You’ll be happy to hear that New Balance has released the 689 Kids Collection and my daughter was able to get herself a pair, just in time for the start of the new schools season. These shoes come in styles for both girls and boys, have a non-marking sole {a necessity in my books, and the schools’ as well}, and use the Abzorb cushioning material for a comfortable fit all day.
The uppers are a mix of leather and mesh, a great combination for providing stability with breathing room. I really like the closure on these shoes, it has an elastic strap that zig-zags through loops and then Velcro’s on the side. Though my daughter can tie laces like a pro, she doesn’t like to, so most times she leaves them hanging and waiting to be tripped on. At the same time, she thinks that traditional Velcro shoes are for ‘babies’, so the closure on these is really a happy blend of the two.
I chose a size larger than I thought my daughter would need, yet they are fairly snug so I think I should have requested a different width size {yes, they have width sizes for these styles!}. Her pair does fit right now but possibly not through the end of the year. So I’d suggest you use a measurement tool or better yet, try them on in store to ensure you get the right size and width.
My daughter says her pair ‘is cute’, and is happy that she can run and do cartwheels in them. Myself? I like the support of the foot and ankle that New Balance provides, isn’t it nice when her need for cute and fashionable mix with my preference for a quality made shoe. Win-Win, now if only we could agree on clothing!
Prices range from $39.95 for infant/pre-school children {sizes 2-5 and 5.5-10} to $54.95 for youth {sizes 7-10.5} and they can be bought online or in stores that carry New Balance footwear.
Disclosure: I received product to facilitate this review, all opinions are my own.
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Eva U says
09/07/2012 at 1:24 pmMy 8 yr old is having growth spurts everywhere. All his shoes have SIDECARS his toes are starting to poke out. Just bought school shoes 3 weeks ago *yikes*. This would be so helpful and appreciated.
Andrea B. says
09/07/2012 at 1:25 pmI would like to win these shoes because New Balance makes great shoes and I would love for my child to have a pair.
lori butler says
09/07/2012 at 1:25 pmThey are a well made shoe that offers great support
Mel Gallant says
09/07/2012 at 1:28 pmMy daughter is a rambunctious toddler – constantly on the go. She could use some comfy running shoes for all her running, jumping and such. 🙂
Rachelle M. says
09/07/2012 at 1:30 pmI would Love to win a pair for my Cupcake she would look so cute in them !
Jenn VanderPloeg says
09/07/2012 at 1:31 pmWe love great shoes. It’s one area that I don’t skimp on! 🙂 Wish us luck. We’ve never tried NB before…
Kirsten says
09/07/2012 at 1:31 pmI have 4 kids ans we spend a ton on shoes! My oldest son would love these.
Dandy Civitarese says
09/07/2012 at 1:32 pmI would love to win, this is the only brand my older boy can wear due to feet issues, this would really help! thanks for the chance to win!
Elizabeth Wisniewski says
09/07/2012 at 1:32 pmMy 4 year old has been growing like mad this year and I know he will need more shoes in the next few months. these would be great for him.
Anu Chopra says
09/07/2012 at 1:34 pmMy boys are growing so quickly and need a new pair for school!
Christine Basile-Brock says
09/07/2012 at 2:00 pmThe shoes are super cute and look like they would support my sons feet well 🙂
Adriana Fitzgerald says
09/07/2012 at 2:11 pmI’d love a pair for my daughter – she needs a new pair of good shoes for school
Rachel Vander Deen says
09/07/2012 at 2:19 pmI’d love to win a pair! I have three rambunctious boys who wear holes in everything – a new pair of good shoes would be much appreciated!
pj emmick says
09/07/2012 at 2:26 pmwoo hoo, with 8 kids school shoes are outrageous! this would be wonderful!!
Shari K says
09/07/2012 at 2:36 pmI want to win these shoes because I know that I can trust the quality and want only the best for my kids!
beth says
09/07/2012 at 4:13 pmMy kids are very hard on their shoes, and we could always use a new pair for indoor or outdoor use
tamara priddy says
09/07/2012 at 4:36 pmMy 1 yr old daughter deserves a good pair of shoes. I know I haven’t been able to afford them and she’s wearing what she has pass me downs for long enough, but we get by with what we can make it with, so I would love to win them for her.
Adeline says
09/07/2012 at 5:47 pmMy son grows up so fast, we need new shoes. They look comfy & sturdy!
Robin | Farewell, Stranger says
09/07/2012 at 6:41 pmWe need more shoes for him for the school year. These look great!
