{"product_id":"new-balance-kids-fuelcell-play-v1-hook-and-loop-running-shoes-midsole","title":"New Balance Kids' FuelCell Play V1 Hook and Loop Running Shoes midsole","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the FuelCell Play V1, the conclusion is simple: these are durable, responsive kids running shoes built for active days and rough play. Designed for young climbers, runners and playground regulars, the biggest reason to buy is the FuelCell midsole that delivers a propulsive, cushioned feel while still using a small share of bio-based content. The shoe balances traction, protection and everyday wearability so parents get a shoe that stands up to trails, monkey bars and repeated outdoor use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFuelCell midsole:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides a springy, propulsive feel that helps kids push forward during runs and races.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBio-based content:\u003c\/strong\u003e About 3% of the midsole material comes from renewable resources to reduce environmental impact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eToe Protect technology:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shields toes from rocks, roots and debris for safer outdoor play and trail walks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFull rubber outsole:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offers durable traction with a heel kick and sidewall wrap to assist grip on varied surfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTactical upper with strap:\u003c\/strong\u003e A durable mesh upper with textured rubber overlays and a sport-inspired hook-and-loop strap keeps the foot secure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe FuelCell Play V1 is aimed at active kids who split time between playgrounds, neighborhood trails and casual running. It suits families who want a single shoe that handles hiking small trails, running games and daily school wear without needing constant replacement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKids who need a very soft, highly cushioned trainer for long-distance running or those who prefer a minimalist barefoot feel should look elsewhere; this shoe prioritizes durability and traction over ultra-lightweight minimalism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eResponsive FuelCell foam gives a lively ride that helps little legs feel propelled forward.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eDurable construction with textured rubber overlays and a full rubber outsole stands up to rough use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eToe Protect adds practical protection for messy outdoor play and light trail use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eGenerally true-to-size fit that accommodates wider feet comfortably according to customer feedback.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eHook-and-loop strap feedback is mixed; some users find it durable while others report occasional twisting or alignment issues.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eBio-based content is limited to about 3% of the midsole, so sustainability gains are modest.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFuelCell Play V1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTarget user\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKids - unisex boys and girls\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMidsole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFuelCell foam with ~3% bio-based content\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUpper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMesh with textured rubber and grippy overlays\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eClosure\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHook-and-loop strap inspired by sport\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutsole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull rubber with heel kick and sidewall wrap\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProtection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eToe Protect technology\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe FuelCell Play V1 is a strong choice for parents seeking a versatile, long-lasting kids running shoe that combines responsive cushioning with practical protection and traction. It offers good value for active children who need one reliable shoe for playgrounds, trail walks and everyday wear, though those seeking ultra-sustainable materials or a minimalist ride may want alternatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these true to size?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCustomers report a generally true-to-size fit that also accommodates slightly wider feet comfortably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the strap durable?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost owners find the hook-and-loop strap holds well, though a minority mention it can twist or need occasional realignment over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan these be used on trails?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes; the full rubber outsole, toe protection and grippy overlays make them suitable for light trail walks and outdoor play.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New Balance","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48610171715803,"sku":"B0D2J7QQFG","price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/41Fhn12Xt_L._AC_SL1000_b28d2327-df83-470e-a5bb-549f6a7a3620.jpg?v=1778414342","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/new-balance-kids-fuelcell-play-v1-hook-and-loop-running-shoes-midsole","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}