A couple of weeks ago the question came up in the Traxee community about whether or not the adult running shoe models are truly constructed differently than the adult versions. It seems that many adults - both men and women purchase the kids' versions for their fit (and the fact that they can be significantly cheaper).

I wrote to Asics and put this question to them; their response ( it took them quite a while to respond) you will find below. You might expect them to say this - since they ARE in the business of selling running shoes - but it does kind of make sense. It seems to me that if you find the fit you need in a kid's version, you ought to stick with it - keeping in mind that you may have to replace them more often.

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Hello Ms. Moore,

Thank you for contacting ASICS America Corporation. Yes, there is or actually are a lot of differences between an adult vs. a kid's shoe. When we construct a Performance Running Shoe for an adult, the intended use is different than the same model for a child. Kids tend to be more resilient and the activities they perform in their shoes are also different - thus the wear and tear will be different.

An adult with minimal body growth/changes will tend to pay more attention to the fit/feel/comfort level and any signs of pain/discomfort to the shoe. Typically, an adult version will have better cushioning, better upper fit, and more technologies as a whole. For the most part, the kids' models won't come with various technological advancements like: Asymmetrical Lacing Design; IGS - Impact Guidance Line; Gender Specific Forefoot Cushioning; Space Trusstic System etc.

If any of you beautiful ladies are contemplating about wearing a kid's version - please understand that for brief casual walks , the shoe might serve its purpose. But if you intend to run/jog then I would recommend you stick with the adult's version. There's a reason why the price jumps typically $40 to $50 between the kids vs. the adult's shoe.

I hope this information helped. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Thank you,

Joe Nguyen
Consumer Relations
ASICS America Corporation
29 Parker Suite 100
Irvine, CA 92618
1(800) 678-9435

Please Note: The information and recommendations provided herein is not medical advice, a professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Such information and recommendations is for general information and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or professional care, and you should not use the information in place of a visit, call consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. ASICS is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this communication.

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Tags: Asics, kid's running shoes, running shoes, shoe fit, adult running shoes

I loved those. They were so comfortable for everything but running. They were so cute. Posted by: Annelyse on Jul 17, 2010 at 05:42 PM

LOL. Remember those high-top Reebocks that were in fashion in the 80s? That's what I started running in...a bright red pair my husband got me for Valentines Day! It didn't take me long to get a real pair of running shoes.;-) Posted by: bmoore on Jul 17, 2010 at 05:09 PM

I have. They are good for kicking around but not for running. They don't have the good support that I have come to expect from my other shoes. I tried soccer cleats too and they really don't have any support. Posted by: Annelyse on Jul 17, 2010 at 04:42 PM

Annelyse, have you ever bought a pair of the kid's shoes and run in them? Posted by: bmoore on Jul 17, 2010 at 12:34 PM

I find that the explanation from Asics sounds pretty accurate from my own experiences with children's shoes vs. adult shoes. I have small feet and can easily fit into the childrens shoe size but the feel of shoe is different. Posted by: Annelyse on Jul 16, 2010 at 11:55 PM