New Balance996 v2 Kids

The 996 v2 Kids suits all-day wear, active kids, wide feet — particularly on street and road surfaces. The 8mm heel drop works well for heel strikers and runners with tight calves. SoleHunt scores it 83/100 overall, placing it in the solid mid-range of kids lifestyle options.

Wide option available — great for growing feet. The 996 v2 Kids is available from UK 8.5 infant–6 (GS) in D, 2E widths. Its 94mm toebox is roomy, with space for wider feet and swelling on long runs.

The 996 v2 Kids weighs 230g (UK size 9 men's reference weight). That is notably lightweight for a kids lifestyle. It should not feel heavy underfoot even on longer efforts.

The 996 v2 Kids has a mid 8mm drop that works with most running gaits. The heel stack measures 22mm and the forefoot 14mm. This geometry suits the broad majority of heel-striking runners and those transitioning from conventional shoes.

Yes — the 996 v2 Kids has a removable insole and is rated orthotic-friendly. With 22mm of heel stack and a firm midsole at 38 HC, there is sufficient volume to accommodate standard custom orthotics without the overall stack feeling excessive.