{"product_id":"asics-kids-contend-9-grade-school-running-shoes-style-2xc5","title":"ASICS Kid's Contend 9 Grade School Running Shoes (Style 2XC5)","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the ASICS Kid's CONTEND 9 Grade School running shoe is presented as a straightforward, durable option for active children. The review finds the shoe best for school, playground and beginner cross country use because its reinforced toe, toe rubber stitching, and solid rubber outsole extend lifespan under regular wear. The shoe's recycled upper content and a solution-dyed sockliner also make it a more sustainable choice compared with typical youth sneakers, so parents looking for a durable, eco-conscious everyday runner will want to consider these.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDurable construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toe reinforcement and toe rubber stitching protect the front of the shoe from wear during frequent running and play, increasing longevity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolid rubber outsole:\u003c\/strong\u003e The tough outsole provides reliable traction and stands up to repeated use on pavement and school surfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePartially recycled upper:\u003c\/strong\u003e At least 20% of the main upper material is recycled, which reduces waste and lowers the shoe's overall environmental footprint.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater and carbon saving sockliner:\u003c\/strong\u003e The solution-dyed sockliner reduces water use by about 33% and carbon emissions by about 45% compared to conventional dyeing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComfortable fit:\u003c\/strong\u003e A mesh upper with polyester lining and insole offers breathable cushioning and accommodates wider feet according to customer feedback.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Contend 9 is aimed at grade school children who need a dependable, everyday athletic shoe for recess, P.E., and casual running. It works well for kids who are active in cross country or school sports and for families prioritizing durability and some sustainability features. The shoe's reinforced areas and solid outsole make it a practical choice for higher wear environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParents seeking a lightweight racing shoe, specialized track spikes, or a fashion-focused sneaker with premium materials should look elsewhere. While sturdy and comfortable, the Contend 9 is designed for general youth athletics and daily wear rather than elite performance or high-end styling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurable toe reinforcement and rubber stitching that reduce early wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolid rubber outsole delivers dependable traction and longevity on varied surfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContains recycled material and a solution-dyed sockliner for reduced water and carbon impact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCustomers note a comfortable fit, especially good for wider feet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot a specialty performance racing shoe; designed for everyday use rather than competition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLimited premium cushioning detail compared with higher-end youth running models.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCONTEND 9 Grade School\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUpper material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMesh with at least 20% recycled main upper content\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLining and insole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePolyester lining and polyester insole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSockliner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSolution-dyed sockliner (reduced water and carbon use)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutsole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSolid rubber outsole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDesign\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow-top, round toe, lace-up\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ASICS Kid's Contend 9 is a sensible buy for parents who want a sturdy, comfortable shoe that stands up to daily school life and beginner cross country. Its reinforced toe, tough outsole, and modest recycled content make it a good value for the price, offering a balance of durability, comfort, and small sustainability wins for everyday youth use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these shoes good for wide feet?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, customers commonly report the Contend 9 fits well for wider feet and offers a comfortable, roomy toe box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo these shoes hold up for cross country or running?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey perform well for beginner cross country and school running thanks to the reinforced toe and solid rubber outsole, though they are not specialized racing shoes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does the recycled content affect the shoe?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt least 20% of the main upper is recycled material, which reduces waste and contributes to a lower carbon footprint without sacrificing basic durability.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Asics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48186958938331,"sku":"B0D81L2XC5","price":29.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51ggwr3wyLL._AC_SL1200_89e82618-2f21-4819-bae1-32f9c5aabd17.jpg?v=1769686211","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/asics-kids-contend-9-grade-school-running-shoes-style-2xc5","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}