ASICS Kid's Contend 9 Grade School Running Shoes (Style 8839)

Our review of the ASICS Kid's Contend 9 Grade School running shoes finds them to be a dependable everyday athletic option for growing feet, especially where durability and comfort matter most. Built with visible reinforcements and a solid rubber outsole, these low-top lace ups are designed to withstand play and light cross country use while offering roomy fit options that work well for wider feet. The sustainable touches in the upper and sockliner also make this model a sensible pick for parents who want lower environmental impact without sacrificing support.

Key Features

• Durable toe reinforcement: Reinforced toe and toe rubber stitching protect against wear from running and playground activity to extend the shoe's usable life.
• Solid rubber outsole: A tough outsole provides reliable traction and abrasion resistance for regular athletic use and outdoor play.
• Recycled upper content: At least 20% of the main upper material is made with recycled content to reduce waste and lower carbon emissions.
• Water and carbon reducing sockliner: The solution dyed sockliner lowers water use by about 33% and carbon emissions by about 45% compared to conventional dyeing.
• Mesh upper with polyester lining: Breathable mesh and a polyester insole offer comfort and ventilation for active kids.
• Classic ASICS branding: Signature side stripes add an authentic sporty look that works for school and everyday wear.

Who It's For

These shoes are aimed at grade school children who need a sturdy, comfortable running shoe for PE class, cross country practice, or everyday active use. Parents who prioritize durability and environmental improvements in materials will appreciate the mix of reinforced construction and recycled upper content.

Those who need highly technical racing spikes, specialized orthotic accommodations, or ultra-light minimalist shoes should look elsewhere, since the Contend 9 focuses on long wear and support rather than performance race features or custom orthotic systems.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable fit with good support and roomy toe space that suits wider feet.
• Durability is a strong point thanks to toe reinforcement and a solid rubber outsole.
• Environmentally conscious elements such as recycled upper material and a solution dyed sockliner reduce water use and emissions.
• Versatile style that works well for both sporty and everyday wear.

Cons

• Not intended as a high performance racing or technical trail shoe, so serious athletes may want a different model.
• Lace-up design may be less convenient than hook-and-loop options for very young children.

Specifications

Model	Kid's Contend 9 Grade School
Design	Low-top lace-up sneaker with round toe
Upper	Mesh upper with at least 20% recycled main upper material
Outsole	Solid rubber outsole for improved durability
Insole and lining	Polyester lining and polyester insole with solution dyed sockliner
Durability features	Toe reinforcement and toe rubber stitching

Our Verdict

The Contend 9 is a practical, value-oriented running shoe for grade school kids who need dependable support and long-lasting construction. With reinforced toes, a tough outsole, and thoughtful sustainable materials, it delivers good performance for PE, casual running, and daily play while offering sensible environmental improvements for parents concerned about resource use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for wide feet?
Yes, customer feedback highlights a comfortable fit for wider feet thanks to the roomy toe shape and supportive construction.

Do the shoes use recycled materials?
Yes, at least 20% of the shoe's main upper material is made with recycled content to reduce waste and lower carbon emissions.

Is the sockliner eco friendly?
The sockliner is produced with a solution dyeing process that reduces water use by about 33% and carbon emissions by about 45% compared with conventional dyeing.