10 Best Soccer Cleats For Kids 2023 + Tips On How To Choose The Best Cleats

Soccer cleats or shoes are important equipment any kid must not go without because they protect against injuries to the foot and also play a major role in his or her performance on the field. To be able to achieve both results please read my 10 best soccer cleats for kids.

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Tips

It is very important that the cleats you choose must be comfortable and should not be causing blisters and sprains to your kid’s feet or are too heavy and your kid can barely run.

All soccer cleats below are Firm Ground configuration meaning they can be used outdoors on natural ground and some on turf as well.

If you are unsure if the size will fit your kid’s feet please choose 1/5 – 1 size up.

Check out my guide on how to measure your kid’s feet here.

As young kids are basically beginners, the main priorities these soccer cleats must satisfy are comfort, safety, and performance.

Follow me as I review each soccer cleat.

10 Best Soccer Cleats For Kids 2023

1. Joma Kids’ Toledo JR MD 24 Soccer Shoes 

 Features:

• Size: 4  Big Kid – 6 Big Kid
• Fit: As Expected – 76%
• Materials:
  • Upper: High-Quality Synthetic Fibertec
  • Outsole: High-Quality Rubber
  • Interior: Brushed Nylon
• Gender: Boys & Girls
• Suitable For Indoor & Outdoor Use – Grass/Turf

Pros:

• Low Profile Studs – Good Stability

Cons:

• No Size Chart Available

If you are looking for the first shoe for your kid that does not put a dent in your pocket then this shoe could be the one!

The low-profile studs under the shoe are meant for use on both grass and turf so this should resolve your worries about stability.

The soles are made of high-quality rubber so they will provide good traction when running on the field.

The upper covering of the shoe is made of synthetic fiber that will provide good protection against scrapes and cushion the feet when kicking.

Inside the shoe is lined with brushed nylon that should absorb the impact of running and jumping on the ground surface without hurting the ankles and the knees.

This is also a good spare shoe to store in your car in the event you forgot to bring your kid’s favorite training shoes.

My Rating: 4.7/5

2. Hawkwell Kids Athletic  Soccer Shoes

Features:

• Fit: As Expected – 82%
• Size: Toddler To Big Kid
• Size Chart Available
• 14 Other Colors To Choose From
• Rubber Sole
• Synthetic Upper For Durability
• Soft Textile Lining

Pros:

• Rubber Sole For Stability

Cons:

• Size Runs Smaller For Some Kids

This is a good shoe for kids who are still beginners and still learning basic soccer skills.

The rubber sole adds to the stability and good traction.

The upper is made of synthetic fabric for durability and also protection from any stray boots or kicking the ball.

Inside the shoe has a soft textile lining for comfort.

Good practice shoes for beginners and goalkeepers.

My Rating: 4.6/5

3. Adidas Kids’ Copa 19.4 FG Soccer Shoe

 Features:

• Fit: As Expected – 79%
• Weight: 10.2 Oz
• Size: Little Kid (4-8 Years), Big Kid (8-12 Years)
• Size Chart Available
• 5 Colors To Choose From – Check Other Colors
• Synthetic Leather
• Synthetic Sole And Upper For Durability
• TPU Studs & Soleplates

Pros:

• Affordable Price

Cons:

• No Fold-Over Tongue

At 11 oz the Kids Copa 19.4 is not the lightest of Adidas kid’s soccer shoes but it is built for durability with a lot of emphasis on comfort, even for the wide feet.

The upper is constructed of synthetic leather and TPU for the studs and soleplate, a typical shoe for defenders who will make some tackles.

For less than $15 this is a good value for money.

My Rating: 4.7/5

4. Adidas Kids’ Goletto VI FG Soccer Shoe

 Features:

• Fit: As Expected – 84%
• Size: 1-12 Years Old
• Size Chart Available
• 1 Other Color To Choose From
• Synthetic Sole And Upper For Durability
• Lace Closure
• Flexible Ground Outsole For Maximum Traction On Firm Ground (Dry Natural Grass)

Pros:

• Breathable – Ideal For Summer

Cons:

• Runs Small On Some Kids

Built for stability and speed on firm ground, the Goletto 6 comes in 2 colors and one is pink!

I am sure your daughter will love this shoe.

