The New Balance Kids 740 Trainers in Black are a retro running-inspired kids’ designer trainer made in Indonesia, with a synthetic mesh upper, synthetic overlays, and a 100% rubber sole. The colourway is Black Cement — a black base with grey and cement detailing across the upper panels and sole — giving the trainer more visual depth and texture than a flat black, while remaining easy to style and practical for everyday use.

The 740 is a different proposition to New Balance’s chunkier 9060 silhouette. Where the 9060 leans into a bold, retro-futuristic aesthetic, the 740 has a more streamlined retro running profile — a lower-profile midsole, cleaner panelling, and a shape that references New Balance’s archive running shoes from the late 1990s and early 2000s. For children and teens who want a kids’ designer trainer with a more understated, heritage feel rather than a maximalist chunky sole, the 740 is the stronger choice. The lace-up construction allows a precise, adjustable fit across the width of the foot.

Buying Advice

• Colourway practicality: Black Cement is significantly more forgiving than white for everyday use — the dark base hides scuffs and surface marks well, and the cement detailing means minor dirt is less visible than on a flat black. It’s a practical choice for children who wear their trainers hard.
• Fit: New Balance Kids runs true to size. Use foot length measurements from the size guide rather than age, particularly for toddler and younger children’s sizes where half-size increments matter more. The 740 has a standard-width fit — for children with wider feet, the 9060’s roomier toe box may be more comfortable.
• Care: Spot-clean the synthetic mesh upper with a damp cloth and mild detergent. The rubber sole can be cleaned with a soft brush. Air dry naturally — do not machine wash or apply direct heat, which can affect the adhesive bonding the sole to the upper.