ASICS Kid's Contend 9 Pre-School Running Shoes - Durable (Style DB7Z)

In this review of the ASICS Kid's Contend 9 Pre-School Running Shoes, the bottom line is simple: these are practical everyday athletic shoes for young children who need durable support and easy on-off wear. The reviewer found them well suited for active preschoolers thanks to the hook and loop fastener that stabilizes the foot and a reinforced toe and solid rubber outsole that extend the shoe's life. Parents will also appreciate the CUB MATCH sockliner graphic that helps kids tell left from right and the eco-conscious use of recycled materials and solution dyed sockliner.

Key Features

• Hook and loop fastener: Keeps the foot stabilized and makes dressing quick for preschoolers who are still learning to tie laces.
• CUB MATCH sockliner: A tiger graphic printed on the sockliner helps children identify left and right shoes and adds a playful touch that encourages independent dressing.
• Recycled upper content: At least 20% of the shoe's main upper material is made with recycled material, reducing waste and lowering carbon impact.
• Durable toe reinforcement: The toecap and toe rubber stitching protect the shoe from early wear where kids typically scuff and drag their toes.
• Solid rubber outsole: Provides reliable traction and long-lasting wear for playgrounds, preschool activities, and everyday running around.
• Environmentally conscious dyeing: The sockliner uses solution dyeing, cutting water use by about 33% and carbon emissions by about 45% compared with conventional dyeing.

Who It's For

These shoes are ideal for active preschool-aged children who need an easy fastener system and a durable build that stands up to play, light running, and repeated indoor/outdoor use. The stabilization from the hook and loop strap and the supportive sole suit kids transitioning from toddler shoes to more structured youth footwear.

Parents seeking a dressier athletic shoe with heavy cushioning or specialized orthotic support should look elsewhere; the Contend 9 PS focuses on durable everyday use rather than performance running features. Also, families wanting a fully recycled shoe will note only the main upper includes at least 20% recycled content, not the entire shoe.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy on-and-off hook and loop fastener promotes independence and keeps the foot secure.
• Durable toe reinforcement and solid rubber outsole extend usable life through active play.
• CUB MATCH tiger sockliner makes left and right orientation simple for young kids.
• Built with some recycled materials and reduced-impact sockliner dyeing for lower environmental footprint.

Cons

• Not designed as a high-performance running shoe; it prioritizes durability and everyday support over advanced cushioning or motion control.
• Only a portion of the upper uses recycled content, so sustainability is partial rather than comprehensive.

Specifications

Product	CONTEND 9 PS (Pre-School)
Fastening	Hook and loop strap
Sockliner	CUB MATCH printed tiger graphic, solution dyed
Upper material	At least 20% recycled content
Outsole	Solid rubber outsole with toe rubber stitching
Durability features	Toe reinforcement and toecap

Our Verdict

The ASICS Kid's Contend 9 Pre-School Running Shoes are a sensible pick for parents seeking a durable, easy-to-wear athletic shoe for preschoolers. They offer practical support, lasting construction, and kid-friendly details like the CUB MATCH graphic, making them good value for everyday play and school use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these true to size?
Customers report they are generally true to size, so most buyers can choose their child's usual preschool shoe size.

Do they work for rough outdoor play?
Yes, the reinforced toecap, toe rubber stitching, and solid rubber outsole make them suitable for playgrounds and regular outdoor activity.

How eco-friendly are these shoes?
The main upper contains at least 20% recycled material and the sockliner uses solution dyeing, which reduces water use and carbon emissions versus conventional dyeing.