Running Juniors from French Days

Duramo, Runfalcon, Tensaur: shoes for beginners

For a child discovering running, the shoe must be light, flexible at the front, and well-fitted at the heel. The adidas Duramo and Duramo SL, with breathable mesh uppers, are suitable for school, club sports, and playground games. The Runfalcon, versatile and sturdy, handles streets and tracks alike. The Tensaur Run, designed for little ones, comes with either a hook-and-loop closure or elastic laces for independent dressing. The baby version of the Duramo supports those first steps. There's no need to look for strong cushioning: a child's weight puts little strain on the sole.

Other running offers

The French Days running collection also includes:

• Men's Shoes.
• Women's Shoes.
• Men's Clothing.
• Women's Clothing.
• Equipment.

All offers can be found on the running page.

From athletic awakening to young teens: running in clubs

In France, youth athletics is divided into age categories: athletic awakening, chicks, young children, and then older children. The youngest experience running through games, mixed with jumping and throwing, with short and varied efforts that develop coordination. Distances gradually increase with age. Cross country, in autumn and winter, brings schools and clubs together on grass and dirt loops, where a cleated sole makes a difference. The track hosts sprints, relays, and middle-distance events, with formats adapted to each category to support growth.

Adizero, Ultraboost, Hyperboost: flagship models in children's sizes

adidas offers its iconic shoes in junior versions. The Adizero Adios Pro, designed for elite marathon runners, attracts young competition enthusiasts with its look and dynamism; it's still a fast running shoe, meant for speedy sessions and competitions. The Ultraboost and Hyperboost focus on the comfort of thick cushioning for daily wear. Other brands like Saucony Hurricane prioritise stability, while Reebok Rush and Nike in children's versions offer versatility. For these models, keep about a centimetre of space in front of the big toe by the end of the day.

Garmin bracelet and autumn session attire

The activity bracelet Garmin Vívofit junior tracks steps, activity minutes, and a child's sleep, offering fun challenges monitored by parents via an app. Its battery lasts about a year and the casing is water-resistant, preventing the need for recharging and forgetting. For autumn outings, clothing is layered: a fitted crop Erima, a technical top, a beanie Mizuno, and fleece gloves Nike, easy to remove during sessions. Technical socks, without prominent seams, help limit blisters on long cross country loops.

Frequently asked questions

What age can a child start joining an athletics club?

Clubs often welcome children from five or six years old, in awakening groups where running is mixed with jumping and throwing. The license then allows participation in competitions in their category, both in cross country and on the track.

Does a child need spikes?

Spikes become useful when a child competes regularly on the track or in cross country, often starting from the young children category. For training and beginners, a running shoe with a cleated sole is quite sufficient.

How long does a pair of children's running shoes last?

For children, the shoe size often changes before the sole wears out: expect about one sports season for the youngest. Check the length every three months by pressing on the toe of the shoe while standing.

Do you need a specific running shoe for school?

No, a versatile running shoe works for physical education, playtime, and club activities. Choose one that's comfortable, with a sole that grips well on both pavements and grass at the stadium.

How can you prevent blisters in a young runner?

Choose a size with a centimetre of ease, technical socks without seams, and a firm lacing over the instep. Avoid thick cotton socks, which retain moisture and increase friction.