AR Gaiters KIDS

After many years of making our classic AR Gaiters on request for the children of friends, we are delighted to officially offer AR Gaiters KIDS for children. Created to be worn over running shoes / trainers / tekkies, AR Gaiters prevent sand, sticks, stones, grit, and grass seeds from getting into their shoes. Whether you go hiking, parkrunning, walking or trail running with your children, AR Gaiters KIDS will enhance their trail experience.

AR Gaiters KIDS are sized for smaller shoes and ankles, most suited for size UK2 to 4, an age range of around 8 to 12. 

Kitting your child out with effective gear that is appropriately sized for their smaller bodies offers numerous benefits.

Blister-risk reduction - As a runner or hiker, you introduce your child to the great outdoors to share experiences with you and develop their interests. Just as you reduce your risk of developing blisters, the same will work for your children. Set them up for success by having the best experience possible. If they have happy feet, they will be more eager to do another hike or run with you.

Keeps those laces tied - AR Gaiters KIDS serve a dual purpose of preventing laces from getting hooked on vegetation and from coming undone.

Better sock comfort and longer life - Gritty and pricky socks that wear out too soon are a thing of the past when AR Gaiters are worn. Also, with sand and mud kept out of the shoes, you won't have to deal with those ghastly sandy and muddy socks that line up for the wash.

Enjoyment – Having gear that is similar to yours, that improves comfort and adds to making the activity fun automatically increases your child's enjoyment of the activity. Bright colours and patterns bring additional joy making AR Gaiters super fun to wear.

Motivation – Preparing to go out on a hike and looking the part is a motivation boost. Putting on AR Gaiters - like a superhero cape - and lacing up shoes is a signal that it is time to go out on an adventure.

Confidence – When children can control their equipment, they feel more successful. When each experience is successful and positive, they build self-esteem and are encouraged to keep practicing and enjoying the sport.

When selecting a print, please check that the design you want is the one displayed in your shopping cart and order confirmation.

PRODUCT SPECS:

• Weight: 35g for the pair
• Sized for UK 2-4 and ankle circumference or
• Attaches to the bottom-most lace by a metal hook.
• Elastic in the bottom seam creates tension and prevents the gaiter from coming off the shoe.
• Squares of Velcro are stitched to the back of the AR Gaiters. We provide you with the other side of the Velcro to attach to the back of your shoe (some trail shoe models have built-in Velcro at the back).

USE:

• Slip the AR Gaiter over your foot, wide end downwards. 
• Clip the hook on your bottom-most lace. The bottom-most lace part is important because 1) you get maximum coverage from the gaiter over the top of your shoe and 2) this creates tension on the gaiter to keep it in place.
• Pull the back of the gaiter over your shoe.
• The elastic in the bottom of the gaiter helps to create tension and to keep the gaiter on your shoe.
• There is no need to pull the top of the gaiter high up your shin. The top is meant to sit around your ankle, just above your socks.

Velcro tabs

• Included in your gaiter packet are Velcro tabs, which you can stick on the back of your shoe to keep the back of your AR Gaiters down. Some shoes come with built-in Velcro at the back of the shoe. This Velcro tab is not necessarily needed – it just depends on the tension of your gaiters and how smooth the rear of your shoe is. It is worth putting on regardless.
• We recommend using contact adhesive or a shoe repair glue to attach the provided piece of Velcro to your shoe. Because the heel area is rigid with no flex or movement, glues that dry without flex are fine. Read the instructions on the glue regarding its suitability for the material of your shoe and also application instructions. Epoxy-based glues and hot glues (glue gun) should work too. We haven't used these before because Bostik Contact Adhesive and Bostik Shoe Repair Glue work so well.
• The shoe surface must be new or clean, free of dust and mud and dry before sticking on the Velcro. 
• You may need to trim the Velcro using a blade or scissors if there is a mixed-material patterned structure at the back of the shoe so that the tab is flush. Do any trimming before adding glue.
• Give it a good press and even clamp it on. Allow the adhesive to dry properly (ideally overnight) to ensure that the Velcro stays stuck.
• 20mm Velcro is readily available from hardware stores and fabric/haberdashery stores so if you have multiple shoes or you get new shoes. You can easily get more Velcro. 

The colours and prints available change regularly so check back with us to add more to your AR Gaiters collection.