Between school, playground time, sports practice, and everything else our kids put their shoes through, we need footwear that can actually keep up. Sarah here, and when the ASICS PRE Venture 9 promised to handle multiple activities with trail-ready durability, I was intrigued but cautious. After 10+ years of testing kids’ footwear (and surviving countless “my shoes broke!” meltdowns), I’ve learned that versatility claims often don’t survive the playground test. So I spent 6 months testing these through my kids’ actual daily routines – from morning school runs to afternoon soccer practice. Here’s the real story.
Technical Specifications
- 💰 Price: $45 (check Amazon for latest deals)
- ⚖️ Weight: 7.2 oz (Big Kid size 3.5)
- 🧪 Midsole material: Standard EVA foam
- 👟 Upper material: Engineered mesh with synthetic overlays
- 🏃♀️ Category: Kids’ multi-sport running shoes
- 🎯 Best for: School wear, playground activities, light trail running, general kids’ athletics
- 📏 Sizing: Big Kid (grades 1-6), available in multiple colorways
- ⏱️ Testing period: 6 months, daily school wear plus weekend activities
Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance
Let me start with what really matters to us parents – how these shoes hold up to actual kid life. The PRE Venture 9 features an engineered mesh upper that looked promising out of the box, with reinforced synthetic overlays in high-wear areas. The Night Sky colorway is gorgeous – a deep navy blue with bright orange-red accents that both my daughter and son found appealing.
The first thing I noticed was the smart construction approach. ASICS clearly designed this with durability in mind, placing extra material exactly where kids tend to destroy shoes first – the toe area and heel counter. The mesh breathes well, which is crucial for active kids who seem to generate heat like little furnaces during recess.
After six months of daily wear, I’m genuinely impressed with how the upper has held up. The mesh shows minimal wear, and those synthetic overlays have done their job protecting against scuffs and scrapes. My 9-year-old is notoriously hard on shoes, and these have survived playground concrete, gravel paths, and even some light hiking without significant damage.
Comfort & Fit Experience
Here’s where things get interesting. The PRE Venture 9 runs pretty true to size, which is refreshing in the kids’ shoe market where sizing can be all over the place. My daughter typically wears a 3.5 in most brands, and the 3.5 in these fit perfectly with room for growth.
The comfort level impressed me from day one. No break-in period needed – she could wear them for a full school day immediately without complaints. The EVA midsole provides solid cushioning for playground running and jumping, though it’s not as plush as some premium kids’ running shoes. For the price point though, it delivers appropriate support.
One thing I really appreciate is the wider toe box. Kids’ feet are still developing, and these give enough room for natural foot movement without being sloppy. The lacing system works well for kids who are learning to tie their own shoes, and the tongue stays put during activities.
On-the-Playground Performance
This is where the PRE Venture 9 really shines. That trail-specific outsole pattern isn’t just marketing talk – it genuinely provides excellent traction on various surfaces. My kids tested these on:
Playground surfaces: The grip on rubber playground matting and asphalt is outstanding. No slipping during tag games or quick direction changes on the monkey bars.
Grass and dirt: School field days and backyard play showed excellent traction on natural surfaces. The tread pattern bites well into loose dirt and provides stability on grass, even when slightly wet.
Indoor floors: Gym class and indoor activities work great – good grip without being too aggressive for smooth floors.
Light trails: We took these on some easy hiking trails, and they performed admirably. Not as aggressive as dedicated hiking shoes, but perfect for nature walks and easy trail exploration.
What really impressed me was the durability of that outsole. After six months of abuse, the tread pattern still looks solid with minimal wear. Kids can be rough on shoes, and these have definitely earned their keep.
Meeting Your Kids’ Active Lifestyle – Does It Deliver?
As a parent, I need shoes that can handle the chaos of kids’ daily activities. The PRE Venture 9 delivers on versatility in ways that matter for real families:
School performance: Comfortable enough for 7-hour school days, breathable enough to handle recess running, durable enough to survive playground concrete. Check, check, check.
Sports versatility: While not sport-specific, these work well for PE class, recreational soccer, basketball on the driveway, and general running around. The support is adequate for kids’ recreational sports without being overkill.
Weekend adventures: Whether it’s hiking trails, playing at the park, or running errands with mom, these shoes transition well between activities. That’s huge for busy families who need one reliable pair.
