New Balance Kids' Rave Run V2 Lace-Up Running Shoes (Style HYD1)

In this review the New Balance Kids' Rave Run V2 lace-up running shoes show themselves as a strong everyday athletic option for children who need comfortable, supportive footwear without extra bulk. The primary reason to buy is the shoe's combination of a lightweight IMEVA midsole and breathable mesh upper, which delivers noticeable underfoot cushioning and all-day comfort for active kids. The review finds the design particularly appealing to families who want a durable-looking shoe with kid-friendly colors and sensible construction for school, playground, or short runs.

Key Features

• IMEVA midsole: Provides lightweight, responsive cushioning that helps reduce fatigue during play and short runs.
• Mesh and synthetic upper: Keeps the shoe breathable while holding shape for a secure fit through activity.
• No-sew overlays: Improve durability at high-wear points like the toe and midfoot without adding seams that can rub.
• Durable rubber outsole: Offers reliable traction and stands up to daily playground and sidewalk wear.
• Bold kid-friendly design: Makes the shoes appealing to children who want expressive color options while remaining practical for parents.

Who It's For

The Rave Run V2 is best for children who need a lightweight, cushioned running or play shoe with a breathable upper and a snug lace-up fit. It works well for families seeking a casual athletic shoe for school, gym class, and weekend activity that balances comfort with an energetic look.

Parents of children who require heavy-duty workhorse shoes or extended high-impact athletic training should look elsewhere, since some customers reported mixed long-term durability and the shoe is designed primarily as a lightweight performance/casual runner rather than a reinforced sport-specific model.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable IMEVA midsole gives soft underfoot cushioning for all-day wear.
• Breathable mesh upper with no-sew overlays reduces hotspots and improves fit.
• Attractive, kid-friendly styling and several color options appeal to children.
• Durable rubber outsole delivers solid traction for playground and sidewalk use.

Cons

• Durability reports are mixed; some customers experienced early wear in a few cases.
• Lace tieability can vary, with occasional feedback that laces do not always stay tied.

Specifications

Brand	New Balance
Model	Rave Run V2 Lace-Up
Midsole	Lightweight injection-molded EVA (IMEVA)
Upper	Synthetic and breathable mesh with no-sew overlays
Outsole	Durable rubber
Design	Bold, kid-friendly colorways

Our Verdict

The New Balance Rave Run V2 is a sensible choice for kids who need a lightweight, comfortable running-style shoe that looks fun and wears well for everyday activities. It represents good value when comfort, fit for wider feet, and a lively design are priorities, though parents should weigh mixed durability reports against the typically affordable price for a children's athletic shoe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these shoes good for wide feet?
Yes, customers commonly report a forgiving fit that accommodates wider feet comfortably.

Is the cushioning suitable for running?
The IMEVA midsole provides lightweight cushioning suitable for short runs and play, though it is not a specialized high-performance racing shoe.

Do the shoes hold up to daily wear?
The rubber outsole is durable, but long-term durability received mixed feedback from customers, so heavy daily wear may show variation by child.