Karla Sceviour says
09/07/2012 at 7:09 pmI would love to win a pair of these for my nephew.
ksceviour at hotmail dot com
Athena says
09/07/2012 at 8:14 pmThese would be great for my son!
Dreena says
09/07/2012 at 8:30 pmMy son could use a new pair!
Thanks.
Becky says
09/07/2012 at 8:40 pmMy sons feet grown really quick so I would love to win these shoes for him, so it’s one less pair of shoes I have to buy.
wendy says
09/07/2012 at 10:45 pmThose look awesome. Thanks!
Anne Taylor says
09/07/2012 at 10:51 pmI’d love to win a pair of these shoes to donate to the Single Parent Center here in Victoria!
Amy C says
09/08/2012 at 1:35 amI would like to win because we could use a pair of nice shoes.
Luna Broderick says
09/08/2012 at 5:46 amI’d love to win these great runners for one of my great nieces or nephews! Back to school and all that. Thanks Tammi!
jennifer bowen says
09/08/2012 at 5:54 ami love to win them for my girl she realy needs a new pair of shoes
Pamalot says
09/08/2012 at 7:02 amthe kids can be very picky about their shoes. When I read the comment about your daughter saying the pair is cute I thought I would like to win these for picky Serena, who I hope would also think they are cute.(also the kids can always use a new pair of shoes with back to school)
kara says
09/08/2012 at 7:12 amI would love to win a pair for my boy! Looks like really nice shoes!
Londia says
09/08/2012 at 7:23 amI would like a pair for my son as he is still growing and shoes are always something you need for those growing feet.
silverneon2000 at yahoo dot com
Agnes O. says
09/08/2012 at 7:49 amI’d like to win a pair for my daughter who could use a better pair of shoes for her school.
Erika E says
09/08/2012 at 7:52 amI’d like to win a pair for my son because I’ve heard good things about New Balance shoes.
Nicole says
09/08/2012 at 8:00 amI would love to win this for my daughter 🙂
justasmalltownmommy at gmail dot com
Michelle B says
09/08/2012 at 8:55 amI would love to win a pair for my son because he is very hard on shoes.
Ira says
09/08/2012 at 9:36 amKids grow fast – always need a new pair (or two, or three :)) in a short period of time.
SweetPanda says
09/08/2012 at 9:49 amI would like to win because my kid needs a new pair of running shoes and
Robyn L says
09/08/2012 at 10:12 amI’d love to win a pair because of the non-marking sole and
the choice of a wider width if necessary
Lisa KH says
09/08/2012 at 10:53 amI’d love to win because my son keeps outgrowing his runners!
rafflecopter name: Lisa K
Jonnie (JB) says
09/08/2012 at 11:00 amI would love to win these because of the closure type. My son can tie but usually opts to just let his laces hang loose.
Nury says
09/08/2012 at 11:10 amFor my daughter, she is growing incredibly fast and she is always in need of new shoes!
Stephanie LaPlante says
09/08/2012 at 11:34 amI’d love to win because these shoes are adorable and look comfy too.
Ashley says
09/08/2012 at 2:14 pmWe’ve been everywhere in the past month looking for new shoes for my girl! Everywhere is sold out of everything! This would be perfect timing!
jennifer capin says
09/08/2012 at 2:40 pmMy Son needs a new pair of shoes and these look awesome
aussie monica says
09/08/2012 at 2:47 pmMy daughter needs some good gym shoes and these look fabulous.
Katharine W says
09/08/2012 at 4:16 pmThese shoes look awesome and my preschool daughter would probably wear them as they are fashionable.
Lisa G says
09/08/2012 at 5:20 pmI’d like to win these shoes for my little guy that keeps growing out of his shoes!
Cheryl (@loucheryl) says
09/08/2012 at 5:51 pmI really want my son to have a pair of good running shoes, just like his mom does, and these look great!
Tina says
09/08/2012 at 7:15 pmThey keep growing out of their shoes and we would like to have very made and supportive footwear.
Adina H. says
09/08/2012 at 8:17 pmI would like to win shoes for my nephew.
Julia says
09/08/2012 at 9:34 pmMy kids always need new shoes.
Florence C says
09/09/2012 at 6:31 amI like to win for one of my grandchildren.
Leanne M says
09/09/2012 at 11:17 amI would love to win because my daughter could use some new shoes.
Gemma says
09/09/2012 at 2:38 pmI’d love to win a pair for my daughter.
Tatum says
09/09/2012 at 3:01 pmWith 3 kids we always need new shoes!
kay whelan says
09/09/2012 at 5:05 pmLove to win a pair for my grandson.
dwayne taylor says
09/09/2012 at 7:38 pmi would love to win these for my 2 kids, they wear out shoes as fast as thier father…thats me….thanks guys!!