Weather handling: The mesh breathes well in hot weather, and while not waterproof, they handle light moisture and dry quickly. Perfect for unpredictable kid adventures.
The areas where they fall short are mostly related to specialized needs. If your child is serious about a specific sport, dedicated cleats or court shoes will perform better. And for extensive hiking or rugged outdoor adventures, you’d want more robust footwear.
Key Strengths and Weaknesses
After six months of real-world testing, here’s what stands out:
Strengths: The durability has been excellent for the price point. The comfort is immediately apparent with no break-in needed. The versatile traction handles multiple surfaces well. True-to-size fit makes ordering online confidence-inspiring. The colorway appeals to both boys and girls. Easy care – they clean up well with basic washing.
Weaknesses: The cushioning, while adequate, isn’t as plush as premium options. They’re not waterproof, so puddle jumping will get feet wet. The mesh, while durable, will eventually tear with extreme abuse. Style options are limited compared to lifestyle sneakers.
Performance in Various Kid-Life Conditions
I’ve put the PRE Venture 9 through every scenario imaginable in our household:
Hot weather testing (85°F+): During sweltering summer playground sessions, the mesh upper performed beautifully. Feet stayed relatively cool, and the shoes dried quickly after sweaty play sessions.
Wet conditions: Light rain and dewy grass are no problem. The shoes grip well on slick surfaces, though the mesh will let moisture in during extended wet exposure.
Durability over time: The first month showed excellent durability. At the 3-month mark, they still looked nearly new. Now at 6 months, there’s some expected wear but nothing concerning. I’d estimate these easily lasting a full school year with regular use.
Multiple surface transitions: What impressed me most was watching my kids transition from concrete playground to grass field to gym floor without any traction issues. That versatile outsole really delivers.
Does ASICS Deliver on Their Promises?
Let’s break down ASICS’ key claims about the PRE Venture 9:
“Engineered mesh upper improves breathability” – This is absolutely accurate. The mesh construction provides excellent airflow, keeping kids’ feet comfortable during extended wear. After full summer days, feet emerged much less sweaty than in synthetic alternatives.
“Trail-specific outsole pattern improves grip on various surfaces” – I’ll give them full credit here. The traction pattern genuinely works across multiple surface types. From playground equipment to hiking trails to gym floors, grip has been consistently reliable.
“Designed to provide good cushioning for active feet” – This is where expectations need calibration. The cushioning is good for the price point and perfectly adequate for kids’ recreational activities. It’s not premium-level plush, but it’s appropriate for the target market and intended use.
ASICS delivered on their core promises while staying true to the budget-friendly positioning. They didn’t overpromise, and they didn’t underdeliver.
My Overall Assessment
Category Breakdown
After 6 months of putting the PRE Venture 9 through everything my kids could throw at it, I’m giving it 8.2/10 overall. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Design & Aesthetics: 7.5/10 – Attractive colorway that appeals to both boys and girls, solid construction visible in details
- Durability: 8.5/10 – Excellent wear resistance for the price point, surviving 6 months of kid abuse admirably
- Comfort: 8.0/10 – All-day wearability with no break-in period, appropriate cushioning for kids’ needs
- Versatility: 8.5/10 – Handles school, playground, light sports, and outdoor activities without missing a beat
- Value for Money: 8.5/10 – At $45, excellent performance per dollar for active families
What Other Parents Are Saying
The PRE Venture 9 gets overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents in my community. During school pickup conversations, several other moms have mentioned loving these shoes for their kids. My friend Lisa (whose 8-year-old son is particularly hard on shoes) said “these have lasted longer than any pair we’ve tried under $60.”
That said, a few parents have mentioned minor concerns. My neighbor Rachel found that her daughter with narrow feet needed to size down slightly for the best fit. And one mom mentioned that while they’re great for general wear, her soccer-focused son needed dedicated cleats for league play.
But these seem to be individual fit preferences rather than systematic issues – the vast majority of parents I know have been very happy with durability and comfort.
Is It Worth Your Money?
Let’s talk real value for busy families. At $45 for the PRE Venture 9, here’s my honest breakdown:
$45 divided by estimated 12-month lifespan = $3.75 per month for quality kids’ athletic shoes. Compared to budget options that might last 4-6 months, this represents excellent value. Compared to premium kids’ running shoes at $80+, you’re getting 80% of the performance for 60% of the price.
