As parents, we want our kids to have the best possible experience when they step onto the soccer field. And a huge part of that is having the right gear, especially their soccer shoes. The right pair of cleats isn’t just about looking cool; it’s crucial for their safety, comfort, and performance. Ill-fitting or unsuitable footwear can lead to discomfort, blisters, and even injuries, taking the fun out of the game.
But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best soccer shoes for kids? It can feel a bit overwhelming, right? That’s why we’ve put together this guide! We’re diving deep into some of the top youth soccer cleats on the market, helping you find that perfect pair that’ll help your little superstar dribble, pass, and shoot with confidence.
Let’s lace up and find those game-changing cleats!
The Importance of the Right Youth Soccer Cleats
Before we jump into our top picks, let’s quickly chat about why choosing the right pair of kids’ athletic footwear is so important.
* Traction and Stability: Different field surfaces (firm ground, artificial grass, indoor) require specific sole patterns for optimal grip. The right sole prevents slips and helps with quick directional changes.
* Comfort: Kids’ feet are still developing. Comfortable soccer cleats with good cushioning and a proper fit reduce fatigue and prevent blisters.
* Ball Control: Features like textured uppers or specific strike zones can significantly improve a young player’s ability to control and manipulate the ball.
* Durability: Let’s face it, kids can be tough on their gear! You want a pair that can withstand countless practices and games.
* Safety: Proper support, especially around the ankle, can help prevent common soccer injuries.
Considering these factors, let’s explore our top 10 selections for the best soccer shoes for kids!
Our Top 10 Picks for the Best Soccer Shoes for Kids
1. adidas Goletto IX Firm Multi Ground Sneaker
The adidas Goletto IX is a fantastic all-rounder for active kids who play on various surfaces. It’s designed to be super lightweight, ensuring young players can move quickly and comfortably without feeling weighed down. The adjustable laces give a secure, snug fit, making sure little feet stay put during all the running and kicking. It’s a versatile choice that won’t hold them back, whether they’re on firm grass or artificial turf.
- Key Features:
- 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
- Pros:
- Versatile multi-ground outsole for various surfaces
- Lightweight design enhances speed and agility
- Snug, secure fit with adjustable laces
- Comfortable textile lining
- Durable synthetic upper
- Cons:
- May require buying a half size up for optimal fit
- User Impressions: Parents often praise these cleats for their versatility and great value, noting how comfortable their kids find them for practices and games on different fields. The secure fit is a big plus for active young players.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
2. New Balance Boy’s 442 V2 Academy FG Junior Soccer Shoe
The New Balance 442 V2 Academy FG Junior Soccer Shoe brings a touch of premium feel to youth soccer. With a re-designed stitching pattern, these cleats offer an unparalleled level of comfort and a great hand feel, which translates to better ball control for young players. The lightweight TPU plate ensures they get the stability and grip needed for firm ground pitches, helping them to perform their best.
- Key Features:
- Upper features a re-designed stitching pattern for a premium hand feel and unparalleled comfort
- Premium synthetic upper material
- Lightweight TPU plate with TPU stud tips
- Firm ground studs for use on firm ground pitches
- Comfortable lining to improve the first foot feel
- Pros:
- Premium feel with re-designed stitching for enhanced comfort and ball touch
- Lightweight yet stable TPU plate
- Excellent grip for firm ground pitches
- Comfortable internal lining
- Cons:
- Primarily designed for firm ground, less versatile for other surfaces
- User Impressions: Many users highlight the impressive comfort and quality of the upper, often mentioning that their kids feel confident and comfortable on the field, especially on natural grass.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
3. adidas Child-Unisex Goletto VII Firm Ground Soccer Cleats
For young players who primarily hit firm natural grass fields, the adidas Goletto VII Firm Ground Soccer Cleats are a reliable pick. These juniors’ cleats are engineered for speed and traction, featuring a lightweight synthetic upper that won’t weigh down their quick movements. The specialized cleated outsole provides solid grip, giving them the confidence to accelerate, cut, and score.
