Nothing’s cooler than a trendsetter, so break the mold with a pair of Reebok Zig Fury’s. The zigzag pattern of the outsole and icy, translucent bottom will be sure to make your friends take a second look at what new sneakers you have on.

Not only does the New Balance Minimus Ionix have an eye-catching outsole, but they’re also adorned in crazy colors that make these shoes virtually impossible to miss.

Usually a shoe that your parents’ used to wear isn’t always the “coolest,” but the Nike Shox R4 is a shoe that transcends cool. It’s simply legendary. The shock pods on the bottom of the shoe not only give you a little extra bounce, but they are also just flat out awesome-looking.

It doesn’t stop there, though. The selection at FinishLine.com is just too large to name them all, so check it out for yourself. We dare you to find something that won’t win that popularity contest.

Rule #1

Whether you are a fan of the sport your kid is playing or not, the number one rule of being a good sideline parent is simply showing up. If you think your sons or daughters are playing the sport just for themselves, you are wrong. Children have a desire to make their parents proud, and that is something that you will always need to remember so that you don’t take it for granted. Just showing up to their games and practices shows that you are interested and proud of your child’s efforts.

Rule #2

So you showed up to practice and the game, and your child is already surely thankful for that, but there is so much more that you can do once you are there. The second rule is to make sure that you are paying attention. Too often parents show up to these sporting events with their cell phones, laptops, or a book to occupy their attention. If you think your kid doesn’t notice this, you are wrong about that. If you don’t follow rule two, rule one is thrown out of the window because your child will not care if you showed up or not if you are not paying attention to them during the event. It goes back to your child’s desire to make you proud, and if you aren’t paying attention to them, they aren’t going to think you are proud of them.

Rule #3

Rule number three is perhaps the most fun rule of all, because this is the one that really gets your children knowing just how proud of a parent you are. Showing up to the game and paying attention throughout it is just fine, but if you can cheer your child on, the game will be that much more fun. Try to keep all of your cheers positive, and definitely let them know when they did something well. If they aren’t having too good of a game, you don’t need to point out what they are doing wrong, but throw them words of encouragement instead, such as, “It’s okay, you’ll get it next time!”

Rule #4

Once the game is over, don’t think your sideline parenting efforts are done as well. This is the time where you need to talk to your child about what happened during the sporting event. If they seem like they are disappointed in their performance, there is no problem with giving them a little constructive criticism if you do it in a nice way. Your child will appreciate your honesty, as well as the fact that you are trying to give them advice for their next game. If they had an outstanding performance, be sure to praise them for it and let them know. Nothing will make them feel better if you show just how proud you are of their performance.

Rule #5

As parents, we all know that it is almost impossible to show up to just every event. If obligations get in the way of your child’s sporting events, there are still ways to show your support without actually showing up. If at all possible, drop them off at the event, and take the extra five minutes to walk them inside until they get with their friends. Let them know you will be thinking about them the whole time, wish them luck, and let them know you want to hear about everything when you see them later. When you do see them later, show them you care by keeping your word and asking about how the game went.

1. Lacoste Marice

If you’re a fan of Lacoste, perfect, because the brand now dabbles in shoes for the little ones that provide both comfort and give your mini-me a little bit of style.

2. Polo Ralph Lauren Bal Harbour Repeat

Looking to have your kid run around something casual and classy? Check out the Bal Harbour Repeat lace-free sneaker. Although these are just for kids, they don’t hold back any of the casual appeal of their adult-sized counterpart.

3. Polo Ralph Lauren Sandy Ballet

Available in both pink and yellow neon, this adorable casual flat is perfect for your preteen that’s transitioning into young adulthood. Iconic Polo details and comfortability make this shoe a sure favorite.

For the kid in your life, nothing’s easier than shoes they can slip on quick without having to worry about nuances of lacing them up, so check out our lace-free options at FinishLine.com to get your child up at ‘em.

The running trend is here and stronger than ever, to the point where it has become a family activity. So if you’re preparing for an upcoming race, and you’re kid’s sitting around not doing anything, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to drag them along.

If you’re looking to train your kids on running, the best thing to do is to get them started early. It’s easy to build good running habits earlier on, so that later on, running becomes second nature.

For most races that take place around the country, kids are allowed to participate as well, so feel free to seize the opportunity to sign your children up for the next big race on the horizon.

Need something to motivate them to run? Check out the Nike Free 5.0 that was just released on FinishLine.com.

First, experts recommend you take a good, hard look at your budget and time commitments prior to signing your young athlete up for a traveling team. Up front costs are almost always less than what you will end up spending, and depending on how serious the coach and players are, you could end up adding extra tournaments, jerseys and meals to the budget before you know it. Be sure you can follow through on whatever you sign your child up for, before it’s too late.

Also, get your vehicle ready. Most likely, you will be driving to and from tournaments on the weekends. Make sure your car is ready for the daily grind by having the oil checked and preparing a spare tire, etc. A little preparation could save you time and money down the road.

Finally, be sure to have a talk with your child about the demands of a traveling team. Although it’s important they take the commitment seriously, you also want to make the experience is fun. Help your child set realistic goals and encourage them to enjoy the ride. Making connections with other families and coaches can enhance the experience and create lifelong friendships. It will make the summer memorable and fun for you and your family (Information fromwww.travelingmom.com).

