Altra The Instinct Running Shoe (Little Kid/Big Kid)

These are the only shoes my daughter will wear. The shoes have a wider toe box to allow her toes to spread comfortably. She can't stand anything that squeezes at all and these shoes fit the bill perfectly! They hold up really well for everyday wear. The cutest part is on the bottom of the sole; looks like a barefoot! Cute cute cute!

Great shoes, and great fit on growing little feet. But they don't last long. Material scuffs very easily and looks bad after a day or 2 of kid's use.

I purchased these simply because normal kids shoes are too tight in the front for my child's foot. Previously I had gone with double extra wide available usually only from New Balance in a few models. The heal and was too wide in these to accommodate the width needed in the forefoot. I tried the Altra as an alternative in about the exact same price range. I was not disappointed with the fit, it was I was searching for. My son likes the appearance well enough. We have not had them long enough to comment on wear, build quality etc.

The kids like these for running. My kids do NOT have wide feet, they are narrow to medium, and despite the claim that the Altras are made with more toe room, looking at them they look like they are wider in the heel, not the toe, which is not helpful or particularly anatomic. But they have the holes for "marathon lacing" and do stay on securely when laced this way. My girls were also amused by the little flap of rubber in back, and were considering the shoes as weapons as the whole bottom edge is pretty sharp; they, of course, were thrilled with this, I was less excited about it. Overall, I am satisfied with these, and would consider buying again if they hold up well. Pro: No arch support, flat sole, reasonably light, kids like the style and find them comfortable for running and also for walking and general life, quality seems fine, good laces and holes for marathon lacing, the price was good. Con: too wide in the heel/ankle area (though this has not caused blisters), and I don't understand the flap of rubber at the back edge. Knife-sharp edges all around the sole.

The soles on this shoe are very thick and not easy to move. It's not a barefoot/minimalist shoe. Having said that, the quality appears good and my son is using them for soccer.

I bought these for my 8-year old son who is admittedly tough on footwear. Unfortunately the toe reinforcement is completely worn through on one of them, revealing the mesh below it. Though I was happy to find zero drop footwear for kids, I'm disappointed to see how quickly he's wearing through them.

These are great shoes for kids if you want them to have more natural movement. It has a 0 toe to heel drop and the toe bed is wide so my little one's toes aren't cramped. I tried to buy other shoes for my daughter but she always complained they were too tight. So, I have literally bought this same shoe in 3 sizes so far. And I bought the next size up so she has them when the other's are too small.

Don't like the extra flap in the back of the shoe. Also - shoe laces constantly come undone even with double knot. Not recommended.