- Key Features:
- 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
- Pros:
- Excellent traction and stability on firm ground
- Lightweight synthetic upper for speed
- Durable and reliable for dedicated firm ground play
- Cons:
- Runs small, requiring a size up
- Less suitable for artificial turf or hard ground
- User Impressions: Customers appreciate the straightforward design and effective performance on natural grass. The lightweight feel is a common positive, though the sizing note is crucial for new buyers.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
4. New Balance Furon Team FG V8 Soccer Shoe
If your child is looking to play like the pros, the New Balance Furon Team FG V8 Soccer Shoe is a fantastic choice, worn by stars like Bukayo Saka! These shoes are all about speed and precision, featuring an extended strike zone for optimal ball touch and a responsive dual-injected TPU outsole with updated T-studs for maximum speed and sharp movements in all directions. It’s a shoe built to help young attackers shine.
- Key Features:
- Extended strike zone for optimized ball touch
- Responsive, dual-injected TPU outsole with speed control studs for ultimate ground control and sharp movement
- Updated T-studs for maximum speed in all directions
- Firm ground studs for use on firm ground pitches
- Furon range worn by Bukayo Saka, Sadio Mané, Michelle Cooper and Eberechi Eze
- Pros:
- Designed for speed and agility, enhancing performance
- Extended strike zone improves ball control and touch
- Excellent ground control with speed control studs
- Inspired by professional players
- Cons:
- Optimized for firm ground, may not be ideal for other surfaces
- User Impressions: Kids aspiring to play at a higher level love the feel and responsiveness of these cleats, often reporting a noticeable improvement in their ability to make quick turns and handle the ball with confidence on firm pitches.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
5. brooman Kids Firm Ground Soccer Cleats Boys Girls Athletic
For a practical and comfortable option, the brooman Kids Firm Ground Soccer Cleats are a great pick. These cleats feature an upper with a textured design for better ball control, helping young players develop their skills. What really sets them apart for younger kids (and parents!) is the adjustable hook and loop closure, meaning no more fiddling with laces. Plus, the soft padded tongue ensures a snug and comfortable fit, reducing friction during play.
- Key Features:
- 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.
- Pros:
- Convenient hook and loop closure (no laces)
- Textured upper for improved ball control
- Comfortable padded tongue
- Good stability and grip on firm ground
- Versatile for various outdoor surfaces
- Cons:
- May not offer the same level of advanced performance features as premium brands
- User Impressions: Parents frequently praise the hook and loop closure for making it easy for kids to put on and take off their shoes independently. The overall comfort and decent grip are also commonly mentioned positives.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
6. Kids Sneakers for Boys Girls Running Tennis Shoes
While not strictly traditional soccer cleats, these Kids Sneakers offer a fantastic multi-sport solution for active children. If your child plays soccer occasionally but also participates in other activities like running or tennis, these provide cushioned comfort and excellent shock absorption. The wear-resistant outsole and anti-collision toe ensure durability and safety, making them a versatile choice for sports halls, playgrounds, and light outdoor play.
- Key Features:
- Fabric shoe, with cushioned insole, add comfort to make your child more relaxed and comfortable when wearing.
- Fabric with padded collar, cushioned comfort insole. keeping the feet dry,prevents soles sweating and to help reduce odor.
- The soles of our kids athletic sneakers have a shock absorbing technology that protects against bone and muscle strains, and keeps your kid’s knees, ankles and spine supported.
- Wear-resistant outsole and anti-collision shoes head. tennis shoes can be strong bending without deform and excellent shock absorption, make children more safe.
- These Kids Sports Sneakers is perfect for Tennis,walking,hiking,playing,dancing,jogging,running exercise.
- Pros:
- Excellent for multi-sport use beyond just soccer
- Superior cushioning and shock absorption
- Breathable fabric to prevent sweating and odor
- Durable, wear-resistant outsole and anti-collision toe
- Comfortable for extended wear
- Cons:
- Not designed with traditional soccer cleats/studs, so traction on soft grass/muddy pitches may be limited
- May not provide the specialized ball control of dedicated soccer shoes
- User Impressions: Users love the versatility and comfort for everyday active wear and various sports. Parents appreciate the shock-absorbing technology for protecting growing feet and joints during high-impact activities.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
7. DREAM PAIRS Boys Girls Soccer Cleats Youth Firm Groud
DREAM PAIRS offers youth soccer cleats that blend style, comfort, and performance, making them a solid choice for aspiring players. These lightweight cleats feature rubber molded anti-slip studs, providing reliable grip and maneuverability on firm natural grass pitches. The colorful, textured synthetic upper is not only durable but also enhances ball touch, ensuring your child can play hard and look good doing it.
- Key Features:
- Grip & Traction: These kids’ soccer shoes feature rubber molded anti-slip studs for superior grip and maneuverability.
