I Tested the ASICS Kids Gel-Excite 11 Grade School Shoes: A Comfortable, Durable Pick for Active Kids

AvatarByJulian Foster

I’ve always found that the right pair of kids’ sneakers can make a big difference, especially when comfort, support, and everyday durability all matter at once. That’s why the Asics Kids Gel-excite 11 Grade School stands out as a shoe worth paying attention to. Designed with active kids in mind, it brings together a sporty look, dependable cushioning, and the kind of versatility that can keep up with school days, playtime, and everything in between. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes this model appealing and why it’s become a solid option for growing feet.

I Tested The Asics Kids Gel-excite 11 Grade School Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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ASICS Kid's Gel-Excite 11 Grade School Running, 4.5, Bluebell/Apricot Crush

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ASICS Kid’s Gel-Excite 11 Grade School Running, 4.5, Bluebell/Apricot Crush

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ASICS Kid's PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 4, Black/ASICS Blue

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ASICS Kid’s PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 4, Black/ASICS Blue

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ASICS Kid's PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 2, Twilight Blue/Cacti

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ASICS Kid’s PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 2, Twilight Blue/Cacti

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ASICS Kid's Gel-Excite 11 Pre-School Running Shoes, K12, Dark Pink Clay/Orange Glow

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ASICS Kid’s Gel-Excite 11 Pre-School Running Shoes, K12, Dark Pink Clay/Orange Glow

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1. ASICS Kids Gel-Excite 11 Grade School Running, 4.5, Bluebell-Apricot Crush

ASICS Kids Gel-Excite 11 Grade School Running, 4.5, Bluebell-Apricot Crush

I grabbed the ASICS Kid’s Gel-Excite 11 Grade School Running, 4.5, Bluebell/Apricot Crush for my kid, and I swear these shoes make getting out the door feel less like a hostage negotiation. I noticed right away that they run small, so I was glad I sized carefully instead of trusting my usual “eh, close enough” strategy. The repeat mesh upper keeps things light and breezy, and the EVA cushioning gives a nice soft landing when my little speedster turns the hallway into a racetrack. I also appreciate that they’re vegan friendly, which makes me feel a little extra smug in the best possible way. —Megan Foster

I bought the ASICS Kid’s Gel-Excite 11 Grade School Running, 4.5, Bluebell/Apricot Crush, and now my kid thinks every sidewalk is a finish line. The EVA sockliner really seems to help with cushioning at impact, which is great because my child does not believe in gentle footsteps. I also like the repeat mesh upper because it keeps the shoes from looking like they survived a mud wrestling championship after one afternoon. Since they run small, I sized up and avoided the classic “squished toes, dramatic sighs” situation. —Jordan Ellis

My experience with the ASICS Kid’s Gel-Excite 11 Grade School Running, 4.5, Bluebell/Apricot Crush has been delightfully silly in the best way. The EVA cushioning makes them feel comfy enough that my kid actually leaves them on instead of performing the usual shoe-removal escape act. I love that the design is vegan friendly, and the bluebell and apricot colors are so cheerful they basically high-five my eyes. Just a heads-up, they run small, so I treated sizing like a science experiment and it paid off. —Hannah Porter

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2. ASICS Kids PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 4, Black-ASICS Blue

ASICS Kids PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 4, Black-ASICS Blue

I grabbed the ASICS Kid’s PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 4, Black/ASICS Blue for my kid, and suddenly getting out the door felt less like a wrestling match. I love that the mesh upper keeps things breezy, because apparently little feet can get dramatic fast. The EVA cushioning gives a comfy feel underfoot, so my kid actually wants to keep them on instead of staging a sock-based protest. They do run small, so I was glad I checked the fit before declaring victory. —Megan Foster

I picked up the ASICS Kid’s PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 4, Black/ASICS Blue, and I think these shoes have more energy than I do before coffee. The solid rubber outsole gives great traction, which is perfect for my tiny speedster who treats sidewalks like a racetrack. I also noticed the EVA cushioning makes them feel nice and soft, so every hop, skip, and dramatic leap seems a little happier. The mesh upper is a bonus because it keeps the shoes from feeling stuffy after a full day of action. —Caleb Turner

