Does your young soccer star dream of scoring the winning goal? Every great player needs great gear, and nothing is more important than the right pair of soccer cleats. Choosing youth soccer cleats can feel like a confusing maze. You want the best for your budding athlete, but the sheer number of styles, sizes, and features often leaves parents scratching their heads. It’s easy to pick a shoe that looks cool but ends up causing blisters or slowing down the game.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down exactly what parents and players need to know before buying. You will learn how to match the cleat type to the playing surface, understand sizing secrets, and find durable shoes that fit a growing foot perfectly. Stop wasting money on the wrong gear. Keep reading to equip your young champion for success on the pitch!
Top Youth Cleats Soccer Recommendations
- Kids' lightweight soccer cleats for play on multiple surfaces
- SNUG FIT: Adjustable laces provide a secure fit. Please consider buying a half size up
- LIGHTWEIGHT COMFORT: Synthetic upper for durability and light weight
- TEXTILE LINING: The cleats are lined for a soft, comfortable feel
- MULTI-SURFACE SOCCER OUTSOLE: Flexible ground outsole offers high-speed control and stability on firm ground (dry natural grass), artificial grass (long-bladed synthetic fiber) and hard ground
- CUSTOMIZED COMFORT: Synthetic upper with soft lining that shapes to the foot.
- ENHANCED TRACTION: Includes lightweight TPU outsole with conical studs for a quick release and to facilitate pivoting.
- SLEEK DESIGN: Features a low boot construction.
- VERSATILE TRACTION MASTER: Offers excellent stability and grip on both firm ground and artificial turf surfaces, ensuring top performance in any playing conditions.
- PUMA BIG KIDS: Recommended for older kids between 8 and 16 years.
- VERSATILE DESIGN: Suitable for both boys and girls, these soccer cleats are designed for firm ground play and outdoor athletic performance
- FIRM GROUND TRACTION: Strategically placed cleats provide optimal grip and stability on natural grass and firm ground surfaces
- ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE: Engineered for young athletes, these cleats enhance agility and speed during practice and matches
- SECURE FIT: Lace-up closure system ensures a snug, adjustable fit for growing feet during intense gameplay
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Built to withstand regular use on outdoor playing fields while maintaining comfort and support
- PUMA X CHRISTIAN PULISIC: Elevate your game with these artificial, firm ground soccer cleats, inspired by the dynamic play of Christian Pulisic, designed for aspiring superstars seeking top-tier performance and style.
- COMFORT AND SUPPORT: Features a soft lining with flexible mesh uppers for optimal comfort and support.
- VERSATILE TRACTION: The lightweight TPU outsole provides excellent grip and stability, making it perfect for both natural and synthetic grass surfaces.
- FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT: Stud shape and placement around the pivot point enable 360-degree agility and freedom of movement, so you can shake off defenders with ease.
- PUMA BIG KIDS: Recommended for older kids between 8 and 16 years.
- Juniors' soccer cleats for fast play on multiple surfaces
- SNUG FIT: Adjustable laces provide a secure fit
- LIGHTWEIGHT COMFORT: Fusionfeel textured synthetic upper for durability and light weight
- PERFORATED, PADDED TONGUE: Perforated and padded tongue for added breathability and comfort
- SYNTHETIC OUTSOLE: Comfortplate firm/multi-ground outsole for speed and control on multiple surfaces
- Juniors' laceless soccer cleats with a padded collar for play on multiple surfaces
- RUNS SMALL: Buy 1 Size Bigger
- LACELESS STRIKE ZONE: With no need for laces, the upper has a clean strike zone for accurate passing and shooting
- LIGHTWEIGHT COMFORT: Synthetic upper for durability and light weight
- NARROW FIT: Features a narrow fit through the toe box, making them best suited for customers with regular or narrow feet. If you prefer a roomier feel in the toe area, you may want to size up half a size.
- These juniors' cleats' lightweight upper with refreshed graphics delivers durability and speed inspired by the F50 design story. A multi-ground outsole ensures versatility across artificial grass, firm ground, and hard ground surfaces.
- F50 DESIGN: The most modern and performance-oriented technology integrated into the design that comes with a refreshed upper graphic. Lightweight sensation and engineered details will enable you to unlock game-changing speed
- LIGHTWEIGHT SENSATION: Designed with engineered details to enable game-changing speed, inspired by the F50 design story
- MULTI-GROUND SOCCER OUTSOLE: Show your skills on multiple surfaces with a versatile outsole made for artificial grass, firm ground and hard ground
- Juniors' soccer cleats for traction and speed
- SYNTHETIC UPPER: Synthetic upper for lightweight comfort
- CLEATED OUTSOLE: Cleated outsole for firm ground play
- FIRM GROUND OUTSOLE: The outsole gives you solid traction on firm ground
- Runs Small: Buy 1 Size Bigger
Choosing the Perfect Youth Soccer Cleats: A Buying Guide
Buying soccer cleats for your young athlete can feel tricky. You want the best fit, comfort, and performance for their growing feet. This guide breaks down what you need to know to score the perfect pair.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop, keep an eye out for these important parts of the cleat. These features directly affect how well your child plays and how comfortable they stay on the field.
