To choose the best soccer cleat for your child, consider their foot, the field, their position, and their favorite players. There are massive numbers of cleat options, so it’s easy to be overwhelmed, especially if this is your first season. That’s why The Instep developed this kids’ cleats shopping guide to help narrow the options and save a lot of browsing time for busy parents.
Like with adult cleats, the kids soccer shoe that’s ultimately right for each player will depend on their playing style and tastes. The goal should be a pair of youth cleats your child wants to wear. To simplify things, keep these four considerations in mind when purchasing youth soccer boots:
The Comfortable Fit is the Right Fit
“My foot hurts!”
There may be no clearer indication of the wrong cleat than these words. You should want the fit to be as comfortable as possible without sacrificing key safety considerations. Too tight, and you run the risk of blisters; too loose, and you can lead to injuries. As a rule, you want youth soccer cleats to fit snugly. This allows your growing athlete to develop better touch response while preventing heel slippage.
Of course, parents generally want to avoid spending money on sporting equipment that their kid will outgrow in a matter of months. Finding the right balance between snugness and growing room is the hardest part of buying kids’ cleats.
Find the size that allows for zero space between their big toe and the tip of the boot. Achieving a fit for growth may mean opting for a half-size bigger than the super-snug fit.
Materials also play a crucial role in finding a comfortable fitting cleat. Traditionally, cleats were made from leather materials. One of leather’s main advantages is its ability to mold to the shape of a foot through repeated use. However, if you purchase new leather cleats right before the first game, you’ll hear about how uncomfortable they were the whole drive home.
Synthetic materials offer a lightweight and durable alternative. Because they retain their form, they’re comfortable from the first wear to the championship game.
Field Type
Make sure you narrow your search by field type right off the bat, or you could end up with cleats that are unusable come game time. Understanding the abbreviations you may see next to a cleat can help you discern whether it’s the right one for your child.
Firm ground or “FG” cleats are designed for maximum traction on natural grass fields. These cleats will have molded studs and are some of the most versatile. If you know your child will play on muddy fields most of the season, Soft Ground or “SG” cleats may be a viable alternative. They may have removable studs instead of molded cleats.
You may also need to consider Artificial Ground or “AG” cleats as cities and towns turn to lower-maintenance artificial turf fields. These will either have more and smaller studs or no studs at all for certain indoor courts.
Cleats by Position
If your kid primarily plays one position, you’ll want to select cleats designed for the task. If your child is a goalkeeper, they’ll need maximum traction, firm ankle support for lateral movement, and a large striking area for launching the ball upfield.
If your child is a defender and loves a good slide tackle, they might want boots with more protection and padding.
Midfielders need comfortable, lightweight cleats that can support the enormous amount of running they do in a game.
If your child is focused on scoring, they will want an ultra-lightweight cleat designed for speed.
At a young age, though, their skills are constantly changing and getting tested at new positions. If that’s the case, versatile midfielder’s boots are likely a great choice.
Play Like a Pro
Many kids grow up trying to emulate their favorite soccer superstars on the pitch. Chances are, if your kid has a player they’re obsessed with, you already know about it, but it can’t hurt to ask. There’s nothing like the confidence you have when taking the field in the same cleats as your hero. Brands understand this and offer cleats that match the look of their idols without matching the price.
Give Your Kid Plenty of Options
The only thing that might change faster than your child’s shoe size is their taste. One season, they may prefer adidas youth soccer cleats but abruptly change to Puma soccer cleats for kids. Then, only youth Nike soccer cleats will do.
One of the best ways to find the perfect match is to try out various options. But driving all around town for cleats doesn’t sound like the best way to spend your weekend. Instead, shop at SoccerPro.com and enjoy stress-free returns for all the cleats that didn’t quite make the cut. While you’re at it, pick up a youth soccer jersey to match their pro-inspired cleats.
