Does your young soccer star dream of scoring the winning goal? That dream starts with the right foundation, and for a budding athlete, that means the perfect pair of soccer shoes. But stepping into the world of kids’ cleats can feel overwhelming. So many styles, so many brands, and the pressure to get it “just right” for their developing feet and game can leave parents scratching their heads.
Choosing the wrong shoes can lead to discomfort, blisters, and even hinder their performance on the field. It’s a common challenge for parents who want to support their child’s passion but aren’t sure where to begin. This post cuts through the confusion. We’ll explore what truly matters when picking soccer shoes for kids, making the process a breeze.
By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident in choosing cleats that fit well, offer the right support, and help your child play their best. Get ready to lace up and get your young player ready for their next big game!
Our Top 5 Soccer Shoes For Kids Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Soccer Shoes For Kids Detailed Reviews
1. adidas Unisex-Kids Goletto IX Firm Ground/Multi Ground Soccer
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to hit the field with the adidas Unisex-Kids Goletto IX soccer cleats! These shoes are designed for young athletes who love to play soccer on different types of fields. The cool Lucid Blue, Lucid Lemon, and Dark Blue colors will make your kid stand out. They offer a great mix of comfort and performance for game days or practice.
What We Like:
- These cleats are super lightweight, so kids can run fast without feeling weighed down.
- The adjustable laces let you get a snug, secure fit every time.
- A soft textile lining makes the inside of the cleats comfortable for long wear.
- The synthetic upper is built to last and stays light.
- You can use these cleats on almost any field: dry grass, artificial turf, and even hard ground.
- They help kids control the ball and stay stable while playing.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s a good idea to buy these cleats a half size bigger.
The adidas Goletto IX cleats are a solid choice for young soccer players. They provide comfort and versatility for all kinds of play.
2. adidas Unisex-Kids Goletto IX Turf Soccer
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to dominate the artificial turf with the adidas Unisex-Kids Goletto IX Turf Soccer shoes! These shoes are designed to make young soccer players feel fast and comfortable on the field, no matter the weather. Their sleek black and white design looks super cool, and they’re built to last through all those intense games and practices. The Goletto IX is a fantastic choice for any kid who loves to play soccer.
What We Like:
- The adjustable laces give a super snug fit, so the shoes stay put even during quick turns and sprints.
- These shoes are really lightweight. This helps kids feel faster and less tired while playing.
- The synthetic upper is tough and can handle a lot of wear and tear.
- Inside, the textile lining feels soft and keeps feet comfy for the whole game.
- The special rubber outsole with lugs is made just for artificial turf. It gives great grip, so kids can change direction easily without slipping.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are lightweight, some players might prefer even more cushioning for long practice sessions.
- The sizing might run a little small for some kids, so it’s a good idea to try them on or check a size chart carefully.
These adidas Goletto IX soccer shoes offer great performance and comfort for young athletes on artificial turf. They are a solid option for any budding soccer star looking to improve their game.
3. DREAM PAIRS Boys Girls Outdoor Sport Football Shoes Soccer Cleats for Little/Big Kid
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to dominate the field with the DREAM PAIRS Boys Girls Outdoor Sport Football Shoes Soccer Cleats! These cleats are designed for young athletes looking to improve their game. They come in a cool Neon/Green/Black color and size 3 Little Kid, model SUPERFLIGHT-1K. Your child will love the way these shoes feel and perform.
What We Like:
- The lightweight and low-profile design helps players feel the ball better.
- The synthetic upper is tough and mostly waterproof, so the shoes last a long time.
- A comfy cushioned insole adds support and lets ankles move freely.
- Soft, breathable linings keep feet cool.
- The adjustable lace-up closure gives a secure fit.
- Rubber molded cleats offer great grip and help with quick turns.
What Could Be Improved:
- The logo on the shoe might be different than pictured due to inventory changes, but the quality stays the same.
These DREAM PAIRS soccer cleats are a solid choice for young soccer stars. They provide comfort and performance to help kids play their best.
4. Skerxut Soccer Cleats
Rating: 9.3/10
Gear up your young soccer star with the Skerxut Soccer Cleats for kids! These firm ground football shoes come in a cool Black/Blue color and are perfect for both boys and girls hitting the outdoor fields. Designed for little feet in size 12 (US sizing), they offer a medium fit for comfortable play.
What We Like:
- Versatile Design: These cleats work for any young player, whether they’re a boy or a girl. They’re made for playing on firm ground and for all sorts of outdoor sports.
- Firm Ground Traction: The special cleat pattern gives great grip on grassy fields and hard ground. This helps kids stay stable and avoid slipping.
- Athletic Performance: These shoes help young athletes move faster and be more agile. They’re built to boost performance during practices and games.
- Secure Fit: The laces let you tie them tight for a perfect fit. This is great because kids’ feet grow, and the laces keep the shoes snug during active play.
- Durable Construction: These cleats are tough! They can handle lots of use on the soccer field and still feel comfy and supportive.
What Could Be Improved:
- Color Options: While Black/Blue is a classic, offering a wider range of color choices could appeal to more individual styles.
- Sizing Guide: A more detailed sizing chart with specific measurements would be helpful to ensure the perfect fit for every child’s unique foot.
These Skerxut soccer cleats are a solid choice for young players. They offer great performance and durability for the price.
5. adidas Unisex-Kids Goletto IX Laceless Turf Soccer
Rating: 9.3/10
Unleash your young soccer star’s potential with the adidas Goletto IX Laceless Turf Soccer shoes! These kicks are built for speed and agility on artificial turf. Their bright white, black, and lucid lemon design looks awesome, and the laceless feature makes them super easy to slip on and off. Get ready for some serious playtime!
