Does your young soccer star struggle to keep their footing on the field? Maybe their old cleats just don’t cut it anymore. Choosing the right soccer cleats for a growing player feels like a huge task, right? There are so many brands, styles, and features. Parents often worry about getting the wrong size or the wrong type for the playing surface. Spending money on cleats that don’t fit well or hurt their feet is a real frustration.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to clear up the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to look for in youth soccer cleats. You will learn about materials, fit, and the best options for different field types. By the end of this post, you will feel confident picking the perfect pair that supports your child’s game and keeps them comfortable. Let’s dive into finding the best soccer shoes for your rising star!
Top Soccer Cleats Youth 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.
- Football boots with Fiberskin upper for a better fit.
- Regular fit
- Laces
- Synthetic and textile upper
- Textile sockliner
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Speed & Performance: These kids' soccer cleats feature a three-zone stud system that enhances agility and response on various fields. The triangular front studs provide a powerful grip for explosive acceleration while the flexible midfoot studs help kids change direction fast. The rear anti-slip studs prevent slips and falls.
- Stable Support: Designed for active boys and girls, these soccer cleats are embedded with a TPU support plate that prevents ankle sprains during high-speed play. The TPU stability frame and the supportive outsole improve protection during quick rapid movements.
- Flexible Fit: These soccer cleats for boys and girls are designed with a knitted collar that stretches naturally for a snug and secure fit. The textured synthetic leather upper provides soft support and improved ball control while comfortably molding to children’s feet.
- Lightweight & Breathable: Ideal for matches and training sessions, these kids' soccer shoes feature a speed-optimized sole and a mesh-covered EVA insole that absorbs impact and eases knee pressure, enhancing running rhythm for faster starts and smoother movement.
- Comfortable & Cute: Eye-catching and vibrant, these youth football shoes are designed to let your kids score in style on the pitch. Your kids will love these soccer cleats cause every detail is crafted with comfort and style.
- 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
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Youth Soccer Cleats
Buying soccer cleats for your young player is important. Good cleats help kids play better and stay safe. This guide helps you choose the right pair.
Key Features to Look For
Fit and Sizing
The most important thing is a good fit. Cleats should not be too tight or too loose. A proper fit prevents blisters and helps control the ball. Always measure your child’s feet before buying. Kids’ feet grow fast, so check the fit often.
Traction and Stud Pattern
Cleats need good grip on the grass. This grip comes from the studs (the pointy bits on the bottom). Different fields need different studs:
- Firm Ground (FG): Best for natural, dry grass fields. These are the most common type.
- Soft Ground (SG): Good for wet, muddy fields. They usually have longer, sometimes metal-tipped, studs.
- Artificial Grass (AG) or Turf (TF): Needed for hard, synthetic fields to prevent slipping and injuries.
Closure System
How the cleat closes matters for support. Some use laces, while others use Velcro straps. Velcro is great for younger kids who struggle with tying laces. Older kids often prefer traditional laces for a more secure, adjustable fit.
Important Materials in Youth Cleats
The materials affect how the cleat feels and lasts. Cleats usually have synthetic or leather uppers (the top part that covers the foot).
Synthetic Materials
Most modern youth cleats use synthetic materials. These are usually cheaper and easier to clean. They break in quickly, meaning the child does not have to wear them for a long time to make them comfortable. However, they sometimes do not breathe as well as natural materials.
Natural Leather
Leather cleats mold to the shape of the foot over time, offering a very custom feel. They offer great ball control. The downside is that leather needs more care and can be more expensive. High-quality leather lasts a long time if treated well.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is not just about price. Look closely at how the cleat is put together.
Stitching and Construction
Strong stitching holds the cleat together longer. If you see loose threads or uneven seams, the cleat might fall apart quickly, especially with active play. Good quality cleats use strong bonding where the soleplate (bottom) meets the upper.
Weight
Lighter cleats often help young players run faster. Manufacturers use lighter materials to achieve this. However, sometimes very light cleats sacrifice durability. You must balance speed with how long you need the cleats to last.
Ankle Support
Some cleats offer a sock-like collar around the ankle. This can provide extra support and keep debris out of the shoe. This feature is often preferred by parents for added safety during quick turns.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how often your child plays.
Practice vs. Game Day
If your child only plays occasionally, a durable, all-around FG cleat works well. If they play competitive soccer several times a week, invest in cleats designed for their primary playing surface. Better quality cleats often feel better on the foot during long sessions.
Beginners
For absolute beginners, comfort and ease of use are key. Look for wider fits and simple closures. The focus here is getting them used to wearing cleats, not professional performance.
Durable Surfaces
If your child frequently trains on turf or hard, dry ground, choose AG or TF cleats. Using FG cleats on turf wears them down very fast and can cause discomfort.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Youth Soccer Cleats
Q: How much space should my child have in their new cleats?
A: Your child should have about a thumb’s width of space between their longest toe and the end of the cleat. Their heel should feel snug and not slip when they walk.
Q: Should I buy cleats that are slightly too big so they last longer?
A: No. Buying cleats too big causes tripping, blisters, and poor ball control. It is better to buy the correct size now and replace them when they grow out of them.
Q: How often should I replace my child’s soccer cleats?
A: This depends on usage. For kids playing competitively, yearly replacement is common. If they only play recreationally, you might get two seasons out of a good pair.
Q: Are expensive cleats always better for kids?
A: Not necessarily. High-end cleats offer specialized features, but for many developing players, a mid-range cleat with good durability and fit provides excellent value.
Q: What is the difference between cleats and turf shoes?
A: Cleats have long studs for digging into grass. Turf shoes have many small rubber nubs for grip on artificial surfaces. Turf shoes will not work well on real grass.
Q: Can my child wear soccer cleats every day?
A: No. Cleats are designed for the field. Wearing them on pavement or concrete damages the studs and makes them uncomfortable for playing soccer.
Q: How do I clean youth soccer cleats?
A: Remove the insoles. Use a soft brush and mild soap with lukewarm water to scrub off dirt. Let them air dry completely away from direct heat sources like radiators.
Q: What does “break-in period” mean for cleats?
A: The break-in period is the time needed for the material to soften and mold to the shape of the foot. Synthetic cleats need very little break-in, but leather cleats need more time.
Q: Should I get cleats with high-top collars or traditional low-cut ones?
A: This is personal preference. High-tops offer more ankle coverage and keep dirt out. Low-cut cleats allow for maximum ankle flexibility, which some players prefer for quick movements.
Q: What stud pattern is safest for a child who plays on various surfaces?
A: A multi-ground (MG) cleat is often the best compromise. These usually have a blend of shorter, more numerous studs that work acceptably on both firm grass and some artificial turf.