Choosing the right soccer shoes for kids is crucial for their performance and comfort on the field. Whether your child is a budding soccer star or just starting out, the right pair of cleats can make all the difference. This guide will help soccer players and parents navigate the options to find the best soccer shoes for kids.
Top Soccer Shoes for Kids
1. Nike Jr. Mercurial Vapor 15 Club
The Nike Jr. Mercurial Vapor 15 Club cleats are perfect for kids because they offer a snug fit and enhanced ball control, essential for young players developing their skills. The dynamic collar and textured synthetic leather upper provide a comfortable and secure fit, helping kids focus on their game without worrying about their shoes. Additionally, the cleats are designed with conical studs that offer excellent traction on both natural and synthetic surfaces, allowing kids to play confidently on various fields.
These cleats are also budget-friendly, priced at $47, making them accessible without compromising on quality. The special edition’s pastel pink design is inspired by professional players, adding a touch of excitement and motivation for young athletes. The cushioned insole and seamless lining ensure a comfortable experience, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort during play.
Overall, the Nike Jr. Mercurial Vapor 15 Club cleats combine performance, comfort, and style, making them an ideal choice for kids.
2. Adidas Predator Club L FXG Junior Soccer Cleats
The Adidas Predator Club L FXG Junior Soccer Cleats are perfect for kids due to their supportive design and durable construction. Featuring control zones on the textured synthetic upper, these cleats enhance ball handling, allowing young players to improve their skills on the field.
While they may feel stiff initially, the regular fit and lace closure ensure a secure and comfortable fit as they break in over time. The minimalist upper design with the iconic 3-stripes lateral branding adds a sleek, stylish look that kids will love.
These cleats also boast a lightweight, flexible ground outsole, providing superior grip on hard natural surfaces, making them versatile for various playing conditions.
The textile lining adds comfort, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort during extended play. With their combination of performance, durability, and eye-catching style, the Adidas Predator Club L FXG Junior Soccer Cleats are an excellent choice for young soccer enthusiasts looking to conquer the field.
3. Puma FUTURE MATCH Firm
The Puma FUTURE MATCH Firm Ground cleats are ideal for kids thanks to their customizable fit and superior comfort. Featuring the unique FUZIONFIT adaptive compression technology, these cleats lock down the foot, allowing for explosive movements on the pitch.
The soft upper material and the innovative lacing system provide a flexible fit that adapts to different foot shapes, ensuring young players feel secure and comfortable.
Although they may require a break-in period, the micro-perforated heel padding helps keep the heel locked in and comfortable during play.
Made with at least 20% recycled materials, the Puma FUTURE MATCH cleats are also a step toward a more sustainable future. The engineered 3D textures at key contact zones enhance ball grip and control, making dribbling, passing, and finishing more effective.
The lightweight Dynamic Motion System outsole offers excellent traction and agility, suitable for both firm natural surfaces and artificial grass. With a mid-cut design, regular to wide fit, and a price of $59, these cleats provide a combination of performance, comfort, and eco-friendliness that makes them perfect for young soccer players.
4. New Balance FURON DISPATCH JNR
The New Balance FURON DISPATCH JNR cleats are perfect for kids who prioritize speed on the field. These shoes are built with a lightweight TPU outsole, providing excellent stability and enabling rapid movements.
The firm ground studs ensure optimal performance on natural grass, making them a versatile choice for various playing conditions. While the limited color options might be a drawback, the FURON design, inspired by star football players like Sadio Mane, Bukayo Saka, and Michelle Cooper, brings a professional edge to young athletes.
Crafted from synthetic and textile materials, the textured upper offers a comfortable fit and a close-to-the-ball feel, enhancing control and precision.
The performance textile collar and throat ensure breathability and comfort, keeping young feet cool and dry during intense play. The off-set lacing system allows for clean striking, giving kids the confidence to make powerful shots.
With a lace closure and weighing only 123.9 grams (4.4 oz), the New Balance FURON DISPATCH JNR cleats combine lightweight design, comfort, and performance, making them an excellent choice for young soccer enthusiasts.
5. Under Armour Boys’ UA Magnetico Select 3
The Under Armour Boys’ UA Magnetico Select 3 cleats are an excellent choice for kids seeking comfort and agility on the field. These cleats feature a soft, synthetic material that wraps around the ankle and midfoot, providing extra stability and a locked-in feel.
The form-fitting upper molds to the foot for a glove-like fit, ensuring unmatched touch and feel, which is crucial for ball control and precision. While they may not be as durable as some other options, their comfort and performance make them a standout choice.
Designed with an EVA sockliner, these cleats offer superior underfoot comfort, reducing the risk of discomfort during prolonged play.
The conical studs are strategically placed to enable quick movements in all directions, enhancing agility and allowing for rapid changes of direction.
With a standard lace type for a secure fit and a regular style, the Under Armour Magnetico Select 3 cleats combine form-fitting design and excellent traction, making them ideal for young players who need both stability and quickness on the field.
Key Features to Look for in Kids’ Soccer Shoes
Comfort and fit
A proper fit is essential to prevent injuries and ensure optimal performance. Make sure to measure your child’s feet accurately, considering both length and width. Look for shoes with adjustable features like laces or straps for a snug fit.
From my experience, it’s usually better to buy a full size bigger because kids are growing, and it also gives extra room for soccer socks, which can sometimes be thick.
Not getting the proper shoe size can cause kids to get blisters. Oftentimes, they won’t speak up and will play with discomfort. For example, my little brother didn’t tell us his shoes were tight and played through a game with blisters.