Bottom line: Absolutely worth it if you need versatile, durable shoes for active kids who participate in multiple activities. If your child is focused on one specific sport requiring specialized footwear, this might be better as a backup or school shoe. For most families dealing with the typical chaos of kid life, this is a smart investment.
Final Verdict
The Good and The Bad
| ✅ What I Loved | ❌ What Could Be Better |
|---|---|
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Who Should Buy the PRE Venture 9?
✅ PERFECT FOR:
- Active kids who need one versatile shoe for multiple activities
- Parents seeking durability without premium prices
- Children who are hard on shoes and need proven toughness
- Families with kids involved in recreational sports and general play
- School-age children needing reliable all-day comfort
⚠️ CONSIDER CAREFULLY IF:
- Your child has very narrow or very wide feet (try before buying)
- You need specialized performance for competitive sports
- Waterproof protection is essential for your climate
- Your child strongly prefers premium cushioning
❌ LOOK ELSEWHERE IF:
- Your child needs sport-specific cleats or court shoes
- You’re looking for fashion-forward lifestyle sneakers
- Extensive hiking or rugged outdoor adventures are primary use
- Budget allows for premium kids’ athletic shoes with advanced tech
Better Options for Specific Needs
If the PRE Venture 9 has limitations for your needs:
– For more premium cushioning: Consider ASICS GEL-Venture series (around $60-70)
– For serious hiking: Look at Merrell or Keen kids’ hiking shoes
– For lifestyle versatility: Check out Adidas or Nike kids’ lifestyle sneakers
– For sport-specific needs: Invest in dedicated cleats or court shoes
My Final Take
After 6 months in the PRE Venture 9, here’s my honest opinion: these shoes deliver exactly what busy families need – reliable, comfortable, durable footwear that handles the chaos of kid life without breaking the budget. If you’re dealing with active children who need versatile shoes for school, play, and weekend adventures with a budget around $45, this is absolutely worth considering for your family.
Pro tip: Buy these at the beginning of the school year for maximum value, and consider getting two pairs if your child is particularly active – rotating shoes extends lifespan significantly.
Get the best price on Amazon: 👉 Click here to check current pricing and availability
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on my testing and what active families need to know, here are the key questions about the PRE Venture 9:
Q: How does the PRE Venture 9 fit compared to other popular kids’ brands?
A: These run pretty true to size compared to most brands. If your child wears size 3 in Nike or Adidas kids’ shoes, they’ll likely need the same size in these. The toe box is slightly wider than some athletic brands, which is great for growing feet. I’d recommend ordering their normal size unless they have particularly narrow feet – then consider sizing down a half size.
Q: What’s the break-in period like?
A: Honestly, there isn’t one! This was one of my favorite surprises. My daughter wore them to school on day one with zero discomfort. By the end of the first week, they felt completely broken in. The soft mesh upper and padded collar mean no rubbing or hot spots during the adjustment period.
Q: How long will these shoes realistically last for active kids?
A: Based on my 6-month testing and what I’m seeing from other parents, expect 8-12 months for average wear kids and 6-8 months for really hard-on-shoes kids. The outsole durability is excellent – it’s usually the upper mesh that eventually gives way to extreme playground abuse. For $45, that’s solid value compared to cheaper options that might last 3-4 months.
Q: Can my child wear these for organized sports?
A: They work great for recreational sports, PE class, and casual play. However, if your child plays competitive soccer, baseball, or basketball, you’ll want sport-specific cleats or court shoes for games. These are perfect as practice shoes or for multi-sport kids who need one versatile option.
Q: Are they good for kids with flat feet or arch support needs?
A: The arch support is moderate – appropriate for most kids but not specialized for specific foot issues. If your child has flat feet or requires significant arch support, you might want to add custom insoles or consult with a pediatric podiatrist about specialized footwear. For typical developing feet, the support is perfectly adequate.
Q: How do they handle wet conditions?
A: The mesh upper is not waterproof, so puddles and heavy rain will get feet wet. However, they dry relatively quickly and maintain good traction on wet surfaces. Perfect for light morning dew or brief exposure to moisture, but not ideal for extended wet weather play.
Q: What are the deal-breakers I should know about?
A: The shoe won’t work well if your child has very narrow feet (too roomy), needs serious waterproof protection, or requires premium-level cushioning for intensive activities. The biggest limitation is that they’re generalists – great at many things but not specialists at any one sport or extreme condition.
