Guide to Back to School Gym Clothes & Shoes

It’s never too early to start tackling your kids’ back-to-school list — especially if you want to buy everything before that late-August rush.

Maybe you already have some essentials like notebooks, pencils, and that perfect back-to-school outfit. But did you remember gym clothes? 

Luckily, Finish Line has you covered. Learn everything you need to know before you shop, from how to choose the best gym clothes and shoes for your kids to ways to pull together the best looks.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Gym Clothes

Not sure where to start? Here are some key considerations when shopping for boys’ and girls’ athletic wear. 

Breathability

Material is one of the most important factors to consider with kids’ gym clothes. You want a lightweight and breathable fabric so your kids don’t get overheated while running around in a stuffy gym. 

Try something like an adidas Real Madrid Condivo soccer jersey or a lightweight Nike Sportswear T-shirt. 

Durability

Back-to-school clothes aren’t usually meant to survive day after day of sweat, falls, and even mud. But gym clothes need to survive that and more (like being stuffed in the back of a locker or the bottom of a backpack), so look for durable options like a pair of Jordan Split the Defense graphic shorts. 

Layers

Although you want something lightweight and breathable, not every gym class will occur indoors. The kids will probably have some classes outside, too. That means you need to consider layers. 

You can start with adidas shorts and a T-shirt, but from there, we suggest you invest in some jogger pants, a lightweight jacket, and a sweatshirt. 

Dress Code

The last consideration is the dress code at your kids’ school — especially if you have girls. Crop tops, sports bras, and biker shorts are all hot picks right now for gym clothes, but they probably don’t comply with the dress code. 

To be on the safe side, try to pick regular mesh shorts, T-shirts, and jogger-hoodie sets. Don’t worry — you can still get that cute Nike Futura dress and sportswear Sun Club cropped T-shirt for your trendy girl and just use it for other activities!

The good news is that there are still dozens of options at Finish Line that comply with even the strictest school dress code.

Choosing the Right Gym Shoes

Need gym shoes for boys? Girls’ tennis shoes? Or both? Here’s everything you need to know about shopping for kids’ gym shoes.

Proper Fit

Kids grow fast. That’s why getting the right size of kids’ gym shoes can be tricky, especially when shopping early. 

So, how do you get the proper fit? Plan ahead. 

When you find the perfect sneaker, size up to make sure they have enough growing room. Or, if you’re worried about them being too loose (especially for a gym class), consider buying two pairs: one that fits perfectly now and one that’s the next size up. 

Stability

It’s also important to look for sneakers with plenty of support. For example, you might want to pick high-rise shoes that give extra ankle support, like the Nike Court Borough shoes. Or you can select a shoe that offers extra stability and comfort in the sole, like the Nike Air Max 97.

Grip

Finding a shoe with a decent grip is also essential. You don’t want your kids slipping on the gym floor on the first day of school. One way to ensure sneakers have excellent grip is to look for basketball shoes. For example, the adidas Harden Vol. 6 basketball shoes offer superior grip and a stylish design that your kids will love.

Versatility

Last but not least, try and pick a sneaker that works for any gym activity. The best way to find a versatile shoe is to prioritize grip and stability, as mentioned above. That way, the shoe can move and adapt to whatever your kid is doing in gym class. 

Styling Tips for Outfits

First, ask your kid what they like! Chances are, they’re much more aware of the “in” styles and may have already seen the perfect pair of sneakers or joggers they want. 

You also want to consider color combos. For example, mono-color hoodie-jogger sets are trending right now, as are T-shirt-short outfits. So look for sets like the Nike Sportswear full-zip hoodie and jogger pants set or matching options like the adidas Originals jogger pants and pullover hoodie.

You can also pick sneakers with a matching colorway to complete the look. Or maybe your kid wants a bold color that stands out on the gym floor, like the red and black Air Jordan Retro 1 shoes. Either way, both options make a bold — and chic — statement. 

Start Your Back-to-school Shopping With Finish Line

Now that you know what to buy, it’s time to shop! Head over to Finish Line’s back-to-school selections and make sure your kids have everything they need this school year.