Choosing the right soccer shoes for children is more than just picking the flashiest, most colorful pair on the shelf. How the shoes fit and how long they last can directly impact a young player's performance and confidence on the field. And with youth soccer cleats, there's an added requirement of making sure to leave some leeway for growth.
So, parents have their work cut out for them, trying to choose from some of the top brands while pairing the shoes with premium protective youth goalie gear.
Luckily, the world of soccer boots for children has vastly expanded to include similar styles, designs, and technology previously available only on professional models for dedicated players. Think of them more like scaled-down adult versions, with specific designs to accommodate growing feet.
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If you're wondering what the best soccer cleats for kids are, here are our top choices, where you'll find at least one excellent fit for your young one.
- Best Overall Kids’ Cleat – Adidas Predator Elite Kids
- Best Quality Construction – Adidas Kids F50 Elite
- Best Lightweight Cleat for Speed – Nike Kids Mercurial Vapor 16 Pro
- Best Versatile Budget Option – Nike Kids Phantom GX 2 Academy
- Best for Dribbling & Ball Control – Puma Kids Ultra 5 Pro
The Best Soccer Cleats for Kids
Best Overall Kids' Cleat – adidas Predator Elite Kids
The adidas Predator Elite Kids is essentially a smaller version of the professional Predator, offering the same premium materials and iconic design features. Specifically, the Hybridtouch upper provides excellent ball control and durability, crucial for developing players who are still mastering their touch. The fold-over tongue secures these laced cleats so they stay put during intense outdoor soccer, while the stud configuration is specifically designed for stability.
Pros: Excellent ball control, fold-over tongue provides a secure fit, stud configuration designed for improving stability, available in multiple surface options (FG, SG, AG).
Cons: Higher price point may not fit all budgets, tends to run slightly narrow which may not suit all foot shapes.
Ideal For: Kids who are serious about soccer and want pro-level technology, young players who play frequently and need durable construction.
Where to Buy: adidas.com and specialty soccer retailers; complement with protective gear like shin guard sleeves from Storelli.com.
Best Quality Construction – adidas Kids F50 Elite
The adidas Kids F50 Elite mirrors the adult elite model with its lightweight Aerocage skeleton and Aeropacity upper construction. This cleat tries to create the right balance between structure and support necessary to keep the youngest players safe while allowing for some flexibility for growing feet.
The Sprintplate firm ground outsole (the same as in the adidas F50 for adults) provides enough pushback to ensure stability against a harder surface. Multiple color options ensure kids can find a style that matches their personality, or they can choose soccer boots that resemble the ones some of their favorite players wear.
Pros: Extremely lightweight while still being durable, soleplate provides feel of the ground and strong traction pattern for various surfaces, multiple appealing colors and styles available.
Cons: Laces might bunch up during break-in, more expensive than entry-level youth soccer shoes options.
Ideal For: Youth players who prioritize speed and agility with quality construction that will last through heavy use.
Where to Buy: adidas retailers and specialty soccer shops.
Best Lightweight Cleat for Speed – Nike Kids Mercurial Vapor 16 Pro
The Nike Kids Mercurial Vapor 16 Pro is crafted with a thin Gripknit upper and Air Zoom insert, shedding practically all the weight to make sure young players can run fast and score more goals. The sock-like fit ensures that these Nike cleats stay on while the wearer zooms across the field, and the aggressive stud layout is designed specifically for explosive acceleration and sudden direction changes that define pace-based play.
Pros: Incredibly lightweight enhances natural speed, Air Zoom cushioning provides responsive comfort, sock-like fit creates secure connection, and the aggressive stud pattern aids acceleration.
Cons: Expensive compared to other kids' cleats, narrow fit and toe box may be restrictive for players with wider feet.
Ideal For: Young speedsters and wingers who rely on pace, kids who have already shown they excel at running-based play.
Where to Buy: Nike.com and Nike Mercurial sports retailers.
Best Versatile Budget Option – Nike Kids Phantom GX 2 Academy
The Nike Kids Phantom GX 2 Academy offers one of the best performance-to-price ratios on the market. It's a versatile, affordable option that has just enough comfort and traction to last until the child outgrows it.
Unlike traditional soccer shoes with studs, these come with a grippy rubber outsole to provide traction and stability. The sticky texture that runs across the outsole ensures a proper ball feel. Plus, these are practically laceless cleats, as the pull tab allows young kids to put on the shoes themselves.
