Researchers suggest that buying an old-fashioned plimsoll shoes for children will be better for their feet rather than expensive modern trainers.

However purchasing flat soled plimsolls will make children run in a natural manner by using the front foot, which causes less impact.
“If I was to advise someone on what to give their child I would say don’t go and buy them expensive Adidas or Nike big-cushioned jobs, just get them a pair of flexible, flat shoes. Give them basic foot-ware, nothing fancy, nothing structured, nothing particularly cushioned. There is a lot of evidence that the human foot is structured to cope with the forces of running by landing on the mid-foot”, lead researcher Mick Wilkinson said.
Source-Medindia