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

Our review of the ASICS Kid's Contend 9 Grade School Running Shoes finds them best suited for active kids and parents who want a durable, comfortable everyday trainer. The single biggest reason to buy is durability: features like the toecap, toe rubber stitching, and solid rubber outsole extend the shoe lifespan, making them a practical choice for school, playgrounds, and light running. Reviewers also appreciate the comfort and support for wider feet and the environmental attention in the upper and sockliner construction.

Key Features

• Durable toe protection: A reinforced toecap and toe rubber stitching reduce wear on the most exposed area, helping the shoe last longer under rough use.
• Solid rubber outsole: The hardwearing outsole improves traction and longevity so the shoe stands up to frequent outdoor play and running.
• Recycled upper content: At least 20% of the shoe's main upper material is made with recycled content to lower waste and carbon emissions.
• Water and carbon saving sockliner: The sockliner uses a solution dyeing process that reduces water use by about 33% and carbon emissions by about 45% versus conventional dyeing.
• Comfort and support: Customers report a comfortable fit with good support, and the shape works well for wider feet.

Who It's For

The Contend 9 GS is aimed at parents shopping for grade school children who need a dependable athletic shoe for daily wear, school PE classes, playground activity, and beginner running. Its reinforced toe and solid outsole make it especially useful for kids who put heavy wear on shoes or for families that prefer to get more life from each pair.

Those who should look elsewhere include kids needing specialized performance running spikes or lightweight racing trainers, and families seeking premium cushioning technology for long-distance youth running; the Contend 9 focuses on durability and everyday support rather than race-level performance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable construction with reinforced toecap and toe rubber stitching that resist early wear.
• Solid rubber outsole provides reliable traction and extends usable life of the shoe.
• Environmentally minded materials: recycled upper content and a solution-dyed sockliner lower water use and carbon emissions.
• Comfortable fit and supportive shape that reviewers say accommodates wider feet well.

Cons

• Not a purpose-built racing or high-performance training shoe for competitive youth runners.
• The focus on durability adds some weight compared with ultralight children's running models.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Contend 9 Grade School shoe is a smart buy for parents who want a tough, comfortable everyday athletic shoe that stretches value through better durability and modest environmental improvements. Its reinforced toecap, solid rubber outsole, and supportive fit make it a practical choice for active kids, especially those with wider feet who need dependable support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these good for wide feet?
Yes, customers report the fit works well for wider feet and offers comfortable support.

Do they have recycled materials?
Yes, at least 20% of the shoe's main upper material is made with recycled content.

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 to conventional dyeing.