Related Reading: Best Wide Soccer Cleats
Material
Soccer shoes come in various materials, each with its benefits. Synthetic materials are lightweight and often more affordable, while leather offers a comfortable fit and excellent durability. Consider your child’s needs and preferences when choosing the material.
Traction
Different playing surfaces require different types of outsoles. For firm ground (natural grass), choose shoes with molded studs. For turf, opt for shoes with shorter, rubber studs. Indoor soccer shoes should have flat, non-marking soles for better grip on hard surfaces.
Durability
Kids are tough on their gear, so durability is a key factor. Look for shoes made from high-quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of regular play. Reinforced areas, like the toe and heel, can add extra durability.
Buying Tips for Kids Soccer Shoes
Brand, quality, and budget
When it comes to kids’ soccer shoes, brand and quality matter. Trusted brands like Nike, Adidas, Puma, and New Balance are known for their durability, comfort, and performance-enhancing features.
Investing in high-quality shoes from reputable brands can prevent injuries and provide better support. However, we recommend not breaking the bank there are several options for budget friendly soccer shoes.
The right shoes won’t necessarily impact your child’s performance unless they are hurting them. So don’t feel like you need to spend excessively.
The benefits of longevity and superior performance often outweigh the initial cost, but there are plenty of mid-range options that offer excellent quality. It’s worth checking customer reviews and ratings to get an idea of how a particular shoe performs in real-world conditions.
Playing surface
The type of playing surface your child will be using their soccer shoes on is a crucial factor in your buying decision.
Different surfaces require different types of cleats for optimal traction and performance. Firm ground (FG) cleats with molded studs are the most common and are ideal for natural grass fields. If your child is just starting to play in a rec soccer league or playing competitively in the US, firm ground shoes should suffice.
However, there are other options to consider. For artificial turf, turf (TF) shoes with shorter, rubber studs offer better grip. Soft ground (SG) cleats, which have longer, replaceable studs, are designed for wet and muddy fields.
Indoor soccer requires flat, non-marking soles to provide the necessary traction on hard surfaces. Ensure you choose the right type for your child’s primary playing surface to enhance their performance and safety.
Player’s soccer position
Your child’s soccer position can also influence the type of soccer shoes they need. Forwards and strikers benefit from lightweight cleats that enhance speed and agility, like Nike Mercurial or Adidas X series.
Midfielders, who cover a lot of ground, might prefer shoes that offer a balance of comfort, control, and durability, such as Adidas Predator or Puma Future.
Defenders need cleats that provide extra protection and stability, like the Nike Tiempo or New Balance Furon. Goalkeepers often look for shoes with excellent traction and support to handle quick lateral movements, such as the Under Armour Magnetico.
Store discounts
Soccer cleats can be a significant investment, but there are ways to find discounts and save money. Many sports stores offer seasonal sales, especially at the end of the soccer season or during major holidays. Online retailers often provide discount codes and deals that can help reduce the cost. Additionally, signing up for newsletters from major sports brands and retailers can give you access to exclusive discounts and early sale notifications.
Don’t overlook clearance sections, where last season’s models are often sold at a fraction of the original price. With a little research and timing, you can find high-quality soccer shoes at a more affordable price.
How to Choose the Right Size
To ensure a perfect fit, measure your child’s feet accurately, preferably in the afternoon when they are slightly swollen. Leave a little room for growth but not too much to cause slipping.
From my experience, buying a full size bigger is usually better because it accommodates growth and allows extra room for soccer socks, which can sometimes be thick. Soccer socks vary in thickness, with some, like grip socks, being thicker than regular socks.
Keep this in consideration when deciding what size to buy. Avoid buying oversized shoes with the expectation that they will last longer; it can lead to discomfort, slipping, and injuries. Remember that shoes that are too tight can cause blisters, and children often won’t speak up about the discomfort. For instance, my little brother once played an entire game with tight shoes, resulting in painful blisters. Ensure you check the fit regularly as kids’ feet grow quickly.
Maintenance Tips for Kids’ Soccer Shoes
Proper care can extend the life of soccer shoes, ensuring they perform well and look good throughout the season. Clean your soccer cleats after each use by removing dirt and debris with a soft brush or cloth. For leather shoes, use a leather cleaner and conditioner to maintain their suppleness and prevent cracking. Synthetic shoes can be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed.
Dry the shoes thoroughly after each use to prevent mold and odors. Stuffing them with newspaper can help absorb moisture and retain their shape. Avoid using direct heat sources like radiators or hair dryers, as this can damage the materials.
Store the shoes in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or damp areas, to prevent deterioration. Use a shoe bag to protect them during transport and to keep them separate from dirty gear.
Inspect the shoes regularly for signs of wear and tear. Replace worn-out studs or laces to keep the shoes in good condition. Taking these steps will help ensure your child’s soccer shoes last longer and perform their best on the field.
Frequently Asked Questions for Kids Soccer Cleats
What type of soccer shoes should my child wear for different surfaces?
For natural grass, firm ground cleats with molded studs are best. Turf shoes with rubber studs are suitable for artificial grass, while indoor shoes with flat, non-marking soles are ideal for indoor courts.
How often should I replace my child’s soccer shoes?
It depends on the frequency of use and how quickly your child’s feet grow. On average, replace soccer shoes every season or when they show signs of significant wear.
Can my child wear regular athletic shoes for soccer?
While regular athletic shoes can be used for casual play, specialized soccer shoes provide better traction, support, and performance for serious play.
Conclusion
Selecting the right soccer shoes for kids involves considering comfort, material, traction, and durability. With the right pair, your child can enjoy the game and improve their skills. Use this guide to make an informed decision and find the best soccer shoes for your young athlete.