The first sports movie recommendation is a no-brainer for many who grew up in the 1990s. Space Jam (Warner Brothers, 1996) combines basketball and the Looney Tunes characters to provide lots of laughs and slam-dunk action. In the movie, Michael Jordan must save the Looney Tunes by helping them win a basketball game against a group of alien monsters who steal the talent of several NBA players. It’s a great movie with elements that will please parents and kids. Plus, it has a killer soundtrack.

The Sandlot (20^th Century Fox, 1993) focuses on a rag-tag baseball team and their love for the sport. Set in the early 1960s, the film focuses on a new kid who has just moved to town and wants to join in on a game of baseball being played on a sandlot field. At first, the players make fun of him, but soon he becomes a part of the team and the boys overcome several challenges that bring them closer together. The movie is heartwarming and funny, sure to become an instant classic with your kids.

For a movie night with children who are a bit older, we recommend Remember The Titans (Walt Disney, 2000). The film tells the story of an integrated football team, The Titans, that must learn to work together to be successful. Denzel Washington does a good job playing the role of the team’s coach and the cast of relative unknowns certainly leaves an impression. This film also has an excellent soundtrack and the football in the film is incredibly compelling.

The next time you’re looking for a good movie to please the whole family, check out one of these sports-related films. The only other thing you’ll need is some popcorn.

According to experts, it’s important to encourage your child to participate in the sports that interest him or her. Even though you may love football or basketball, your children deserve a say in what they play. That means also supporting your child if they decide to stop playing a sport. Pushing him or her into something they don’t want to do can cause conflict at home or at school, so let them have a voice.

One thing that many parents find it hard not to focus on is the concept of winning. Experts say that you should take the pressure off your child by helping them set achievable goals while playing sports, rather than focusing on simply winning. Children who are pushed to win often feel anxious and can’t play to the best of their ability.

In addition, don’t yell at or criticize your child from the sidelines. This can be very detrimental for any budding athlete. It’s ok to be vocal, but make sure to be encouraging. Let your child’s coach do his or her job while you focus on supporting your child. You can give them some constructive criticism after a performance, but make sure to keep it simple and make it positive. That way, your child will associate tips for improvement with successful behaviors.

For more tips on how to best help your child succeed in the sports they love, check out this link: http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/children/a/SportParentTips.htm

Boys Chucks

The Boys’ Grade School Converse Chuck Taylor Super High Casual Shoes are perfect for a day at the playground. The durable rubber sole and pop of red on these shoes is sure to keep him looking good and feeling great all day long.

Another great option for boys is the Grade School Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Street Cab Mid Casual Shoes. These sneakers offer a bit of a variation on the classic Chuck style, but will still keep him cool and comfortable. The durable outer will last more than just one school year and this style matches with just about anything.

Girls Chucks

If you want a shoe that’s just as bright as your shining star, look no further than the Girls’ Preschool Converse Chuck Taylor Two Fold Casual Shoes. These sneakers feature three bold colors that will turn heads in the classroom and on the court. She can fold down the tongue to reveal a cool orange inner collar while still staying comfortable thanks to this high top style.

Your youngest leading lady isn’t left out either. The Toddler Converse Chuck Double Tongue Casual Shoes are a bright burst of color for her growing feet. The aqua/pink/orange color combination is very cool and will help her find balance and stability.

When it comes to outfitting the whole family, Converse has you covered. They’ve been a favorite of moms and kids alike for decades because of their durability and classic style.

An Adidas classic gets a new punch of color with the Boys’ Gradeschool Samoa Leather. Featuring a grey, yellow and white design, the accents on this sneaker really pop. He’ll love the comfort this shoe provides while also being supremely stylish. The Samoa is perfect to transition from the classroom to the playground and will match everything he owns, while also being an attention grabber. Plus, they’re made with full grain leather, so you know these sneakers will be durable enough to endure his everyday adventures. This shoe comes in a variety of whole and half sizes for your growing child.

Girls will love the Toddler New Balance 574. It’s built to give her stability while learning to navigate many different surfaces. This sneaker comes in two different color combinations that are both classic. For more of an edge, lace her up in the red 574s. A lightweight upper and foam insole won’t hold her back, but will also provide comfort while she learns and explores. Not to mention, she’ll look super stylish doing it. You will find this sneaker comes in a variety of whole sizes, so be sure to get your child outfitted in one that will keep her stable and strong.

We make outfitting your child in the spring’s hottest styles easy. Just take a cue from our other stylish customers and pick up a pair of these bestsellers.

If your toddler is a girly-girl to the max, then the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Easy Slip Casual Shoes in Silver/Pink are sure to make her smile. They seriously cut down on the hassle factor as you are trying to scurry her out the door, as they slip right on over her foot. They have the athletic-styling that she’ll love, but you don’t have to worry about getting her to hold still while you tie her laces!

Styled to look like a race-car, yet just as easy to put on as the girls’ version, the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Easy Slip Casual Shoes for toddler boys is a great, time-saving choice. These shoes get points for their speedy style and design!

Another great sneaker option for little girls is the Triple Up from Skechers. Bright colors and fun designs will make these one of her favorites, while the super-simple and fast double Velcro straps will make them tops in your book as well.

For your active little boy, the Nike Air Max Express Toddler Shoes have athletic elements that make them look just like adult training shoes, but they are designed with features that enable you to get them on and off his feet easily. The pull tab on the back heel is a life-saving feature, helping you to get these high-tops on quickly, while the Velcro strap keeps these kicks in place in record time.

Save yourself precious moments when it’s time to head out the door with these cute shoes the toddler in your life will just as much as you do!