Does the thought of your young athlete hitting the football field fill you with excitement, but the constant heel pain bring a shadow over the game? Sever’s disease, that painful inflammation in a child’s heel growth plate, can turn every sprint, cut, and jump into agony, especially when wearing the wrong gear.
Finding the perfect football cleats when dealing with Sever’s is a real challenge. Standard cleats often lack the necessary support, digging into that tender spot and making practice feel impossible. You need gear that cushions the blow without sacrificing the traction needed for game-winning plays. It’s frustrating to watch talent held back by discomfort.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what features matter most—from cushioning technology to proper fit—to keep your player comfortable, supported, and focused on scoring touchdowns, not on their aching heels. Keep reading to discover the best cleat options that balance protection and performance.
Top Football Cleats For Sever’S Disease Recommendations
- Ergonomically designed OUPOWER soccer cleats insoles insoles provide excellent cushioning, thumb and finger bone collapses in volume, more flexibility in running and preventing rollover
- 【Anti-slippery 3D embossing patterns】By collecting professional soccer players feedback, OUPOWER soccer cleats insoles upgraded our insoles with anti-slippery embossments and additional toe carved fit design.
- 【Breathable and cool feet】OUPOWER soccer cleats insoles Breathable holes are made on the forefoot to allow air to circulate, quickly absorb moisture, and keep the feet dry and fresh.
- 【Specially designed for professional soccer players】OUPOWER soccer cleats insoles Verified and tested by thousands of soccer players, our product enhances your soccer cleat to a higher performance level.
- Spat Cleats Cover Size: Small fits 1-4, Medium fits 5 - 8, Large fits 9+. Application for young players,soccer mom,football fan enthusiast, kids, girls, men and women
- Youth Football Spat Cleat Covers Material: Durable 80% polyester and 20% spandex fabric, good elasticity, good abrasion resistance, effective wrapped your cleats. Seamless cleat covers with reinforced hems for perfect covering, keep debris and rubber turf pellets out of your shoes
- Secure Fixed Football Spats for Cleats: This solid spats cleat covers provides targeted support where it is needed the most. Keep his cleats on snugly, never has to stop and tie his cleats throughout the entire game. Leaving him to stay in the game, no more loose laces or flying cleats during the game
- Great Kids Football Cleats Cover for Any Sport: These wraps for cleats are versatile. Great for football, lacrosse, baseball, soccer,rugby, turf, hockey and more. Ideal for youth, Pop Warner, teenagers, JV, varsity and adults.These wraps for cleats are versatile and cover you in any game
- What You Get: 1 pair spats football cleat cover, welcome guide, 365days quality warranty and 24hours friendly customer service
- Men's lightweight performance cleats for football
- LIGHTWEIGHT COMFORT: Synthetic upper for durability and light weight
- TEXTILE LINING: The shoes are lined for a soft, comfortable feel
- CLEATED OUTSOLE: Cleated synthetic outsole provides traction for speed, stopping and quick changes of direction to play at your best
- Nike Alpha Menace Pro 3
- Water Resistance Level: not water resistant
- Football cleats designed for lightweight and energetic traction
- SNUG FIT: Adjustable laces provide a secure fit
- LIGHTWEIGHT COMFORT: Synthetic upper for durability and light weight
- ENERGETIC CUSHIONING: REPETITOR is a lightweight foam that gives the shoes an energetic feel
- MADE IN PART WITH RECYCLED CONTENT: This product features at least 20% recycled materials. By reusing materials that have already been created, we help to reduce waste and our reliance on finite resources and reduce the footprint of the products we make
- Nike Vapor Edge Pro 360 2 Men's Football Cleats DA5456-001 Black/White Size 11
- One Piece Synthetic Leather Upper
- TPU Outsole
- Color Laces included: Orange, Green, Lime Green, Teaberry, and Blue.
- EE Width Cleat
- TEAM COLOR DESIGN: Show your team pride with the Phenom Elite Quantum Speed 2.0 Cleats. Available in bold colors like Red, Blue, Navy, Orange, Purple, Black, and White, these cleats deliver high-performance style that matches your team’s identity.
- SPRINTSENSE TRACTION PLATE: Engineered for elite athletes, the patented SprintSense traction plate enhances acceleration, responsiveness, and agility. Get reliable propulsion, precise directional control, and a secure grip on grass, turf, or multi-surface fields.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & BUILT FOR SPEED: The QuantumFit upper adapts to your foot for a secure lockdown and flexible fit. Ultra-lightweight synthetic materials maximize speed and agility while maintaining durability for intense gameplay.
- CUSHIONED COMFORT & DURABLE SUPPORT: Designed for all-day performance, these cleats feature extra heel padding and strategic cushioning for shock absorption and stability. The reinforced synthetic shell provides protection without extra weight, keeping you balanced and confident.
- CUSTOM TEAM FIT & MULTI-SURFACE PERFORMANCE: Personalize your cleats to match your team colors. Available in multiple adult sizes, the Quantum Speed 2.0 cleats provide elite traction, support, and a streamlined fit for athletes who demand peak performance.