This shoe comes with 11 studs that are evenly spread out to ensure your child’s feet are stable when running and turning.

The upper is made of synthetic leather which is the standard these days and they provide an excellent cushion to absorb the impact of kicking the ball and protection as well.

The shoe is breathable which makes it for playing in the summer.

I like this soccer shoe because there is nothing fancy about it but it covers all the basic requirements for a kid’s shoe.

My Rating: 4.7/5

5. Nike Kids Jr Mercurial Victory V FG Soccer Shoe

 Features:

• Type: Firm Ground
• Outsole: Molded Rubber
• Upper: Synthetic Leather
• Size: 1Y – 5Y – Chart Provided
• Fit As Expected: 86%

Pros:

• Authentic Nike Brand

Cons:

• Narrow For Some Kids

The Nike Kids Jnr Mercurial Victory comes in exciting  9 colors you can choose for your kid.

If you have a daughter, the color pink will surely win her heart.

Constructed with synthetic leather the shoe looks sleek without any noticeable stitching but it is comfortable and durable for hard training.

There are 10 rubber molded studs that will give your kid the stability and traction he or she needs when playing on the field.

This is a great shoe for kids who are playing in a team and wanted to stand out from the rest in bright-colored shoes.

Great shoes for forwards such as strikers and wingers.

My Rating: 4.8/5

6. Diadora Kids’ Cattura MD Jr Soccer Shoe 

Features:

• Type: Firm Ground
• Outsole: Molded Rubber
• Upper: Synthetic Leather
• Size: 4 – 12-Year-Old – Chart Provided
• Fit As Expected: 86%
• Color Options: 2

Pros:

• Stitched Outsole For Durability

Cons:

• The size Runs A Bit Small

This runs a bit small for some kids so it would be a good idea to select a size up to your kid’s feet perfectly. Having said that, this shoe is very durable because the rubber outsole is stitched to the upper.

The 14 rubber molded studs are great for traction and stability for your kid’s feet.

This shoe is perfect for beginners as they are still trying to familiarise themselves with wearing a soccer shoe.

My Rating: 4.6/5

7. Puma Kids’ Spirit FG Soccer Shoe 

Features:

• Type: Firm Ground
• Outsole: Rubber
• Upper: Synthetic
• Size: 4 – 12 Years Old
• Fit As Expected: 93%
• Color Options: 4

Pros:

• Good Value For Money

Cons:

• Shoe Is A Bit Narrow

For under $20 this shoe clearly outmatched others in the same price range.

The upper is constructed with glossy synthetic leather which gives a smooth look.

This is definitely the shoe to buy if you are looking for quality and price.

My Rating: 4.7/5

8. Vizari Palomar FG Soccer Cleat

 Features:

• Fit: True To Size
• Size: 1-12 Years Old
• 2 Other Colors To Choose From
• 100% Synthetic
• TPU Rubber Sole
• Mesh Lining For Comfort And Breathability
• 2 Color Molded Rubber Outsole

Pros:

• Good For Beginners

Cons:

• A Bit narrow For Some Kids

Perfect features for any beginner who is still learning to play soccer without having to spend a fortune on fancy shoes.

The rubber outsole with 14 evenly spread studs makes the shoe very stable and provides excellent traction on the ground.

The upper is 100% synthetic which makes the shoe durable and also protects the feet by cushioning any impact from kicking the ball.

Inside the shoe, it has a mesh lining for comfort and breathability, especially during warm weather.

My Rating: 4.6/5

9. Adidas Kids’ Predator 19.3 FG Soccer Shoe

 Features:

• Fit: As Expected – 77%
• Weight: 11 Oz
• Size: 1 – 13.5 Little Kid
• Size Chart Available
• 6 Other Colors To Choose From – Check Other Colors
• Upper Material: Coated Primemesh
• Stud & Sole Plate: TPU & Rubber

Pros:

• High Top Elastic Socks For Comfort

Cons:

• Sizing Issues – Make Sure To Select One Size Up

Not to be confused with Predator 19.4 this model is quite different without losing its trademark Predator function.

The first noticeable feature is the high-top elastic socks which offer protection and stability to the player’s ankles without restricting movement.

The upper is made of coated primemesh material which is different from synthetic fabric with stitching running over the toe area to provide a grippy feel.

This is the main feature of the predator shoe which is to give an excellent feel of the ball.

