Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Kids' Soccer Cleats

Updated January 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
adidas Unisex-Child Goletto VII Fg J Football Shoe
adidas
Unisex-Child Goletto VII Fg J Football Shoe
Check Price
Best Quality
Bottom Line

A comfortable shoe that delivers ideal performance on the pitch.

Pros

Rubber sole soccer cleat with 11 strategically placed rubber studs that are safe and meet game standards. Crafted by trusted name brand in sports. Lace-up shoe with tongue features classic adidas stripes in either blue or pink.

Cons

Cleat may run small.

Best Bang for the Buck
Dream Pairs Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid 160472-K Soccer Cleats
Dream Pairs
Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid 160472-K Soccer Cleats
Check Price
Most Stylish
Bottom Line

An affordable model that boasts a unique design and an eccentric color cleat.

Pros

Multicolored designs with vivid colors. Lace-up soccer cleats feature 11 regulation rubber studs with unique shape for grip. Cushioned with ankle protection and airflow.

Cons

Might run narrow.

Diadora Kids Cattura MD Jr Soccer Shoes
Diadora
Kids Cattura MD Jr Soccer Shoes
Check Price
Most Traction
Bottom Line

From a trusted brand in soccer, this offers optimal traction and multiple color schemes.

Pros

Multiple sizes, styles, and colors available. Trusted name brand for soccer cleats. Features 14 studs for extra traction and more comfort. Insole possesses EVA foam to reduce impact.

Cons

May not be as durable as other options.

adidas Firm Ground Predator 20.3
adidas
Firm Ground Predator 20.3
Check Price
Pull-On Cleats
Bottom Line

This stylish, pull-on choice is easy to put on and provides more ankle support.

Pros

High quality cleats with a sharp design and various color palette options. Pulls onto foot without shoelaces and high-top design offers more ankle protection. Anti-slip sole features 11 regulation rubber studs.

Cons

Some players may prefer the fit of a lace-up cleat.

Hawkwell Kids Soccer Shoes
Hawkwell
Kids Soccer Shoes
Check Price
Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

Simple and well-rounded with stylish designs and bright colors.

Pros

Synthetic outer material allows for protection and airflow. Rubber sole features 11 studs. Inside of shoe is soft and comfortable.

Cons

Quality may be lacking in some parts of the cleat.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
76
Consumers
Consulted
26
Hours
Researched
Category cover

Buying guide for best kids’ soccer cleats

Is your child the next Cristiano Ronaldo or Ada Hegerberg? When it comes to playing soccer, kids can start as young as toddlers, so it’s best to get them the right gear they need to enjoy the game and become great players. It all starts with finding comfortable and functional kids’ soccer cleats.

Fitting players ages 2 through 12, kids’ soccer cleats are designed to be every bit as durable as adult cleats. They are made for performance and to provide arch support, interior cushioning, and shock absorption, which keeps young players on their toes safely and painlessly. If your child wants to make a statement with their cleats, they can choose from bold colorways and vibrant designs to set themselves apart from other players on the pitch.

Content Image
Have your child break in their soccer cleats at home before using them at practice or in a game. They’ll need to get used to the fit first, and the feel of brand-new cleats could be distracting during a game.

Key considerations

Size

Sizing for kids’ soccer cleats is divided into three groups: Toddler, Little Kid, and Big Kid. While there are boys’ and girls’ styles, cleats are generally unisex for these ages.

If your child is between sizes, which isn’t unusual, you’ll need to consider the largest and smallest sizes of the adjoining size groups to find the right fit. As you’ll discover, just because your child is a certain age, it doesn’t mean that their shoe size fits within the corresponding size group. When choosing kids’ soccer cleats, it’s most important to choose a pair based on fit and not size.

  • Toddler: These sizes cover kids ages 1 to 4. Unfortunately, this size group has the smallest selection because only a few companies manufacture them.

  • Little Kid: These sizes are geared toward kids ages 4 to 8. You’ll find a greater selection in this group. In addition to more brands to consider, there are more colors and materials available, too.

  • Big Kid: These sizes are for kids ages 8 to 12. The selection is comparable to that in the Little Kid sizes.

Components

  • Toe box: This is the front of the shoe. When your child’s foot is inside, press the toe box with your fingers to locate the toes. Your child should be able to feel the big toe and wiggle the others slightly, though there shouldn’t be too much room there. The fit should be snug yet comfortable.

  • Arch: Look at the arch of the shoe to see how it’s shaped. A defined, curved arch will provide the most support. If the arch isn’t well defined, there’s a good chance your child’s foot won’t be completely secure inside the shoe and will slide around, which can cause blisters. Undefined arches in shoes also cause poor foot and ankle alignment, which can lead to further orthopedic issues.

  • Instep: The instep is made up of the tongue and laces that cover it. For the most part, these areas are low profile and create a smooth line from the toe box to the ankle joint. If your child needs more padding around this area, opt for cleats that have a cushioned tongue.

