Does your young athlete dream of scoring the winning goal? Every soccer star needs the right gear, and the most important piece is their boots! Choosing the perfect soccer shoes for your child can feel like a huge task. You want them to be comfortable, safe, and ready to perform their best on the field.
The market offers so many types—firm ground, turf, indoor—it’s easy to get confused. Wrong shoes lead to blisters, poor traction, and maybe even frustration for your budding player. Finding the right fit and style is key to unlocking their potential and keeping them happy during practice and games.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down everything you need to know about sizing, materials, and the best shoe types for different playing surfaces. By the end, you will feel confident picking out the ideal pair that supports your kid’s soccer journey.
Top Soccer Shoes For Kids 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
- 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
- Kids' lightweight soccer shoes for play on artificial turf
- SNUG FIT: Adjustable laces provide a secure fit
- LIGHTWEIGHT COMFORT: Synthetic upper for durability and light weight
- TEXTILE LINING: The shoes are lined for a soft, comfortable feel
- TURF SOCCER OUTSOLE: Rule the pitch with a lugged rubber outsole specially designed for artificial turf surfaces
- 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.
- Juniors' durable soccer shoes with an artificial turf outsole for excellent performance
- RUNS SMALL: Buy 1 Size Bigger
- LACELESS: Laceless construction for ease of entry, maximum comfort and lockdown, and maximum ball contact
- SYNTHETIC LEATHER UPPER: Lightweight polyurethane leather upper has a leather-like look and feel
- BREATHABLE: Perforated upper for maximum breathability and light weight
- Soft yet durable synthetic upper.
- Features a fast and dynamic graphic print.
- Kick Start: Your young beginner needs a bit of luck—but more importantly, the right gear to set them up. These kids’ soccer shoes are ideal for entry-level training and games.
- Stay Focused: These kids’ indoor soccer shoes are designed with a stretchy knitted collar for comfort, stability and ankle protection so they can stay focused on the game.
- Better Ball Control: With a textured upper these indoor soccer shoes for kids offer better ball control to help them score at games and practices.
- Grips The Ground: Every step on the field should feel secure. These soccer shoes for kids are made for for artificial turf and hard ground with a grippy, studded outsole.
- Look Cool, Play Cool: These kids’ indoor soccer shoes are a combination of fashion and function. With their cool look, these soccer shoes help young players feel confident both on and off the field.
- Upper textured makes better ball control.
- Adjustable and durable hook and loop closure for great fitting, no need to tie the lace.
- Rubber molded cleats with rotational traction configuration allows stability and grip.
- Soft padded tongue can fit his/her instep well and reduce foot friction.
- Kids comfortable outdoor soccer cleats are good choices at football court, rugby field, sports hall and road.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Kids’ Soccer Shoes
Choosing the right soccer shoes for your young athlete is vital. Good shoes protect their feet and help them play better. This guide breaks down what matters most when you shop.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at soccer shoes, check these main features first. These details make a big difference in how the shoe performs.
- **Fit and Sizing:** The shoe must fit well right away. Kids’ feet grow fast, so leave about a half-inch of space between their longest toe and the end of the shoe. A snug midfoot prevents slipping inside the boot.
- **Traction (Studs/Cleats):** The bottom of the shoe has studs. These studs grip the ground. Different surfaces need different studs.
- **Ankle Support:** Younger players often need a bit more padding or a slightly higher cut around the ankle for stability.
- **Durability:** Kids play hard. The shoe needs strong stitching and tough materials so it lasts the whole season.
Understanding Soccer Shoe Types Based on Surface
The playing field changes the shoe you need. Using the wrong type hurts performance and the shoe itself.
Firm Ground (FG) Shoes
These are the most common. They have molded studs perfect for natural, dry grass fields. They offer balanced grip and comfort.
Artificial Grass (AG) or Turf (TF) Shoes
AG shoes have many shorter, often hollow studs. Turf shoes have tiny rubber nubs. These spread weight evenly on hard, synthetic fields, preventing the studs from digging in too deep.
Indoor Court (IC) Shoes
These look like sneakers with flat, non-marking rubber soles. They provide the best grip on smooth gym floors.
Important Materials in Kids’ Soccer Shoes
The materials affect how light the shoe feels and how long it lasts.
- **Uppers (The Top Part):** Many modern shoes use synthetic materials. Synthetics are lightweight and dry quickly. Leather is traditional; it molds to the foot over time but needs more care and is heavier when wet.
- **Soles/Outsoles:** This is the plastic or rubber base where the studs attach. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is common because it is light and flexible, which helps with quick movements.
- **Lining and Padding:** Good padding inside keeps blisters away. Look for breathable linings so feet stay cooler.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality often shows up in the details of construction.
What Makes a Shoe Better?
Higher quality shoes often feature a one-piece upper construction. This means fewer seams, which reduces irritation. Better sole plates use advanced stud configurations that allow for quicker pivots. Lightweight construction generally improves speed.
What Lowers Quality?
Shoes made with very thin, cheap plastic uppers tear easily. If the studs are glued on instead of molded directly into the soleplate, they might break off during rough play. Poorly stitched areas wear out fast.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how often your child plays.
For **recreational players** who play once a week, a durable mid-range synthetic shoe works well. Focus on comfort and proper fit.
For **travel or competitive players**, investing in a slightly lighter, better-fitting shoe might be worth it. They need excellent touch on the ball, which often comes from a thinner, responsive upper material.
Remember: Always break in new shoes before a big game. New shoes can cause rubbing or tightness until the foot adjusts.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kids’ Soccer Shoes
Q: How often should I replace my child’s soccer shoes?
A: You should replace them when they become too small or when the studs wear down significantly. For active kids, this might be every 6 to 12 months.
Q: Should I buy leather or synthetic shoes for my beginner?
A: Synthetic shoes are great for beginners. They are usually cheaper, easier to clean, and require no break-in time.
Q: My child’s feet sweat a lot. What should I look for?
A: Look for shoes labeled with “breathable” features or those that use mesh panels. Also, ensure they wear high-quality, moisture-wicking socks.
Q: Can my child wear FG (Firm Ground) cleats on artificial turf?
A: It is generally not recommended. FG studs can get stuck in turf, potentially causing knee or ankle injuries. Use AG or TF shoes for turf.
Q: How do I clean my kid’s muddy soccer shoes?
A: Rinse off the heavy mud with water. Use a soft brush and mild soap to clean the upper. Let them air dry completely, never put them in a dryer.
Q: Is it okay if the shoe is a little big so they can grow into it?
A: No. A shoe that is too big causes the foot to slide, leading to blisters, poor control, and possible ankle rolling. Fit is the most important factor.
Q: What is the main difference between a cheap shoe and an expensive shoe?
A: Expensive shoes are usually lighter, use better materials that offer superior ball control, and have more advanced soleplate technology for better stability.
Q: Do I need special socks with soccer shoes?
A: Yes. Soccer socks are usually thin and pulled up high. They provide light shin guard compression and help the shoe fit snugly around the ankle.
Q: Are there specific shoes for goalies?
A: Goalies usually use standard field shoes, but sometimes they prefer a slightly more padded or durable model for blocking shots, though specialized goalie boots are rare for kids.
Q: What is “break-in” time, and how long does it take?
A: Break-in time is when the shoe softens and molds to the unique shape of your child’s foot. For synthetics, it might take one or two short practices. Leather shoes take longer.