New Balance KJ880 Lace-Up Running Shoe (Little Kid/Big Kid)

I have never written a review here before. I definitely fall into the group of people that don't complain if they are dissapointed with the quality of a product, or even very satisfied with a product. I have done a tremendous amount of business with Amazon, and always check them out before I buy elsewhere. However, the "quality" of these shoes drove me over the edge.I have twin 9 year olds, so needless to say I go through a lot of sneakers. I'm used to wildly varying levels of quality. Some last just long enough to get them through school. Some last through summer camp too. But we usually get them a new pair for the new school year.I don't know if I can paint a broad stroke over New Balance (maybe this model, or pair, is made in China, or Indonesia, or part of a bad lot, or wherever), because one of the reasons I bought these sneakers was because my daughter's previous pair is New Balance (and they lasted the school year, and summer camp, and are currently "getting her through" a new school year until I figure something else out.) But the quality of this pair is absolutely inexcuseable. My daughter came home on her third day of wearing them, and a portion of the entire heel had separated from the bottom of the sneaker! Now, had this happened a couple of months in, I would have gotten out the old shoe glue and I'm sure it would have worked and kept her in action for months to come, but the heel falling off after three days was just too much too handle. Consider these returned, and looking at other options.FYI, if you're that interested, if you look at a closeup of the sneaker heel, the coloured part is apparently glued on to the white part. And the heel is in two separate pieces lengthwise. For the record, the couloured part completely detatched from the white part on one side.

My 10 year old son seems to really like these shoes. He reports that they are very comfortable to wear. However, he does complain about the laces not staying tied. The laces are flat and a tad short, so they are a bit difficult to keep tied without double-knotting them.

We have a hard time finding sneakers for my daughter b/c her heels are narrow but her toe box area is wide (so her feet are shaped like a slice of pie). These shoes are the perfect style for her - narrower in the heel and wide at the toe box. We bought an XW and it did the trick.Only negative is that the shoelaces are made of material that doesn't like to stay tied.NEW BALANCE (if you're listening)- I love these shoes. But please replace the laces with 'less slick' laces. Thanks!

too bad they don't make shoes more durable for kids, my son tore these up like he does with all his shoes within a couple of months… I wish they would reinforce the toe areas. that seems to be the weak spot with an 8 year old

I bought these shoes in July 2013 for my 9 year old son at the start of 4th grade. He wore them every single day to school and sometimes both days of the weekend. School got out on May 23rd and I had to throw them away yesterday because they had no more wear left in them. I'm VERY pleased with the performance of these shoes, especially with a boy who isn't gentle on shoes. I will definitely be buying this shoe again, maybe in a different color if available.

My daughter has worn New Balance (another style) shoe...size 1.5 M for a year. It was time for new shoes. I ordered her a 2.5M. They arrived promptly. But they were TOO SMALL. So I am in the process of returning them. As soon as I get refunded, I'm planning on ordering another pair...size 3.5M this time. I will update and rate accordingly as soon as I get them. :)

Nice looking shoe as pictured. We went half size larger because the size we wanted was not available. My son says it's still comfortable. Only negative is that within a few days, some of the stitching in front had already come loose and sticking out.

It is so hard to find something that my son and I will agree on in the shoe stores. After searching the web I found these and they were perfect. My son loves the colors! And the price was great too.

Always great shooes.I always only buy New Balance shooes and the price in GB are much better in Denmark.The price are the ½ end in Denmark inc shipment.