Q: Best practices for getting maximum life from these shoes?
A: Rotate with another pair if possible (extends life significantly), clean regularly with mild soap and water, allow to air dry completely between wears, and retire them when the tread pattern becomes shallow. Store in a cool, dry place and avoid extreme heat like car trunks. With proper care, they should easily last a full school year.
Q: Are these suitable for hiking and outdoor adventures?
A: They’re excellent for light hiking, nature walks, and moderate outdoor activities. The trail-specific outsole provides good traction on dirt paths, grass, and easy terrain. However, for serious hiking with rocks, roots, and challenging terrain, dedicated hiking boots offer better ankle support and foot protection.
Q: How do they compare to ASICS’ other kids’ shoes?
A: The PRE Venture 9 sits in the value category of ASICS kids’ line. It offers excellent durability and versatility at a budget-friendly price. If you want more advanced cushioning technology, the GEL-Venture series offers premium features at higher cost. For most families’ needs, the PRE Venture 9 delivers the best balance of performance and value.
Review Scoring Summary & Shoe Finder Integration
| 🔍 CATEGORY | 📋 MY ASSESSMENT | 💭 MY REASONING |
|---|---|---|
| 👥 WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR | ||
| Target Gender | Kid | After 6 months of testing, the “Kid’s” designation and neutral colorway work equally well for boys and girls – my son and daughter both love wearing these |
| Primary Purpose | sport | Based on my testing across school, playground, and recreational activities, this shoe excels for active kids who need athletic performance for multiple sports and activities |
| Activity Level | active | From my experience with daily school wear, playground sessions, and weekend activities, these handle active kids’ lifestyles perfectly |
| 💰 MONEY TALK | ||
| Budget Range | under-50 | At $45 it sits perfectly in the budget-friendly range while delivering solid quality that justifies the investment for families |
| Brand | ASICS | ASICS continues to impress me with their focus on practical performance for kids at reasonable prices |
| Primary Strength | versatile | What stood out most during my testing was the versatility – these transition seamlessly from school to playground to light hiking without missing a beat |
| Expected Lifespan | long-term | Based on the wear patterns I’m seeing after 6 months of daily use, I’d expect 10-12 months easily – excellent durability for the price point |
| 👟 FIT & FEEL SPECIFICS | ||
| Foot Characteristics | normal | These fit normal to slightly wide feet perfectly – the toe box gives growing feet appropriate room without being sloppy |
| Usage Conditions | all-weather | I tested these through hot summers, rainy days, and various conditions – they handle everything except prolonged wet weather beautifully |
| Daily Wearing Time | long | Comfort-wise, kids can easily go full school days (7+ hours) without any discomfort or complaints |
| Style Preference | sporty | The design is definitely sporty – athletic lines and colorway make these perfect for active kids but not dressy occasions |
| ⭐ WHAT MAKES THESE SPECIAL | ||
| Important Features | breathable, slip-resistant, lightweight, cushioned | The standout features I noticed were excellent breathability (kids’ feet stayed comfortable all day), outstanding slip-resistance (great traction on playground surfaces), lightweight feel, and appropriate cushioning for active play |
| 🏆 THE NUMBERS | ||
| 😌 Comfort Score | 8.0/10 | Solid 8.0 – excellent all-day comfort with no break-in period, appropriate cushioning for kids’ activities |
| 👟 Style Score | 7.5/10 | 7.5 – attractive sporty design that appeals to both boys and girls, though limited for dressy occasions |
| ⭐ Overall Score | 8.2/10 | 8.2 overall – excellent value for families needing versatile, durable kids’ athletic shoes. Would definitely recommend for active children |
🎯 Bottom Line Assessment
After all my testing, here’s who should grab these:
- Perfect for: Busy families with active kids who need one reliable shoe for multiple activities – school, playground, sports, and weekend adventures
- Great for: Parents seeking maximum value and durability without premium pricing, kids who are hard on shoes
- Skip if: You need specialized sport-specific footwear, fashion-forward lifestyle sneakers, or waterproof protection is essential
- Best feature: That versatile durability – these truly handle whatever kids throw at them
- Biggest limitation: Not specialized for any one specific sport or extreme conditions
Questions? Drop them in the comments below – I’m here to help! Stay active, families! 🏃♀️👟