What We Like:
- The laceless design makes them a breeze to put on and take off.
- They offer great comfort and a snug fit, so feet feel secure.
- The synthetic leather upper looks and feels like real leather but is lighter.
- Perforations in the upper let feet breathe, keeping them cool.
- The special turf outsole grips artificial grass really well for amazing traction.
- These shoes are designed to be durable for lots of games and practices.
What Could Be Improved:
- They tend to run small, so remember to buy a size up.
These shoes are a fantastic option for young soccer players who want comfort and performance on turf. Just be sure to size up for the perfect fit!
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Soccer Shoes for Your Young Star
Finding the right soccer shoes for your child makes a big difference on the field. Good shoes help them play better, stay safe, and have more fun. This guide will help you pick the perfect pair.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for soccer shoes, keep these important things in mind:
Fit is King
- Snug but not tight: The shoe should feel snug around the foot, like a second skin. There should be a little room at the toe, about a thumb’s width. This lets their feet grow a bit and prevents blisters.
- Heel lock: Make sure the heel doesn’t slip out when they run or kick. A good heel lock means the shoe stays put.
- Comfortable insole: The inside of the shoe should feel soft and supportive.
Traction and Grip
- Studs/Cleats: These are the little nubs on the bottom of the shoe. They dig into the grass to give your child grip. Different types of fields need different studs.
- Firm Ground (FG): These are the most common and work well on natural grass fields that aren’t too wet or muddy. They have shorter, conical studs.
- Artificial Grass (AG): These have more, shorter, and blunter studs to prevent the shoe from getting stuck on artificial turf.
- Indoor (IN): These have flat, rubber soles with no studs for smooth gym floors.
- Good grip: The sole should help them change direction quickly without slipping.
Durability and Protection
- Reinforced toe box: The front of the shoe often takes a beating. A reinforced toe helps the shoes last longer.
- Ankle support: Some shoes offer a bit more padding or a higher cut around the ankle for extra support.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in soccer shoes affect how they feel and perform.
Uppers
- Synthetic leather: This is a popular choice. It’s lightweight, water-resistant, and easy to clean. It offers a good balance of feel and durability.
- Kangaroo leather: This is a premium material. It’s very soft and molds to the foot for a great feel and ball control. However, it’s more expensive and needs more care.
- Mesh: Some shoes use mesh in parts of the upper to make them more breathable and lighter.
Soles and Studs
- Rubber: Most indoor shoe soles are made of rubber for grip on smooth surfaces.
- TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): This is a strong plastic used for studs on firm ground and artificial grass shoes. It’s durable and provides good traction.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a soccer shoe great or not so great.
Quality Boosters
- Brand reputation: Well-known soccer brands often use better materials and have more experience designing performance shoes.
- Construction: How the shoe is put together matters. Good stitching and strong glue joints mean the shoe will last longer.
- Comfort features: Things like padded collars and tongues add to the overall comfort.
Quality Reducers
- Cheap materials: Shoes made with thin, flimsy plastic or low-quality synthetic materials won’t last long.
- Poor stitching: Loose or weak stitching can cause the shoe to fall apart quickly.
- Bad fit: Even the best shoe won’t perform well if it doesn’t fit your child properly.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How a child feels and plays in their shoes is the most important thing.
On the Field
- Better control: The right shoes help kids feel the ball better and kick it with more accuracy.
- Faster movement: Good grip allows them to sprint, turn, and stop quickly. This makes them feel more confident.
- Reduced injuries: Proper fit and good traction help prevent slips and falls, which can lead to sprains and other injuries.
- Enjoyment: When kids are comfortable and can play their best, they have more fun!
Beyond the Field
- Easy care: Synthetic shoes are usually easy to wipe clean after a game.
- Versatility: Some shoes can be worn for practice, games, and even just playing around in the backyard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know if the soccer shoes fit my child correctly?
A: Make sure there’s about a thumb’s width of space between their longest toe and the end of the shoe. The shoe should feel snug all around, and their heel shouldn’t slip up and down when they walk or run.
Q: What’s the difference between cleats and studs?
A: They are the same thing! They are the little nubs on the bottom of soccer shoes that help players grip the field.
Q: My child plays on artificial turf. What kind of shoes do they need?
A: Look for shoes labeled “Artificial Grass” (AG). These have more, shorter studs designed for turf fields.
Q: Are expensive soccer shoes always better?
A: Not always. While premium materials and brands can offer great performance, there are many good-quality, affordable options available. Focus on fit and features that match your child’s needs.
Q: How often should I replace my child’s soccer shoes?
A: Soccer shoes wear out with use. If they look worn down, the studs are damaged, or they no longer fit well, it’s time for a new pair.
Q: Can my child wear their soccer cleats for other sports?
A: It’s generally not recommended. Soccer cleats are designed for soccer fields. Wearing them for other sports, like baseball or football, can be dangerous and damage the shoes.
Q: What are the best materials for a child’s first soccer shoes?
A: Synthetic leather is a great choice for beginners. It’s durable, easy to clean, and offers good performance without being too expensive.
Q: Should I buy shoes that are a size too big so my child can grow into them?
A: No. Buying shoes that are too big can cause blisters, tripping, and poor performance. It’s better to buy shoes that fit well now.
Q: How important is the brand of the soccer shoe?
A: Brand can be an indicator of quality, but don’t let it be the only factor. Many less-known brands make excellent shoes. Focus on the shoe’s features and how it fits your child.
Q: My child complains their feet hurt after playing. What could be wrong?
A: It could be the shoes. Make sure they fit correctly, have enough cushioning, and are the right type for the playing surface. Sometimes, a different style or brand might be a better fit for their foot shape.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.