Many children, including boys and girls, love playing soccer. But, even before they start doing it, each parent needs to get proper soccer shoes for kids.
If you think that old sneakers can do the job, they can, but they are not the best option. Soccer shoes, or soccer cleats, are designed to give players grip and stability on grassy fields and on indoor surfaces like gym floors.
Therefore, parents need to know a few things before choosing a pair, like what type of surface your kid will play on, what size suits your little one, as well as other features. For that reason, we decided to cover all the questions parents may have when the soccer shoe purchasing time comes.
So here is a comprehensive buying guide with everything you need to know to help you pick the most suitable soccer shoes for your little one!
Contents
Different Types of Soccer Shoes for Kids
Before we move out to our list, we should be aware that there are different types of footwear for kids, as well as different types of soccer shoes. Each one is meant for different surfaces and purposes, so let’s find out!
- Indoor Soccer Shoes – These shoes can remind us of the “normal” sneakers. Indoor soccer shoes have a flat outsole made of rubber. This rubber feature gives shoes traction and comfort on hard surfaces like gym floors.
- Soft Ground Soccer Shoes – Unlike the previous ones, these soft ground shoes are for kids who intend to play on soft, muddy fields. These shoes have longer cleats and feature metal tips for better traction on soft surfaces.
- Firm Ground Soccer Shoes – These are probably the most famous soccer shoes. They provide excellent traction on different surfaces, but especially on the grass. The shoes also have an outsole with non-removable rubber or PU studs that grips the ground.
- Hard Ground Soccer Shoes – As the name implies to each of these soccer shoes, these particular ones are suitable for hard fields, but they are also suitable for playing soccer on artificial grass fields. Its studs or cleats are wide and short of providing stability on more complex surfaces.
- Turf Soccer Shoes – Turf shoes are suitable for harder outdoor surfaces or artificial turf; thus, they feature different raised patterns on the bottom instead of studs. These shoes are appropriate training footwear that could serve as a backup pair for hard-surface conditions.
While there are other types of soccer shoes, such as hybrid and futsal shoes, the ones we mentioned, particularly the hard ground soccer shoes, are most likely the ones your youngster will need for the next soccer season.
Different Shoe Parts
In order for your kid to get the most out of their soccer footwear, every part of the shoes needs to be comfortable and durable, just like any running footwear or any sports sneakers in general. Therefore, let’s learn what the main parts of shoes for playing soccer are and what type of materials are suitable for them!
Upper
This part includes the upper material on the exterior, the laces, tongue, and even the inside lining. The upper is crucial since it helps with ball control and protects your kid’s feet.
Some shoes have uppers textured to help with ball control, and they can be made from various materials. Besides, this part of the shoe should also be lightweight yet durable.
When it comes to the inner shoe, it should be composed of a material that wicks moisture and prevents overheating one’s feet.
Midsole
The midsole is the part under the shoe. This pare is very important since it provides comfort, supports the foot, and absorbs shock.
There is an insole on top of the midsole for additional comfort and support, made of EVA foam.
Outsole
On the bottom of the shoe, you’ll find the outsole. This is where the cleats and traction on the field are located in soccer shoes.
The cleats will appear different depending on the shoe type, such as solid ground, soft ground, and so on. They come in various shapes and sizes, including bladed and conical versions with metal ends.
Heel
The heel or heel counter has the purpose of providing additional support on the heel as well as overall stability.
It can be found on the inside or outside of the shoe.
Studs or cleats
Studs or cleats are located on their soles or on an external attachment to a shoe that provides extra traction on a soft or slippery surface. Their purpose is to hold on to the ground, usually natural turf. They come in various shapes, including conical and blade-like, and are manufactured of plastic, rubber, or metal.
Upper Material: Synthetic V.S. Leather
Each has advantages and disadvantages, but for young soccer players, we recommend a soccer cleat with a synthetic top especially if you look our for vegans shoes for kids.
Synthetics are more lightweight, waterproof, and long-lasting, even though they may not be the most desired sustainable shoes to choose. While leather is a long-lasting material, it does have the potential to stretch out with time, whereas synthetic fabrics do not.
Because leather stretches, you may be able to obtain a bit of additional time between sizes. The support of a structural synthetic upper, on the other hand, we believe, offsets the extra time in between sizes.
Choose the Right Size
When buying these shoes, keep in mind that soccer cleats are a little tighter fitting than other athletic shoes. The top is narrower to keep your kid’s foot from moving around while running and playing. Besides this, it also helps players to have better control over the ball.
This will probably be a good fit for kids with narrow feet since these shoes are built like one.
When we talk about the length of the shoe, this footwear should have no more than a 1/2 inch space between the front of the shoe and the big toe. The shoe should not touch the toes, but there should be a minimal gap between them.
Pro tip: When buying soccer shoes for your kid, do not forget to put them on a pair of socks they intend to wear while playing. This way, you can get the most accurate fit.
If you are planning to make an online purchase and are afraid of missing the shoe size, the Footmeter will help you accurately, precisely, and efficiently determine the kid’s foot size!
Do not forget about the comfort
The soccer shoe must fit properly on your kid’s foot, but it’s also critical to be comfortable footwear. Getting the appropriate size is vital, but finding a shoe with a comfy midsole is actually more important.
The midsole is commonly comprised of foam, such as EVA foam, and it offers to cushion stress absorption and comfort underfoot. However, more does not always mean better.
The material used in the midsole should support your kid’s foot without being too padded. The easiest way to determine whether the midsole is comfortable is to have your kid walk and, if possible, run around in the shoe.
The shoe should not be overly heavy or burdensome and should fit comfortably.
Ready for Some Game?
If you simply follow these tips, we do not doubt that you will find a great fit for your kid. Just remember these things:
- Determine on what kind of surface your kid is going to play
- Think about the material type. While the leather shoes will stretch a bit when worn but then mold to the shape of kids’ feet, synthetic ones are more lightweight.
- Choose the right size, but remember that most soccer shoes are more narrow than typical sneakers for a better feel and control of the ball.
- Do not forget about the comfortability. While paying attention to the material, you may as well pay special attention to the shoe’s midsole. This means that the midsole should not be overpassed or feel heavy but rather comfy and lightweight.
One of the most common causes of foot discomfort and issues with sports footwear is shoes that are too small. Nevertheless, due to soccer shoe design, soccer cleats should naturally fit more tightly than other athletic shoes.
We hope we have covered every crucial question about soccer shoes for kids. If we missed out on something or you have any additional questions, please let us know in the comment section! We will do our best to help you and provide you with any necessary answers as soon as possible!