Jennifer says
09/09/2012 at 8:31 pmbecause we go through a lot of shoes in this house!! 🙂
Gvenny says
09/09/2012 at 8:40 pmI would love to win a pair of these for a gift for my Granddaughter, Breanna
angela m says
09/10/2012 at 9:12 amI would love to win a pair for my youngest daughter who needs a new pair of sneakers
thanks
Tammy says
09/10/2012 at 9:57 amI would love to win these for my son, hes a toddler and you know how busy they are he wears out a pair of sneakers in no time. He spends alot of time outside!! I would love to win these for him!
Teresa M. says
09/10/2012 at 10:41 amI would love to win a pair for my nephew…he is in grade 6 this year.
Josie says
09/10/2012 at 1:08 pmThis would be a great win! I was just talking to my husband yesterday about getting our daughter some new runners!
Jessica says
09/10/2012 at 2:15 pmMy son really needs a great pair of shoes. He is 4 and goes through shoes VERY fast.
Chelsey says
09/10/2012 at 2:22 pmMy son needs a new pair of shoes for gym class. Thanks for the giveaway.
Paula says
09/10/2012 at 2:29 pmI would love to win a pair of these because my two girls are growing so fast that I can’t keep them in shoes!!!
Lisa says
09/10/2012 at 8:55 pmMy son runs everywhere and he’s going through sneakers at record pace!
Emma walpole says
09/11/2012 at 7:15 ami would love to win for my son
Katrina Brady says
09/11/2012 at 11:11 amI’d like to win these for my granddaughter. She’s growing faster than a blink of the eye!
Jules A. says
09/11/2012 at 5:18 pmI’d like to win because my son goes through shoes really fast – he’s growing quickly and he plays hard!
Deb Dorrington says
09/12/2012 at 8:19 amI would like to win because running shoes are so expensive and the kids go through them like wild fire..New Balance makes a great shoe for durability, comfort and style.
Happy Chinadoll says
09/13/2012 at 7:27 amThe current shoes that my daughter has is worn down to shreds. She needs new shoes
melissa finn says
09/13/2012 at 7:28 amI would love to win a pair for my son because he needs new shoes AND New Balance makes awesome shoes!
Amy Brown says
09/13/2012 at 1:31 pmI’d love to win for my daughter, they look very well made and I’m sure would last longer than the cheap pair I bought for back to school.
Angela M says
09/13/2012 at 3:52 pmIn the small rural community I live in it is almost impossible to find high quality shoes like these at our local store, so this would be a great win for my daughter.
Fareen says
09/13/2012 at 11:46 pmMy 3 year old is growing so quickly, so we are always in need of new shoes!
Janelle K says
09/14/2012 at 9:19 amI’d love to win a pair of these for my 5 year old. They look like comfortable shoes, and we’re always needing new shoes. His feet are growing fast, plus he’s so hard on his shoes!
Lisa says
09/14/2012 at 9:39 amMy son just tried out for (and made!) his school track team. This boy LOVES to run and burns through sneakers like nobody’s business. 🙂
darci says
09/14/2012 at 6:29 pmMy son would love them and my pocketbook would be thankful 🙂
Jeannie says
09/14/2012 at 9:09 pmI need to start working off my baby weight!
Mimi says
09/15/2012 at 8:37 amI haven’t been able to get either of my boys shoes yet for school. Would definitely come in handy!
Mimi says
09/15/2012 at 8:55 amOy vey, I missed the part that said for Canadians only. Sorry! =)
Leisa McBride says
09/15/2012 at 9:53 amthese shoes look great. I’m sure my son would love them:)
Andrea says
09/15/2012 at 10:54 amI would like to win because I have 5 kids, so winning a pair of shoes for one of them would totally help out 🙂
yvonne says
09/15/2012 at 10:57 pmmy 9 year old daughter would LOVE these!
Darwin says
09/16/2012 at 6:42 pmMy son is out growing his current pair of shoes.
Ingrid says
09/16/2012 at 6:49 pmMy son just started JK and must wear running shoes (crocs, sandals not allowed) so I need another pair! These look perfect!
stacey h says
09/16/2012 at 6:58 pmmy niece loves to run – these would be great for her
Caryn S. says
09/17/2012 at 6:25 pmI would love to win a pair of new balance shoes as they are great shoes and my guys feet grows so fast it seems we are always buying shoes!
Lisa Carbone says
09/17/2012 at 6:39 pmGreat looking shoes! I would love to win these for my 4 year old son to use at school, they look comfortable and are a brand we know and trust.
