennis shoes designed for tennis and other court sports, instead. Avoid shoes that are not designed to allow air flow.
Where To Buy
Since fit is important when buying tennis shoes for kids, work with a shoe retailer that will measure your child's feet. Most department stores with shoe departments, footwear stores and sporting goods retailers sell kids' tennis shoes and will assist you in finding shoes that fit your child properly. A number of online retailers also sell kids' tennis shoes.
Cost
You can expect to pay between $35 and $75 for a pair of tennis shoes for kids as of September 2010. The cost for kids' tennis shoes varies depending on the shoe brand, construction materials, support and cushioning.
Insider Tips
The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine recommends purchasing children a couple pairs of shoes so they can be rotated occasionally to minimize wear. The best time to shop for shoes is in the afternoon since your child's feet will be slightly swollen from a day of busy activity. The APMA features a list of shoes on its website that have obtained the association's Seal of Acceptance. Select kids' tennis shoes with soles appropriate for the type of tennis court your child will be playing upon.
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