- Stylish Synthetic Upper: Crafted with a colorful and textured upper, these durable kids’ soccer shoes offer comfort and exceptional durability, perfect for young athletes who play hard.
- Lightweight Design: Designed to be lightweight and soft, these comfortable soccer cleats ensure your child’s feet feel great, allowing them to focus on the game.
- Supportive Insole: With a cushioned insole, these soccer cleats for kids provide added comfort, reducing fatigue and allowing your child to have good perform throughout the game.
- Firm Surface Play: Ideal for common playing surfaces like firmer natural grass pitches, these firm ground soccer shoes are the perfect choice for young soccer enthusiasts.
- Pros:
- Good grip and traction on firm ground
- Stylish and durable synthetic upper
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Cushioned insole for reduced fatigue
- Excellent value for budding players
- Cons:
- Primarily for firm ground, may lack optimal performance on other surfaces
- User Impressions: Many parents rave about the vibrant designs and how comfortable their kids find these cleats, especially given the affordable price point. The solid traction is frequently mentioned as a plus for young players.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
8. PUMA Future Match Firm Artificial Ground Sneaker
The PUMA Future Match cleat is designed for the modern young player who demands flexibility and precision. Featuring innovative FusionFit technology, it combines lightweight mesh, stretchy knit, and supportive TAPE for an adaptive, locked-in feel. This means freedom of movement combined with crucial stability. What’s truly impressive is its versatile outsole, offering excellent stability and grip on both firm ground and artificial turf, perfect for players needing performance across different conditions.
- Key Features:
- INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY: FusionFit upper combines a lightweight mesh, stretchy knit and a supportive TAPE, for a supportive fit and freedom of movement.
- FLEXIBLE SUPPORT: Stretchy knit for a flexible, supportive fit and freedom of movement.
- LOCKED-IN STABILITY: A supportive tape across the midfoot for lockdown and stability. Embossed details at key ball contact zones for enhanced touch and control.
- 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.
- Pros:
- Innovative FusionFit technology for adaptive support
- Excellent multi-surface traction (FG/AG)
- Enhanced ball touch and control
- Locked-in stability for dynamic play
- Designed for older, more experienced young players
- Cons:
- May be a higher price point compared to basic options
- Could be considered “overkill” for very casual younger players
- User Impressions: Parents of older kids often highlight the advanced feel and performance benefits, noting how the cleats provide both comfort and the necessary support for more competitive play on various fields.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
9. adidas Goletto IX Laceless Firm Multi Ground Sneaker
The adidas Goletto IX Laceless cleat takes convenience and performance to the next level for juniors. The laceless design creates a clean strike zone, perfect for accurate passing and powerful shots, without the worry of untied laces. Crafted with a lightweight synthetic upper and a padded collar, these provide comfort and durability. Their firm/multi-ground outsole ensures speed and control on various surfaces, making them a versatile and hassle-free choice for any young player. Plus, they’re made with recycled materials – a win for the planet!
- Key Features:
- Juniors’ laceless soccer cleats with a padded collar for play on multiple surfaces
- 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
- SYNTHETIC OUTSOLE: Firm/multi-ground outsole for speed and control on multiple surfaces
- 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
- Pros:
- Laceless design for a clean strike zone and convenience
- Versatile multi-ground outsole
- Lightweight and durable synthetic upper
- Padded collar for extra comfort
- Eco-friendly with recycled content
- Cons:
- Fit might be less adjustable than lace-up versions for some foot types
- Potentially a slightly higher price due to laceless technology
- User Impressions: Kids love the freedom and sleek look of the laceless design, while parents appreciate the eco-conscious construction. The solid performance on different field types is also a frequent highlight.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
10. adidas Goletto IX Laceless Turf Sneaker
Specifically designed for artificial turf surfaces, the adidas Goletto IX Laceless Turf Sneaker offers excellent performance with maximum comfort. The laceless construction provides easy entry, a secure lockdown, and an unhindered surface for ball contact, boosting confidence. Its lightweight polyurethane leather upper feels premium and is perforated for breathability, keeping feet cool. The lugged rubber outsole is perfectly engineered for artificial turf, giving fantastic traction and control where it’s needed most.
