Safety should always be a top priority for youth soccer players. Although there are many ways to prioritize a young athlete’s health on the field, one detail that many parents and coaches often overlook is the choice of footwear. Properly fitted cleats not only help kids remain comfortable during matches and practices, but also help prevent injuries and keep growing feet healthy. In some cases, cleats can even help improve performance. Learn how to buy the best soccer cleats for kids as well as other important details about this important aspect of your child’s uniform.

Why Soccer Cleats Matter for Kids’ Safety and Performance

For many kids, a pair of soccer cleats may seem like nothing more than a fun and stylish accessory to wear during practice or a big match. However, soccer cleats are much more important than the way they look on the players. Cleats add traction between the athlete’s foot and the field surface, which can help players move and change directions faster, often improving performance.

Cleats can also prevent players from slipping and falling. Furthermore, when a child’s cleats fit properly, they stabilize the foot and joints in the lower body, potentially preventing injuries like ankle sprains. Well-fitted cleats are a must for comfort and to prevent issues like blisters from forming during a match. When young players are physically comfortable, they are able to focus and perform at their peak ability.

Different Types of Soccer Cleats for Kids

When searching for the best soccer cleats for kids, it’s important to remember that not all soccer shoes are created equally. You should start by considering the type of cleats your child needs, a selection that largely depends on the surface of the field where they play.

Grass/Outdoor Cleats:

Youth soccer cleats for grass and most outdoor surfaces are typically called “firm ground” (FG) cleats. Their molded studs, which are usually made from plastic or rubber, are designed with traction and stability in mind.

Turf Soccer Cleats:

If your child plays on synthetic surfaces, you will want to look for turf soccer cleats. These cleats have many tiny rubber studs that help athletes gain traction on fields with artificial turf. Some players even use them for practice on grass fields because they are more comfortable and may provide more stability.

Indoor Soccer Cleats:

Indoor soccer cleats for kids are ideal for young athletes who play inside in gyms or on other types of flooring. They feature flat rubber soles that are designed to grip smooth surfaces, and they tend to be more flexible and lightweight than FG or turf cleats.

How to Choose the Best Soccer Cleats for Kids

Once you have narrowed down the type of cleats you need, you will need to determine how to choose soccer cleats for your specific child. This usually involves finding the right fit, choosing between boys’ and girls’ soccer cleats and considering any additional key features that ensure your child’s comfort and safety on the field.

Fit and Comfort:

Choosing the right fit is extremely important, especially for young players whose feet are still growing. Cleats that fit poorly are uncomfortable, unsafe, and could even cause physical problems, ranging from blisters to more serious injuries.

How should soccer cleats fit? Generally, soccer cleats are designed to be snug — more so than shoes for other sports. However, you want to ensure your child can wiggle their toes inside the shoes, or they may be too tight. Always have your child try the shoes on in person before making a purchase and remember that a higher price doesn’t always mean a better pair of shoes for your child.

Girls’ vs. Boys’ Soccer Cleats

Girls’ and boys’ soccer cleats also fit differently, so consider your child’s sex when making a purchase for optimal support. Boys’ cleats are typically wider, while cleats for girls are narrower, especially at the heel.

Key Features to Search for Include:

Several other features to consider when shopping for soccer cleats for kids include the following:

• Style: Soccer cleats come in a variety of styles and colors, including lace-less shoes and shoes that mimic the styles of professional athletes.

• Skill level: Typically, new players should choose cleats with comfort in mind, while more advanced players may want to focus on performance-enhancing features.

• Material: Leather is comfortable but not ideal for wet conditions. Synthetic leather is more durable and often more affordable but may not be as comfortable or last as long, while mesh is lightweight and comfortable but may not be as durable as other options.

• Other safety features: Look for shoes with extra features to help prevent injuries. For example, molded cleats offer more ankle stability.

Where to Buy Soccer Cleats for Kids

If you’re wondering, “Where can I buy soccer cleats,” you have many options. Ideally, you want to shop in person rather than online. If you see a great deal online, find a store to try the shoes on in person, and when you find the right fit, go home and order the same pair at the lowest price. Sporting goods stores and stores that specialize in soccer gear will have the biggest selections, but you can also try small shoe stores that specialize in athletic footwear or even department stores. Another option may be a store that sells a specific brand, like your local Nike, New Balance, or Adidas store.

Set Your Young Player Up for Success

Choosing well-fitting, comfortable soccer cleats for youth soccer players is a great way to prevent injuries, improve performance, and enhance confidence on the field. Just keep in mind that kids’ feet grow at a rapid pace, and cleats that fit one day may not fit a few months later. Once you buy your child’s shoes, take time to learn how to break in soccer cleats for added comfort. Taking care of them and learning how to clean soccer cleats can also help them last longer.

Is your child ready to play soccer? Join a Northeast Rush team today. With clubs in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York, NE Rush is a premier youth soccer program that offers a player-centered approach, talented full- and part-time coaches, and an environment that fosters long-term development.