ASICS Kid's Contend 9 Grade School Running Shoes (Style 97BN)

Our review of the ASICS Kid's Contend 9 Grade School Running Shoes finds them best suited for active children who need a reliable, long-lasting sneaker for everyday wear and school sports. The single biggest reason to buy is their combination of reinforced construction and sustainable materials, which delivers real durability without sacrificing comfort for growing feet. Parents looking for a supportive, wide-friendly running shoe will appreciate the thoughtful build and recycled upper content in this practical, low-top lace-up design.

Key Features

• Toe reinforcement: Reinforced toe and toe rubber stitching add protection against wear, extending the shoe's usable life for active kids.
• Solid rubber outsole: A sturdy rubber outsole provides reliable traction and durability across playground, track, and pavement surfaces.
• Recycled upper content: At least 20% of the shoe's main upper material uses recycled content to reduce waste and lower carbon emissions.
• Solution-dyed sockliner: The sockliner is solution-dyed to cut water use by roughly 33% and carbon emissions by about 45% compared with conventional dyeing.
• Mesh upper and polyester lining: A breathable mesh upper with polyester lining and insole helps keep feet comfortable during longer wear.

Who It's For

This shoe is ideal for grade-school kids who need a dependable, everyday athletic sneaker for running, gym class, and casual cross country or play. Customers who favor a durable, supportive shoe that accommodates wider feet will find the Contend 9 meets those needs without being overly technical.

Kids who want cushioning for long-distance running or advanced trail features should look elsewhere, as this model focuses on sturdy construction, simple support, and practical sustainability rather than high-performance race cushioning or specialty trail grip.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable fit with good support noted by customers, including those with wider feet.
• Durable features like toe reinforcement and solid rubber outsole extend lifespan for active use.
• Partial recycled upper material and solution-dyed sockliner reduce environmental impact.

Cons

• Not intended as a technical running shoe for competitive youth runners seeking advanced cushioning.
• Design is straightforward and may be perceived as basic by those wanting trend-forward styles.

Specifications

Brand	Asics
Model	Kid's Contend 9 Grade School
Upper material	Mesh with at least 20% recycled main upper content
Lining and insole	Polyester lining and polyester insole
Sockliner	Solution-dyed sockliner (reduced water and carbon use)
Outsole	Solid rubber outsole with toe rubber stitching
Design	Round toe, low-top lace-up sneaker

Our Verdict

The ASICS Kid's Contend 9 is a sensible choice for parents who want a durable, comfortable everyday running shoe that also incorporates sustainable materials. Its reinforced toe and solid outsole deliver long wear, while the solution-dyed sockliner and recycled upper content add measurable environmental benefits, making it good value for active kids who need dependable support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for wide feet?
Yes, customers report a comfortable fit for wider feet and good overall support.

How does the shoe handle wear and tear?
The toe reinforcement, toe rubber stitching, and solid rubber outsole increase durability for playground and school activities.

What sustainable features does this shoe include?
At least 20% of the main upper material is recycled and the sockliner uses solution dyeing to reduce water and carbon footprints.