Thanks,Lisa
julie bolduc says
09/18/2012 at 1:59 pmReally good shoes!!!!
SB Cee says
09/18/2012 at 2:52 pmI want these shoes because my kids could actually put them on themselves!
Ruben Ramos says
09/18/2012 at 7:07 pmIts a really great product
Frances Palaschuk says
09/19/2012 at 9:18 amHi! Awesome giveaway! I want to win these awesome New Balance (689 Kids Collection) shoes for my sweet little monkey girl. She just broke her arm on the monkey bars at school and needs new shoes with velcro! Thanks so much!!!
Shannon Marr says
09/19/2012 at 7:43 pmMy kids are growing constantly (as they do), so new shoes would be awesome!
Paula Schuck says
09/19/2012 at 7:46 pmI like new balance because they make wide shoes for my one DDs wide feet. They are a good quality product for the whole family!
Mya Murphy says
09/20/2012 at 4:34 amThese shoes are super-cute!!
Queenkai/Jayde says
09/20/2012 at 7:31 amThey are so cute and there are enough colors for each my three girls. Fingers crossed to win.
elaine bolduc says
09/20/2012 at 11:27 pmi would like to win a pair because my grandson has down syndrome and he has a hard time keeping his balance, this might do the trick thanks
Laurie B says
09/20/2012 at 11:52 pmI would like to win these because my son needs a good pair of shoes to go with his orthotics
Michelle Austin says
09/21/2012 at 7:11 amNew Balance are a family favourite for outdoor running. With three children in public school, back to school shoe shopping is a major event. We’ve been New Balance fans since we lived in the U.S. near the New Balance factory in Maine. Two cross-country runners in our house would love the opportunity for a new pair for their upcoming meet next month.
Heather T says
09/21/2012 at 7:30 amMy 4 year old has apparently had a growth spurt! The shoes that fit him before summer, now barely fit. He has inherited my husband’s wide feet, so a good quality shoe is essential. New Balance fits the bill nicely! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Nancy says
09/21/2012 at 7:43 amBecause these runners are AWESOME! I have New Balance running shoes and they are great! My kids wear through runners like nothing, and it gets expensive buying them good quality shoes every three months! 😉
Scottilee C says
09/21/2012 at 8:59 amWould love some good school shoes
Jocelyne Alldrick says
09/21/2012 at 9:15 ami have a pair of new balance shoes and i love them 🙂
thanks!
Elaine Douglas says
09/21/2012 at 9:02 pmI have 2 kids 8 and 10 and they grow like weeds! They never wear clothes out cuz they grow so fast and it gets very expensive! Thanks for the giveaway!
Amanda says
09/21/2012 at 9:10 pmI would LOVE a pair of these for my daughter. They are so adorable. I love for her to have good quality shoes but hate spending so much money on them!
Lisa Johnston says
09/21/2012 at 9:11 pmMy 11 year old daughter just started doing cross-country running and we didn’t buy running shoes for her since we didn’t know she would need them.
It would be great if I won:)
Jen Gibbons says
09/21/2012 at 9:22 pmvery nice! My stepson could use new shoes… he wears his out!
Cheryl Ward says
09/21/2012 at 10:03 pmI would love to win these for my youngest. I dont have much money to get my three children much and winning thses would be great.
Lucy says
09/21/2012 at 11:04 pmMy little one has special needs and goes through so many shoes from wear and tear,this would help out alot.Thanks for the chance!!!
Kim W. says
09/21/2012 at 11:51 pmI would like to win these because New Balance are great quality sneakers with great support for my kids growing feet.
Ed Martel says
09/22/2012 at 12:23 amMy son’s old pair are just about worn out and he’s due for some new ones.
Sabrina says
09/22/2012 at 7:21 amWith the way kids feet grow it would be great to get a new pair that have some style to them.
iris says
09/22/2012 at 7:46 amI like to wear New Balance myself and I am happy to hear they make them for kids.
Denise says
09/22/2012 at 7:23 pmmy 4 year old daughter needs a new pair of runners. She is growing out of her current shoes.
Amy Dell (@mimishumblepie) says
09/23/2012 at 4:20 pmWhy do I want to win? Quality kids shoes are expensive, especially when you need more than one pair for day care or school.
sean pynaert says
09/23/2012 at 5:09 pmI’d like to win because I’m a runner and my current shoes are almost worn out!
Lee Roberts says
09/24/2012 at 8:36 amPlease pick me….I’m a poor dad.
Glogirl says
09/25/2012 at 8:39 pmI’d love to win a pair of these shoes because they look comfy and stylish!