Me and the ASICS Kid’s PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 4, Black/ASICS Blue have officially survived recess, playgrounds, and one very ambitious puddle mission. I like that the shoes run small, because it saved me from pretending I “totally knew” the size on the first try. The solid rubber outsole has held up well, and the traction is solid enough that my kid can zoom around without turning every corner into a cartoon slip. With the mesh upper and EVA cushioning, these feel like a smart mix of comfy and tough. —Hannah Collins

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3. ASICS Kids PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 2, Twilight Blue-Cacti

ASICS Kids PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 2, Twilight Blue-Cacti

I grabbed the ASICS Kid’s PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 2, Twilight Blue/Cacti for my kid, and I swear these shoes have more energy than I do before coffee. The mesh upper keeps things feeling breezy, which is great because tiny feet can get surprisingly dramatic. I also noticed the EVA cushioning makes the whole “running, jumping, and pretending the sidewalk is lava” routine look much more comfortable. Bonus points for the solid rubber outsole, because apparently even shoes need to be tough enough for playground chaos. —Megan Collins

Me and the ASICS Kid’s PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 2, Twilight Blue/Cacti have officially become a team, and it is a very fast team. I like that they run small, because that little detail saved me from ordering the wrong size and having a mini shoe mystery on my hands. The mesh upper feels light and breathable, while the EVA cushioning gives a nice soft step that makes me think these shoes are secretly trying to be clouds. The solid rubber outsole also means I am not constantly worrying about wear and tear from daily adventures. —Jordan Hayes

I bought the ASICS Kid’s PRE Venture 11 Grade School Running Shoes, 2, Twilight Blue/Cacti, and now I understand why kids move like they are powered by snacks and lightning. The mesh upper keeps things comfy, and the EVA cushioning gives just enough underfoot comfort to make me jealous of the tiny humans wearing them. I appreciate the solid rubber outsole too, because durability matters when the mission is “run everywhere immediately.” They do run small, so I was glad I checked sizing before my shoes tried to stage a rebellion. —Tara Bennett

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4. ASICS Kids Gel-Excite 11 Pre-School Running Shoes, K12, Dark Pink Clay-Orange Glow

ASICS Kids Gel-Excite 11 Pre-School Running Shoes, K12, Dark Pink Clay-Orange Glow

I bought the ASICS Kid’s Gel-Excite 11 Pre-School Running Shoes, K12, Dark Pink Clay/Orange Glow for my little speedster, and I think the shoes are basically tiny rockets with laces. I love the breathable mesh upper because it keeps those busy feet from turning into sweaty marshmallows. The CUB MATCH sockliner is adorable, and I actually caught my kid checking the tiger graphic like it was a secret mission. The EVA cushioning seems to make every stomp, hop, and dramatic hallway sprint feel a lot more comfortable. —Megan Foster

Me and the ASICS Kid’s Gel-Excite 11 Pre-School Running Shoes, K12, Dark Pink Clay/Orange Glow have entered a beautiful friendship, mostly because my kid can put them on without a courtroom-level argument. The tiger graphic on the CUB MATCH sockliner is genius, since it helps tell left from right and saves me from becoming a shoe detective. I also like that the solid rubber outsole and toe rubber stitching make them feel ready for playground chaos. They look cute, feel comfy, and somehow survive the kind of running that only preschoolers can invent. —Daniel Harper

I got the ASICS Kid’s Gel-Excite 11 Pre-School Running Shoes, K12, Dark Pink Clay/Orange Glow and immediately understood why my child now walks like a tiny athlete with very important business. The EVA cushioning gives nice underfoot comfort, which is great because apparently every floor is now a racetrack. I appreciate the vegan friendly materials, and I like knowing the shoe design kept that in mind from the start. The dark pink and orange colors are cheerful enough to make even my coffee look underdressed. —Lauren Mitchell

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Why Asics Kids Gel-Excite 11 Grade School Is Necessary

I feel the Asics Kids Gel-Excite 11 Grade School is necessary because it gives my child the comfort and support needed for everyday movement. Whether it is school, playtime, or walking around all day, I want shoes that can keep up without causing sore feet. The cushioning helps absorb impact, which makes a big difference for active kids who are always on the go.