Choosing the Right Football Cleats for Sever’s Disease: A Buyer’s Guide
Sever’s disease is a painful condition that affects the heel in growing kids, often during sports like football. Wearing the wrong cleats can make this pain much worse. This guide helps parents and players pick football cleats that keep feet comfortable while still performing well on the field.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for cleats for a child with Sever’s disease, focus on features that reduce shock and support the heel. These are the most important things to check:
1. Excellent Heel Cushioning
- Look for thick, soft padding right in the heel cup. This material absorbs the impact when running and jumping.
- A good cleat will have extra shock absorption technology built into the midsole.
2. Supportive Midsole and Arch Support
- The midsole provides the main support under your foot. Choose shoes with firm, supportive midsoles.
- Good arch support helps distribute weight evenly, taking pressure off the sensitive heel bone.
3. Removable Insoles (Or Space for Orthotics)
- Many specialized heel cups or custom orthotics work best inside a cleat.
- You need enough space to take out the standard insole and replace it with a supportive insert without making the shoe too tight.
4. Proper Fit and Lockdown
- The shoe must fit snugly around the midfoot and ankle. A loose fit causes the foot to slide, increasing heel friction and pain.
- Laces should allow for a secure, customized fit over the top of the foot.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used in the cleat directly affect comfort and durability.
Upper Materials
- Synthetic Materials: These are often lighter and require less break-in time. They can sometimes lack the breathability of leather.
- Leather: High-quality leather molds well to the foot, offering a custom feel over time. It often provides better overall support.
Outsole and Stud Configuration
- The outsole (the bottom part with the studs) should be firm but slightly flexible. A very stiff outsole transfers too much shock directly to the heel.
- Avoid cleats with extremely aggressive, long studs if playing on hard ground. Shorter, bladed studs often create a smoother push-off.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all cleats are made equally. Some design choices help manage heel pain, while others make it worse.
Factors That Improve Comfort:
- Heel Counter Firmness: A firm heel counter locks the heel in place, preventing excessive movement that aggravates Sever’s disease.
- Lightweight Design: Lighter cleats reduce the overall load on the lower leg and heel with every stride.
Factors That Reduce Comfort:
- Minimalist Design: Cleats designed to feel like a sock or have very thin soles offer poor shock absorption. These are generally a bad choice.
- Overly Stiff Plates: If the bottom plate cannot flex slightly at the ball of the foot, it forces the entire foot, including the heel, to absorb more shock unnaturally.
User Experience and Use Cases
The best cleat performs well during practice and games while keeping pain levels low.
Practice vs. Game Day
- For high-intensity practices, prioritize maximum cushioning.
- For game days, you might balance cushioning with traction, but never sacrifice heel protection completely.
Surface Matters
- Firm Ground (FG): Most common. Ensure the cushioning is adequate for the hard ground.
- Artificial Turf (AG): Turf shoes or cleats with many shorter studs spread the pressure out more evenly, which can sometimes be better for sensitive heels than long FG studs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Sever’s Disease Cleats
Q: Do I need a special “wide” cleat?
A: Not necessarily. If your child needs extra room, it is usually because of swelling or the need to fit an orthotic. Focus on finding a cleat known for a slightly roomier toe box rather than just ordering wide sizes.
Q: Can I just put a regular insert in any cleat?
A: You can, but you must check the fit. If adding a supportive insole makes the top of the foot feel squeezed against the laces, the shoe is too small, and it will cause other problems.
Q: Are high-top cleats better for heel pain?
A: High-tops offer more ankle support, which is great for stability. However, they do not directly cushion the heel. Focus on the sole technology first.
Q: How often should I replace cleats for a child with Sever’s Disease?
A: Replace them as soon as the cushioning breaks down, usually every 4–6 months if they play frequently. Worn-out soles stop absorbing shock effectively.
Q: Should I buy cleats a size bigger?
A: Buying cleats too large causes the foot to slide, which worsens heel pain. Buy the correct size, but make sure there is room for the insole if you plan to use one.
Q: Are molded studs better than screw-in studs?
A: Molded studs usually offer a more consistent feel and better shock distribution than metal screw-in studs, which can sometimes feel too hard on the heel.
Q: Does the color of the cleat affect performance?
A: No. The color does not change how the cleat supports your foot or cushions your heel.
Q: When should my child stop wearing cleats entirely?
A: Your doctor or physical therapist should guide this. If the pain is severe, resting from high-impact sports is important, even if you have the best cleats.
Q: How do I know if a cleat has good heel cushioning?
A: Look at the specs for words like “EVA foam,” “Gel insertion,” or “Zoom Air” in the heel area. Press down on the heel area of the shoe; it should feel resilient, not rock hard.
Q: Is it okay to use turf shoes instead of cleats?
A: Turf shoes have far more padding and less aggressive traction. They are excellent for practices on artificial grass or for general training when the heel is flaring up.