- Key Features:
- Juniors’ durable soccer shoes with an artificial turf outsole for excellent performance
- 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
- TURF SOCCER OUTSOLE: A lugged rubber outsole specially designed for artificial turf surfaces provides great traction
- Pros:
- Optimized for artificial turf with specialized outsole
- Laceless design for clean strike and easy wear
- Breathable perforated upper
- Durable, lightweight synthetic leather
- Comfortable lockdown fit
- Cons:
- Not suitable for firm natural grass or muddy pitches
- Less versatile than multi-ground options
- User Impressions: Users playing predominantly on artificial turf absolutely love these for their dedicated grip and comfort on that surface. The laceless entry is a favorite for quick transitions from street to field.
- Call to Action: See it on Amazon here
FAQ: Choosing the Best Soccer Shoes for Kids
Choosing the right pair of soccer shoes for your child can bring up a lot of questions. Here are some common ones parents ask:
Q1: What’s the difference between Firm Ground (FG), Artificial Ground (AG), Multi-Ground (MG), and Turf (TF) cleats?
A:
* Firm Ground (FG): Designed for natural grass fields that are dry and firm. They usually have conical or bladed studs for optimal traction.
* Artificial Ground (AG): Specifically for artificial grass pitches (longer, carpet-like turf). AG cleats often have more, shorter, hollow studs to distribute pressure and reduce stud friction.
* Multi-Ground (MG): A versatile option with a stud pattern that works well on both firm natural grass and artificial turf. Great for kids who play on various surfaces.
* Turf (TF): Features many small rubber nubs for excellent grip on older, shorter artificial turf fields or even hard indoor surfaces. Not suitable for natural grass.
Q2: How do I find the right size for my child’s soccer shoes?
A: Fit is paramount!
1. Measure: Have your child stand and measure their foot length.
2. Try On: Always try shoes on with the type of socks they’ll wear for soccer.
3. Wiggle Room: There should be about a thumb’s width of space between their longest toe and the end of the shoe.
4. Snug, Not Tight: The shoe should feel snug around the sides and heel, but not uncomfortably tight or pinching.
5. Walk Around: Have them walk, jog, and do some light movements to ensure comfort.
Remember that some brands (like adidas Goletto models we saw) might run small, so always check reviews and sizing guides!
Q3: How often should I replace my child’s soccer cleats?
A: This depends on several factors:
* Growth: Kids’ feet grow quickly! You’ll likely need new shoes every 6-12 months due to growth spurts.
* Wear and Tear: Check for worn-down studs, holes in the upper, or separating soles.
* Comfort: If your child complains of discomfort or pain, it might be time for a new pair.
Q4: Are laceless soccer cleats a good option for kids?
A: Yes, they can be great!
* Convenience: No laces to tie or come undone during a game.
* Clean Strike Zone: Provides a smooth surface for better ball contact.
* Secure Fit: Modern laceless designs offer a snug, supportive fit.
However, some kids might prefer the adjustable fit of traditional laces, especially if they have unique foot shapes.
Q5: What materials are best for kids’ soccer shoes?
A: Most youth soccer cleats use synthetic materials.
* Synthetic Leather: Durable, lightweight, water-resistant, and often more affordable. They can offer a good “feel” for the ball.
* Knit/Mesh: Found in more advanced models, these offer breathability, flexibility, and a sock-like fit.
Kangaroo leather (k-leather) is premium but rarely found in youth sizes due to cost and durability concerns for kids.
Q6: Is ankle support important for children’s soccer cleats?
A: While ankle support is a factor, most modern soccer cleats are low-cut to allow for maximum ankle mobility, which is crucial for quick movements. What’s more important is a secure fit through the midfoot and heel to prevent the foot from sliding around inside the shoe. If your child has a history of ankle issues, consult a professional or consider taping.
Q7: Should I buy a cheaper pair for beginners?
A: For very young beginners or those just trying out the sport, a more budget-friendly pair is often sufficient. They won’t wear them out as quickly, and their feet will grow fast. As they progress and play more frequently, investing in a slightly higher-quality shoe with better features like enhanced traction, durability, and comfort becomes more beneficial.
Conclusion
Picking the best soccer shoes for kids doesn’t have to be a headache. By understanding the different types of cleats and what to look for, you can make an informed decision that supports your child’s passion for the game. Whether they need a versatile multi-ground cleat, a specialized firm ground option, or something super comfortable for everyday play, there’s a perfect pair out there.
Remember to prioritize fit, consider the playing surface, and always opt for comfort and proper support. With the right soccer footwear, your child will be well on their way to enjoying every kick, sprint, and goal! Happy playing!