Soccer guide
How to choose soccer cleats for kids
Pick soccer cleats that fit well, feel comfortable and match the surface your child plays on, which is usually firm grass or turf. Brand and price matter far less than fit for a young beginner. Here is how to check fit and surface.
The quick answer
The best soccer shoes for a child are the ones that fit properly, feel comfortable, and are made for the surface they will play on. Soccer cleats have studs (also called cleats) on the bottom for traction on grass. Other kinds of shoes are built for turf or indoor courts. For a young beginner, a basic, comfortable pair of cleats is all that is needed. Expensive models offer little benefit at this stage.
Match the shoe to the surface
| Shoe type | Bottom of the shoe | Typical surface |
|---|---|---|
| Firm ground cleats | Molded studs, often bladed or round | Natural grass and many firm fields |
| Soft ground cleats | Longer, often removable studs | Wet or muddy natural grass, mostly older players |
| Artificial grass or multi-ground cleats | Many short studs | Artificial turf fields, and often fine on firm grass too |
| Turf shoes | Small rubber nubs | Short artificial turf, and casual play on hard surfaces |
| Indoor shoes | Flat, non-marking rubber sole | Gym floors and indoor courts |
Most families need one pair. Firm ground cleats, or a multi-ground pair, handle most youth fields. If you are not sure, ask your coach what the team plays on. Some fields do not allow metal studs, and some leagues require cleats to be checked, so ask before buying anything unusual.
How to check the fit
- Try them on with soccer socks. Bring the same type of socks the player will wear in games.
- Shop later in the day. Feet are often slightly larger after being active.
- Check the toes. There should be a little room at the front, about a thumb's width in many cases, so toes are not jammed. Too much space makes the foot slide.
- Check the heel. The heel should stay snug without lifting out when the child walks and jogs.
- Check the width. The shoe should not squeeze the sides of the foot or leave blisters.
- Have the child walk, jog and kick. They should say how it feels, not just nod.
Sizing differs by brand, and there is no safe rule that applies to every child. Do not rely on an age or a size chart alone. A well fitting shoe matters more than any specific feature.
The growth problem
Children grow quickly, so parents often buy shoes that are too big and plan for the child to grow into them. A shoe that is too large can cause blisters, tripping and poor control of the ball. A modest amount of room is fine, but a lot is not. Consider buying used cleats from a team swap or a trusted source, as many young players outgrow shoes long before the soles wear out. Check inside a used pair for wear and be sure studs are not loose or damaged.
Materials and features in plain English
- Synthetic upper
- The top of the shoe is made from man-made material. It is common in youth cleats, lighter than leather in many cases, and easy to clean.
- Leather upper
- Natural or genuine leather that tends to mold to the foot over time. It may need more care and can feel heavier when wet.
- Studs
- The raised parts on the sole that grip the ground. They can be round or bladed. Check that they are not worn down or damaged.
- Insole
- The cushion inside the shoe under the foot. Some are removable.
Brand and price are not the same as fit. A mid-range shoe that fits well is better than a premium shoe that rubs. Price varies a lot, so shop around and consider last season's models.
Caring for cleats
- Knock off mud and grass after play and wipe the shoes with a damp cloth.
- Let them dry at room temperature, away from heaters and direct sun, since high heat can damage glue and materials.
- Do not store wet cleats in a closed bag for days. Take them out to air.
- Do not wear cleats on pavement or concrete. It wears the studs and is slippery.
- Check the laces, studs and the sole every so often.
Do not forget the rest of the basics
Cleats are only one piece. Shin guards, socks and a ball in the right size are also needed, and many leagues require shin guards for both practices and games. Use the youth soccer equipment checklist to cover everything, and read how to prepare for soccer season to plan ahead.
When to stop and get help
If a child complains of foot or heel pain, blisters, or discomfort that does not go away, do not make them play through it. Try a different shoe and talk to a doctor or athletic trainer about persistent pain.
When to replace cleats
Children rarely wear out cleats before they outgrow them, but there are signs that a pair has reached the end. Replace them when your child complains of tight toes or heel rubbing, when the child's toes touch the front of the shoe, when studs are cracked, broken or worn nearly flat, or when the upper has holes or the sole is separating from the shoe. Check fit at the start of every season, and again partway through for fast-growing children, rather than waiting for a complaint. Some children will not tell you the shoes hurt, because they want to keep playing.
It also helps to keep a spare pair of socks and a small towel in the bag. A wet, cold foot is more likely to blister. If your child plays on more than one type of surface, an extra pair that suits the second surface may be worth it, but do not feel pressure to buy several pairs. Many beginners do fine with one. For a quick look at how all the gear fits together, the warm-up and injury prevention basics guide covers field checks and shoe habits too.
Finally, let your child have a say in color and style within your budget. A child who likes their cleats is more likely to take care of them and look forward to wearing them.
In BlackForge Sports: BlackForge Sports is live for youth baseball today and soccer is on our roadmap. Join the early-access list and tell us you want soccer next, and we will let you know when it is ready. Get early access →
Sources and further reading
- OrthoKids - Athletic Shoes OrthoKids (AAOS / POSNA)
- Law 4 - The Players' Equipment The IFAB
- Soccer Injuries in Children and Adolescents (AAP clinical report) HealthyChildren.org / American Academy of Pediatrics
Links open in a new tab. Quotations are short excerpts, included with attribution for commentary. BlackForge Sports is not affiliated with or endorsed by the people or organizations named.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of cleats do beginners need?
A comfortable pair of firm ground or multi-ground cleats is enough for most beginners on grass or turf. Ask your coach about the team's fields.
Can kids wear soccer cleats on turf?
Often yes, if the turf rules allow it, but a multi-ground or turf shoe may grip better. Check with your league.
How much room should there be in the toe?
A little room, often about a thumb's width, with a snug heel. Have your child walk, jog and kick in the shoes before buying.
Should I buy cleats a size bigger so they last longer?
A modest amount of room is fine, but shoes that are too big cause blisters and poor control. Consider used cleats instead.
How do I clean soccer cleats?
Brush off mud, wipe with a damp cloth and let them dry at room temperature away from direct heat.