The stud and the soleplate are constructed of TPU and rubber to ensure good traction on the ground and comfort to the player’s feet.

Good for match games and kids who are more experienced in playing soccer.

Ideal for midfielders.

This is a top-quality shoe for its price.

My Rating: 4.8/5

10. Dream Pairs Soccer Shoes

Features:

• Type: Firm Ground
• Anti-Slip Conical Stud
• Upper: Synthetic Leather
• Size: Toddler, Little Kid, And Big Kid – Size Chart Available
• Fit As Expected: 86%
• Color Options: 12 – Check Other Colors

Pros:

• Good Value For Money

Cons:

• Confusing Size Chart

Dream Pairs products range from winter boots, to office shoes, and now soccer shoes so this little-known brand is already in the footwear business.

The upper is made of synthetic fiber in 6 different colors you can choose to suit your kid’s team uniform with a tribal print on the outside of the shoe.

The outer sole has 11 equally spread conical studs to ensure good traction for the young player and most importantly stability without causing any stress to the ankles.

The shoe comes with an elastic high-top sock for complete protection to the ankles and still be flexible for movement.

However, some kids do not like this feature as they find it a bit irritating to their ankles.

I recommend this shoe for kids who have worn more than 1 pair of shoes in the past in order to appreciate the elastic high-top socks which I think is a good feature.

Good value for money

My Rating: 4.7/5

How To Choose The Best Soccer Cleats For Kids – Parents Guide

Besides a soccer ball, a pair of soccer cleats is a must-have piece of equipment. I am going to help you point out what to look for when choosing the best soccer cleats for kids so that you can shop with a good knowledge of what to expect.

Soccer is the world’s most popular sport and soccer cleat manufacturers are racing to get their share of the soccer footwear market.

Besides Adidas and Nike, other brands are emerging and boasting technological innovation in their products. Therefore it is totally understandable if you are confused and I am happy to help point out what to look for.

Shopping for soccer cleats for kids does not require you to be a rocket scientist.

What To Consider

First of all, the reasons for buying your kid’s first soccer cleats should be safety and training. Soccer cleats protect your kid’s entire feet from the impact of being stepped on by other kids. Some cleats also protect the ankles from a sprain.

If your kid is seriously training and shows passion for soccer then maybe it’s time you give him a boost by buying him or her a pair of soccer cleats.

Having crossed the line the next consideration is making sure the cleats are comfortable and it fits the position your kid is playing.

A goalie needs a different type of cleats and so are the defenders and forwards, or do they?

Comfortable soccer cleats do not cause blisters or any discomfort to your kid. It should fit snugly and does not weigh a ton. That boils down to the type of material it is made of as well. The cleats must also suit the position your kid is playing.

Lastly, there are 5 types of studs that fit the playing ground your kids will be playing on. If you fulfill these requirements then you will certainly buy the soccer cleats that best fit your kid.

To help you achieve this goal I have discussed below the type of cleats and their features.

Parts Of A Soccer Cleat

First of all let me point out that there are three parts of a soccer cleat, the upper side that covers on top and around the foot, the insole inside the cleat, and the outsole that is in contact with the ground.

These 3 parts are made of different materials.

Different brands strive to come up with materials that can make their products superior to others. Nike and Adidas are the most popular brands but others are not far behind in terms of innovative soccer cleat materials.

All these competitors are aiming for their cleats to achieve the following results:

• Lightweight
• Durable
• Thin
• Excellent ball contact
• Comfortable
• Easy to move in

Materials Of The Upper Side

1. Kangaroo Leather Soccer Cleats

Leather is the traditional material used for the upper side of soccer cleats.

The common one is the kangaroo leather which is soft, comfortable and does not need to be broken in.

There are other leathers used such as cowhide and full-grain but they are stiff compared to kangaroo leather.

Leather cleats provide superior quality both in comfort on the player’s feel when interacting with the ball.

It is the preferred material by professional players and it is no surprise that they are expensive as well.

Leather shoes are designed for peak performance only and are normally reserved for matches and not for training.

Also, they are not waterproof and durable as compared to other materials.

2. Synthetic Soccer Cleats

Synthetic leather is man-made leather that simulates the real leather properties but they are waterproof, durable, and breathable.

