Cheap Youth Sports Shoes

Sports shoes are made to take a beating, so parents may not want to spend a lot of money on items that might not make it through an entire sports season.

Different Sports Shoes

The type of shoe you need to purchase depends on the sport your child wants to play. For example:

• Baseball
• Soccer
• Football
• Tennis
• Basketball
• Gymnastics
• Running
• General

Consider the Sport

Kids will need shoes with good traction so they don't slip all over slick gym floors or courts for sports like basketball and tennis. Traction is one of the most important considerations for shoes for those sports. Sports that require shoes with cleats like baseball, football, and soccer don’t have the same traction concerns, but all kids shoes need to have good shock absorption and arch support.

Where to Find Cheap Youth Sports Shoes

You have many different choices when it comes to buying sports shoes for your child:

• Sports Authority
• RackRoom Shoes
• Payless Shoes
• Shoe Carnival
• Kids Foot Locker
• Sears
• JCPenney

The shoes you find at these retailers may not always fall into the cheap category, but they all have sales during the year.

Don’t Forget About Sales

Check your newspaper for advertisements and coupons from retailers. Flyers often come with the daily paper or as separate mailings. Sundays are good days to look in the flyer section for sales and discounts in your area. Back-to-school season is prime time for frugal shoppers to find cheap shoes.

How to Save Money on Kids Shoes

With the way kids grow, bargain-conscious parents realize it isn’t cost-effective to buy pricey shoes. Moms and dads can only hope their children don’t outgrow a pair of sports shoes before the season ends.

Pass Them On

One of the best ways to save money on shoes is to pass them down in the family. If the shoes aren’t completely worn out, they may be handed down to a younger sibling.

Switch Out the Laces

Sometimes, just switching out shoelaces can make the shoe last longer. If cheap laces wear out and fray, they can be replaced by a decent set at little cost. That can make a big difference in the look of the shoes.

You Can Still Buy Name Brand

Just because Nike, Reebok and Adidas are such big names in the sports shoe industry doesn’t mean you always have to pay top dollar for these shoes. It may take some searching, but you can find even these brand names at discount prices. NBA player Stephon Marbury is trying to lure kids away from the ultra-expensive Jordans (which easily sell for over $100) with his Starbury shoes that retail for $15 at Steve and Barry’s.

You Don’t Have to Sacrifice Quality

Don’t think you can’t find quality in cheap youth sports shoes. Finding shoes that are well-made should be a major concern for growing feet. The good news is that decent shoes are widely available at reasonable prices.

Going for the Look

People today often wear sports shoes without engaging in any sport activities at all. They just like the look of the footwear. Children are no exception. If your kids simply want to sport a pair of athletic shoes for the fashion, there’s plenty of places to buy inexpensive sporty shoes to show off their style.

Target, by way of their super-cool advertisements, is no longer considered simply a discount store. Skechers, K Swiss and Hush Puppies offer sporty shoes at relatively low prices.

Caring for Shoes

With a little care, cheap youth sports shoes can last longer. Shoes worn for sports should be aired out after each wearing in a well-ventilated area and any dust or dirt should be brushed or wiped off with a damp cloth. This is a good time for parents to teach kids about caring for their own property. A $30 pair of shoes can look like it cost more than that with proper care.