  • Cleats: The cleats should be rock-hard and well secured to the sole. They shouldn’t move at all if you try to wiggle or twist them. Cleats should also be distributed throughout the sole in a way that follows the anatomy of your child’s foot. If the cleats look sparse or appear to be placed in strange locations, they won’t provide enough traction or support.

  • Sock liner: This makes up the interior of the shoe and is made of breathable and sometimes wick-away materials. Quality cleats have moderate padding around the heel area as well as the sides. If the sock liner appears or feels unusually thin, it probably is, and it won’t encase your child’s foot as well as it should.

Outdoor vs. indoor cleats

It’s relatively easy to identify the difference between outdoor and indoor cleats. Outdoor cleats have pronounced nubs on the sole. Indoor cleats either have rubber bottoms for gymnasium floors or micro cleats for indoor turf. There are some styles that are listed as hybrids, though the cleats aren’t defined enough to be effective on a soccer pitch. If your child plays outdoor and indoor soccer, it’s best to get a different pair of cleats for each.

"Double-knot the laces on kids’ soccer cleats to make sure they don’t come undone on the pitch. It’s dangerous to bend down and tie shoes in the middle of a game."
STAFF
BestReviews

Kids’ soccer cleat features

Materials

For the most part, leather or synthetic blends are the main materials used for kids’ soccer cleats. Leather cleats tend to be the most expensive, which is why most kids’ soccer cleats are made of a combination of vinyl, pleather, microfiber, and mesh. There are also styles that combine leather and synthetic materials in strategic areas to improve fit and keep the cleats budget-friendly.

Colors

It used to be that cleats were only available in black, but now there are plenty of colors to choose from, and kids’ soccer cleats are no exception. Many come in vibrant colors. Your child can choose a bold pair with loud colors and designs or stick with team colors and find a pair to match the uniform.

Kids’ soccer cleat prices

Kids’ soccer cleats cost between $20 and $90. The price depends on the quality of materials and construction, though cleats from well-known sports apparel brands can be more expensive. Big Kid sizes are generally the most expensive overall, but that’s not always the case.

Inexpensive: If you’re on a budget, you can find a decent pair of cleats for between $20 and $35. These often have inexpensive synthetic materials, though the construction is generally solid. They’ll get the job done for a season or two at most.

Mid-range: If you’re willing to spend a little more, between $35 and $60, you’ll find pairs from industry-leading brands like Adidas, Diadora, and Puma. These are engineered for comfort and support and feature high-quality sock liners.

Expensive: For premium kids’ soccer cleats, you can expect to spend between $60 and $90. These are mostly made by the top brands and include the best of their fit and performance technology used in adult cleats. These cleats are also far more stylish.

Tips

  • Check your child’s shoe size monthly. To make sure your child always has cleats and other footwear that fit properly, monitor their shoe size by measuring it monthly.

  • Review rules regarding color and style. Check with the coach or sports organization regarding required cleat styles and, in some cases, official uniform colors.

  • Change into other footwear before leaving the grass. To avoid tearing up the cleats on pavement, have your child change into sandals or other shoes before leaving the pitch.

  • Try more than one size. Your child’s shoe size may be different than their cleat size. Aim to try half or whole sizes above the shoe size to ensure a proper fit, and know that sizes can vary from one manufacturer to another.
Content Image
If your child likes the 360° lace wrap style, purchase longer laces to account for it. Some players like this style because it provides additional support for the arch and instep.

FAQ

Q. My child says his cleats feel a bit snug, but it’s almost the end of the season. Can I hold off on buying new cleats until next season?

A. Probably not, but it depends on how snug they are and how many games your child has left. Loosening up the laces for a couple of games could tide you over. It’s always recommended to have footwear that fits properly, both for comfort as well as safety. As it’s the end of the season, it’s likely you’ll find a pair on sale, which may fit next season as well. It’s also good to have a new, well-fitting pair on hand if your child plans on attending off-season soccer clinics or intramural camps.

Q. My child outgrew her soccer cleats, so can her younger sibling wear them?

A. It’s up to your discretion, though be aware that cleats sustain a great deal of wear and tear, so you could be putting your younger child in ill-fitting cleats. After prolonged wear, especially in cleats with cushioning or memory foam, these materials become compressed and are subpar when it comes to shock absorption. That means your child’s feet will pound the pitch as they play, and it could result in foot pain or poor foot alignment that may cause other orthopedic issues.

Q. How do I clean kids’ soccer cleats?

A. It depends on the materials. If the cleats are leather, opt for a leather-cleaning kit that includes lotion to moisturize the shoes and prevent cracking. For synthetic materials, gentle dish soap or vinegar and water should suffice for surface cleaning. It’s not recommended that you put cleats in the washing machine because full immersion in water could cause them to warp even if you air-dry them.

Our Top Picks

BestReviews wants to be better. Please take our 3-minute survey,
and give us feedback about your visit today.

Take Survey