ASICS Kid's PRE Venture 9 Pre-School Running Shoes (Style BQR5)

In this review of the ASICS Kid's PRE Venture 9 Pre-School running shoes, the bottom line is straightforward: these shoes are best for active young children who need dependable cushioning and traction for playgrounds, gym class and light trail play. The reviewer found the shoes well made with an engineered mesh upper that improves breathability and an outsole designed for versatile grip, so they work well across pavement, grass and packed dirt. Fit runs slightly small, so consider sizing up, but the overall combination of comfort, durability and traction makes them a strong choice for everyday youth running and activity.

Key Features

• Engineered mesh upper: Improves breathability so feet stay cooler during long play sessions and running around.
• Trail-specific outsole pattern: Improves grip on various surfaces, giving confidence on grass, dirt and schoolyard asphalt.
• Cushioned midsole: Provides good cushioning for active feet and helps reduce impact during frequent running and jumping.
• Durable construction: Built to last through extended use and often through a full cross-country season for older kids.
• Velcro closure: Offers quick on/off convenience for preschoolers, though opinions on strap performance are mixed among users.

Who It's For

These shoes are aimed at preschool and young school-age children who need a versatile athletic shoe for play, PE and short runs. The combination of cushioning and the traction-focused outsole makes them especially suitable for kids who move between playground surfaces or participate in basic cross-country practice.

Parents who need a very narrow or unusually wide last, or who prefer a shoe with a full lace system rather than Velcro, may want to look elsewhere. Also, because the model runs slightly small, households that cannot exchange sizes easily should size up when ordering.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable cushioning that supports active feet during daily play and short runs.
• Reliable traction from the advanced outsole pattern across multiple surfaces.
• Good build quality and durability that stands up to a season of regular use.

Cons

• Shoes run slightly small, so many customers recommend ordering the next size up.
• Velcro strap durability reports are mixed, with some caregivers noting varied performance over time.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The ASICS PRE Venture 9 is a practical, value-driven option for preschoolers and young children who need a comfortable, grippy shoe for everyday activity. With breathable mesh, purposeful traction and solid durability, it suits most casual young athletes; just size up to avoid a tight fit and check the Velcro over time if that is a concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these run true to size?
They generally run slightly small, so selecting the next size up is commonly recommended.

Are they good for trails?
The trail-specific outsole pattern improves grip on packed dirt and light trails, but they are best for mixed-use rather than technical trail running.

Is the Velcro strap durable?
Most customers report acceptable durability, though feedback is mixed and some caregivers note varied long-term performance.