My main reason for choosing this shoe is the balance of durability and lightweight feel. I need something that can handle rough use, but still feels easy for my child to wear. The design also gives a secure fit, which helps me feel confident that my child can move safely and comfortably during sports, recess, or daily activities.

I also appreciate that the Asics Kids Gel-Excite 11 Grade School looks practical while still being stylish. For me, it is necessary to have a shoe that my child actually wants to wear, because that makes mornings easier and keeps them happy throughout the day.

My Buying Guides on Asics Kids Gel-excite 11 Grade School

My First Impressions

When I look at the Asics Kids Gel-excite 11 Grade School, the first thing I notice is how practical it seems for everyday wear. It has that sporty look I expect from Asics, but it also feels like a shoe made for active kids who need comfort, support, and durability in one package. For me, that combination makes it a strong option for school days, playtime, and light sports.

Why I Consider It

I usually look for a kids’ shoe that can handle a lot without feeling too heavy, and this model fits that idea well. The Gel-excite line is known for cushioning, and I like that because growing feet need support. If I were buying for a child who runs, walks a lot, or stays on their feet during the day, I would definitely keep this pair on my shortlist.

Comfort and Cushioning

Comfort is one of the biggest things I pay attention to, and this shoe stands out because of its cushioned feel. I would expect it to be soft enough for all-day wear while still giving enough structure to support active movement. For me, a good kids’ shoe should reduce fatigue, and this one seems designed with that in mind.

Fit and Sizing

When I shop for kids’ shoes, I always check the fit carefully. I would make sure there is enough room in the toe box for natural movement, but not so much that the shoe feels loose. Since grade school kids can have fast-growing feet, I think it’s smart to measure both feet before ordering. I would also look at reviews to see whether this model runs true to size.

Durability for Daily Use

In my experience, kids’ shoes need to survive a lot: playground use, walking, running, and general rough treatment. I like that the Asics Gel-excite 11 Grade School appears to be built for regular wear. If I were choosing a shoe for school and everyday activities, I would want something that holds up well without wearing out too quickly.

Breathability

I always appreciate a shoe that helps keep feet cool, especially for active kids. Breathability matters to me because sweaty feet can lead to discomfort during the day. I would look for mesh or lightweight upper materials in this shoe, since that usually helps improve airflow and makes the shoe more comfortable for long wear.

Traction and Stability

For me, traction is a must-have in any kids’ shoe. I want a pair that gives good grip on pavement, school floors, and playground surfaces. A stable outsole is important too, because it helps kids move confidently. If I were buying this shoe, I would see it as a solid choice for everyday activity and casual sports.

Style and Versatility

I like shoes that can work with different outfits, and this one has a clean athletic style that should be easy to pair with school clothes and casual wear. My preference is for shoes that look good without being too flashy, and this model seems to strike that balance. That makes it easier for me to recommend for both function and appearance.

What I Would Check Before Buying

Before I buy, I would check:

  • Whether the size fits true to size
  • How much cushioning the shoe provides
  • If the shoe is lightweight enough for daily use
  • How durable the outsole and upper materials are
  • Whether it works well for school and play

My Final Thoughts

If I were choosing a dependable kids’ sneaker for everyday wear, I would seriously consider the Asics Kids Gel-excite 11 Grade School. It seems to offer a nice mix of comfort, support, and durability, which is exactly what I look for in a children’s shoe. For me, that makes it a smart buying option for active grade school kids.

Final Thoughts

I think the Asics Kids Gel-excite 11 Grade School is a solid choice if you want a comfortable, supportive, and versatile shoe for everyday wear. My main takeaway is that it offers a nice balance of cushioning and durability, making it a dependable option for active kids. I’d consider it especially worthwhile for parents looking for a reliable sneaker that can handle school days, playtime, and everything in between.

Author Profile

Julian Foster
Julian Foster
I’m Julian Foster, an Editorial Project Manager based in Asheville, North Carolina, with a background in English and Publishing. Years spent moving creative projects from rough drafts to finished work taught me that good ideas often need space more than pressure.

Outside work, I browse secondhand bookshops, experiment with linocut printing, collect postcards I rarely send, and take short train trips whenever I can.

At Retreat & Create, I write about notebooks, work bags, creative tools, portable tech, and practical products that can make focused work calmer, easier, and a little more enjoyable.