ASICS Kid's PRE Venture 9 Pre-School Running Shoes (Style W45S)

In this review of the ASICS Kid's PRE Venture 9 Pre-School Running Shoes I focus on what matters for active children: cushioning, grip, and durability. These shoes are aimed at energetic preschoolers who need a comfortable, supportive pair for playground play, early sports, and day-to-day wear. The single biggest reason to consider them is the combination of an engineered mesh upper for breathability and a trail-specific outsole pattern that delivers reliable traction across different surfaces while still offering cushioned support for little feet.

Key Features

• Engineered mesh upper: Improves breathability to help keep small feet cooler during long play sessions.
• Trail-specific outsole pattern: Provides improved grip on grass, gravel, and wet playground surfaces for more confident movement.
• Cushioned midsole: Offers good cushioning that absorbs impact during running and jumping for active preschoolers.
• Durable construction: Built to last through frequent wear, with reviewers noting season-long durability for older kids.
• Easy closure design: Velcro strap allows quick on-and-off, though user opinions on long-term strap performance are mixed.

Who It's For

These shoes are best for preschool-aged children who spend a lot of time running, playing sports, or exploring outdoors and need a well-cushioned, grippy shoe that breathes. Parents who prioritize traction and comfort for varied surfaces will appreciate the outsole pattern and the breathable upper.

They are less suited for children who need a very wide fit or consistently large sizing, as several customers report the shoes run slightly small; caregivers should consider sizing up or checking fit in person. Also, if you require a very specific specialty cleat or fashion shoe, look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Consistent comfort and cushioning for active play and short runs.
• Strong traction from the trail-specific outsole on a variety of surfaces.
• Perceived quality and durability hold up through extended use.
• Breathable engineered mesh keeps feet cooler during activity.

Cons

• Shoes run slightly small, so sizing up may be necessary for accurate fit.
• Velcro strap durability gets mixed feedback, so long-term performance may vary.

Specifications

Brand	Asics
Model	PRE Venture 9 PRE-SCHOOL
Upper	Engineered mesh for improved breathability
Outsole	Trail-specific pattern for enhanced grip
Cushioning	Designed to provide good cushioning for active feet
Closure	Velcro strap for quick on and off
Intended use	Running, playground, general athletic activity

Our Verdict

The PRE Venture 9 Pre-School shoes are a solid choice for parents seeking breathable, cushioned footwear with dependable traction for active little kids. They offer good value when fit is correct, but shoppers should be mindful of the slightly small sizing and mixed reports on Velcro longevity. Overall, they perform well for everyday play and early athletic use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these run true to size?
They tend to run slightly small, so consider sizing up or trying them on when possible.

Are they suitable for outdoor play on varied surfaces?
Yes, the trail-specific outsole pattern provides good grip on grass, gravel, and playground surfaces.

Is the mesh upper durable for frequent use?
Reviewers report good overall durability and lasting quality through extended seasons of wear.