They are also lighter, easy to clean, and do not require a break-in.

The downside is that they do not provide much feel on ball contact as natural leather material

Having said that they are cheaper than leather and perfect for training and also for a soccer match.

3. Other Soccer Cleats Materials

One latest material is the Knitted upper. As the name suggested the material is knitted to produce a highly textured surface for ball contact and add more traction and control when kicking the ball.

This material is lightweight and waterproof and also a good option for training and for soccer matches.

The Insole and Midsole

The insole is the removable cushion that a player steps on when wearing the cleats. It plays a very important role in minimizing injuries or overpronation such as knee and hip pain and lower back pain.

Ensure the insole supports your kid’s type of feet whether flat or arched footed. Insoles improve a player’s agility, balance, and ability to excel. It technically acts as a shock absorber. If you are not satisfied with the one that comes with the cleat you can replace it with a better one.

The mid-sole is the part that sits between the insole and the sole-plate

The Out-sole

The outsole is the visible part under the cleats where the studs are. They are mostly made of thermoplastic polyurethane or TPU Outsole.

Soccer Cleats Profile

There are mainly two soccer cleats profiles and they are mid and low profiles.

Mid-profile cleats provide protection to the ankles but reduce movement. They are ideal for defenders who regularly tackle the ball and expose their feet to injuries.

The low-profile cleats are best for strikers and wingers because they allow movement and speed.

Types Of Studs Of Soccer Cleats

1. Firm-ground (FG)

The firm ground studs are designed for grass fields but can also handle artificial grass (AG). They provide good traction on dry grass and have more than 10 studs with 4 at the back.

The blade studs do not provide as much flexibility as the conical ones. If you are unsure, FG cleats are your safest choice of boot type to buy because they are acceptable to play on any surface

2. Hard Ground (HG)

These are low-profile shoes that have conical-shaped studs spread out at the entire bottom of the shoe.

They are designed for rock-hard surfaces because the studs do not sink in the ground but sit on it.

These kinds of studs are not ideal for firm-ground soccer fields.

3. Indoor Studs

The indoor studs are intended for playing on indoor courts where the surface is hard and glossy.

They looked like your typical sneakers with no studs because the soles are made of durable rubber.

The rubber soles provide traction so that the player can run, turn, and kick the ball without slipping.

You can check out my post on 10 Best Indoor Soccer Shoes For Kids 2021

4. Soft Ground (SG)

These cleats have 6 studs only with 2 at the back and 4 at the front and they are designed for playing in a muddy field.

The cleats can be blade or conical but longer to provide traction to the player. Some studs are metal so you need to check with league rules as they are not allowed to be used on any other surface.

5. Turf (AG)

The studs for turfgrass or artificial grass (AG) are a highly concentrated number of elevated patterns to allow traction. They are not effective on any other surface

Molded Vs Detachable Studs

There are two options when it comes to studs. One is molded to the sole of the cleat and the other is detachable.

With molded studs, you are limited to the type of playing surface while the detachable studs give allow you to change the studs to fit the playing surface.

It is a cheaper option than buying extra soccer cleats.

Player Position Shoes

1. Striker

The striker’s role is to score goals, therefore, the cleats need to have a clean strike zone to connect with the ball. The strike zone is on the upper front part of the shoe.

A good insole is also important for the feet.

2. Midfielder

The midfielder is a player that runs up and down the field, therefore, he or she needs shoes that don’t irritate feet due to a lot of running.

The insoles also need to be comfortable to absorb the impact of running in the field.

3. Defense

The defender needs a durable cleat that can withstand tackling the ball and support the player when twisting, turning, stopping, and running.

The cleat needs to have a tough outsole with a large strike zone to clear the ball.

4. Goalie

Have you ever seen a goalie firing a dud goal kick? The ball went wrong and ended up with the opponent.

The traction and large strike zone are important components of soccer cleats for a goalkeeper. It needs to support the back-and-forth movement of the goalie.

Conclusion

For kids under 10 years old and still in the learning phase, the best choice is the Firm Ground (FG) low-profile cleats with a good insole.

The 10+ studs will provide good balance and flexibility.

Older kids are starting to play in position roles and that’s when you have to consider other factors highlighted above.

If not sure the golden rule is to start with Firm Ground (FG) cleats and build from there.

Image Sources

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