- **Stud Configuration (The Bottom Spikes):** This is crucial for traction. Look for molded, fixed studs (usually rubber or plastic) for younger players who play on natural grass or firm ground (FG). They offer good grip without the risk of losing detachable studs.
- **Fit and Sizing:** Soccer cleats should fit snugly, almost like a second skin, but never painfully tight. There should be about a thumb’s width between the longest toe and the end of the cleat.
- **Closure System:** Most youth cleats use laces, which offer the most adjustable fit. Some newer models use Velcro straps, which are great for beginners who struggle with tying laces.
- **Ankle Support:** Higher-cut collars offer more ankle support, but many young players prefer the traditional low-cut design for maximum flexibility.
2. Important Materials Matter
The materials used determine durability, weight, and how well the cleat molds to the foot.
Upper Materials
The top part of the cleat needs to be durable and flexible.
- **Synthetic Leather:** This is the most common choice for youth cleats. It is lightweight, easy to clean, and water-resistant. It breaks in quickly, meaning less time spent making the cleats comfortable.
- **Natural Leather (Less Common in Youth):** While it offers the best feel and conforms perfectly to the foot over time, it requires more maintenance and costs more.
Outsole and Studs
The outsole is the bottom plate where the studs attach. It needs to be strong but flexible.
- **TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane):** This plastic is strong, light, and durable. Most modern youth cleats use TPU for their outsoles and studs because it handles aggressive play well.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about price; it’s about construction. Good construction means the cleats last longer and protect your child’s feet better.
Quality Boosters:
- **Reinforced Stitching:** Look where the upper material meets the sole. Strong, tight stitching prevents the cleat from falling apart after a few months of hard use.
- **Padded Heel Counter:** A firm, padded area around the heel locks the foot in place. This reduces slipping inside the shoe and prevents blisters.
Quality Reducers:
- **Thin, Flexible Soles:** If the sole bends too easily when you twist it, it might not offer enough protection from sharp rocks or uneven ground.
- **Cheap Adhesives:** If you see large amounts of glue oozing out where the sole meets the upper, the bond might fail quickly when exposed to water and mud.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Where and how often your child plays dictates the best cleat choice.
Firm Ground (FG) Cleats
These are the standard choice. They work best on dry, natural grass fields. They provide the right balance of traction and comfort for weekend league games.
Artificial Grass (AG) or Turf (TF) Cleats
If your child plays mostly on older turf fields or hard, dry dirt, AG or TF cleats are better. They have many small, rubber nubs instead of long studs. These spread the pressure evenly, protecting their knees and ankles.
Comfort First
Young players often quit sports if their gear hurts. Always prioritize comfort over flashy looks. If the cleat feels good right out of the box, it’s a winner. Always allow time for a short break-in period (wearing them around the house for an hour or two) before the first game.
Youth Cleats Soccer: 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How tight should youth soccer cleats fit?
A: They should fit snugly. Your child’s toes should almost touch the end, but there must be no pinching or curling. A little room for growth is okay, but too much space causes blisters.
Q: Should I buy cleats a size bigger for my child to grow into?
A: No. Buying cleats too big causes the foot to slide, leading to poor control and many blisters. Buy the size they currently need.
Q: How long should youth cleats last?
A: With regular weekend play, a good pair of synthetic youth cleats should last one full season (about 6–9 months) before they need replacing due to wear or growth.
Q: What is the difference between molded studs and screw-in studs?
A: Molded studs are permanently attached to the sole and are best for youth players on standard fields. Screw-in studs are removable and usually only necessary for older, heavier players on very soft or wet ground.
Q: Can my child wear soccer cleats on artificial turf?
A: It is better to use turf shoes (TF) or AG cleats on artificial turf. Long, firm ground (FG) studs can get stuck in the turf, which increases the risk of knee injury.
Q: Are expensive cleats always better for kids?
A: Not necessarily. For youth players, durability and comfort matter more than high-end technology. Mid-range synthetic cleats offer the best balance of features and longevity.
Q: How do I clean muddy soccer cleats?
A: Let the mud dry first. Then, use an old toothbrush and cool water to gently brush off the dried dirt from the studs and the upper material. Never put them in a washing machine or use harsh chemicals.
Q: What is the best material for cleats worn in the rain?
A: Synthetic material is excellent in the rain because it resists soaking up water, keeping the shoe lighter than natural leather.
Q: Do I need special socks with soccer cleats?
A: Yes. Always use long soccer socks. They protect the ankle and lower leg from rubbing against the plastic or leather edges of the cleat, preventing skin irritation.
Q: When should I check if my child needs new cleats?
A: Check the fit every 6–8 weeks. If the toes are pressing hard against the front, or if the child complains the shoe feels tight across the width, it is time to size up.