Pros: Pull tab for easy entry, flexible upper accommodates various foot shapes, solid soleplate with balanced stud mix, excellent value for performance level.
Cons: Materials are less premium than pro-tier versions, limited to firm ground surfaces only.
Ideal For: Parents seeking value without sacrificing quality, kids who play multiple positions and need versatile performance.
Where to Buy: Nike.com and general sports outlets; pair with affordable goalkeeper protective gear for complete protection.
Best for Dribbling & Ball Control – Puma Kids Ultra 5 Pro
The Puma Kids Ultra 5 Pro focuses on close ball contact and agility with its Grip Control Pro upper and Ultraweave construction. This cleat is specifically designed for young technical marvels who already excel at skill moves and quick direction changes.
The lightweight design, combined with the carbon outsole, allows players to quickly gain speed and keep running while feeling the terrain beneath them, with the angled studs providing traction for the cuts and turns needed to outmaneuver the opposition. The enhanced ball feel helps young players develop their confidence when leading with the ball.
Pros: Lightweight construction enhances agility, responsive soleplate for excellent ball feel, angled studs offer superior traction for cutting, and excellent ball control features.
Cons: Durability concerns with thin materials under heavy use, limited fit range may not accommodate all foot shapes.
Ideal For: Technical players who excel in dribbling and quick changes of direction, kids who have already shown advanced ball control abilities.
Where to Buy: Puma.com and soccer retailers.
How to Choose the Best Soccer Cleats for Kids
Surface Compatibility
FG (firm ground) cleats work best on natural grass, where their balanced stud pattern provides the most traction. AG (artificial ground) cleats have shorter studs – but more of them – to minimize the chances of gripping too hard and tripping. SG (soft ground) cleats have fewer, longer studs designed for wet terrain, but these are less common for youth players, as most of them will play indoor soccer.
Fit & Growing Room
Cleats should be snug but allow slight room for growth, at about a thumb's width between the longest toe and the front of the cleat. Always prioritize comfort over brand loyalty, as kids' feet are more sensitive and require immediate comfort rather than extended break-in periods. Synthetic uppers are better here as they don't need time to mold and are generally more pliable. When in doubt, use the size guide and go up a size (at worst, they'll just wear them later).
Weight & Comfort
Lightweight cleats help with speed and agility, but they should also provide enough stability and support for growing feet. Modern youth cleats achieve good weight reduction with synthetic materials and outsoles, allowing the insoles to be more comfort-oriented with generous padding.
While you're there, make sure to pay attention to the rest of the outfit. Just as you would choose reliable protective women's soccer gear or soccer goalie equipment for female players, choose equipment wisely for young ones to make sure they don't suffer an injury if they take a hard tumble.
Durability & Value
Since kids outgrow cleats quickly, you don't really need to buy them $250 soccer cleats that they're going to use for a season at most. Still, that doesn't mean they should be disposable by design. Look for shoes that have reinforced high-wear areas and quality construction.
Final Thoughts
Kids now have access to scaled-down versions of the world's best soccer cleats, offering both performance and comfort that help young players develop their skills effectively. From the adidas Predator Elite Kids for overall excellence to the Nike Phantom GX 2 Academy for outstanding affordability, there's a perfect fit for every young player's needs and family budget.
The key is matching cleat choice to your child's skill level, playing frequency, and growth stage while keeping realistic expectations about lifespan. Premium features matter most for serious young players who train frequently, while recreational players often benefit more from comfortable, durable mid-range options.
Remember that choosing quality cleats is just one part of keeping kids safe and confident on the field. Investing in soccer gear men use is different from selecting gear for your child. Ensure they can focus on developing their skills while staying safe and sound.
FAQs
What is the best soccer cleat for kids?
The best soccer cleat for kids depends on their age, skill level, and playing frequency. The adidas Predator Elite Kids offers the best overall combination of performance and durability for serious young players, while the Nike Kids Phantom GX 2 Academy provides excellent value for recreational players. Always prioritize proper fit over brand names, as comfort and safety are most important for developing players.
What are the three levels of soccer cleats?
The three main levels are Elite/Pro (top-tier with premium materials, typically $150-$300+), Academy/Club (mid-tier with solid performance at moderate prices, usually $60-$150), and Entry/Recreational (basic models under $60 focusing on comfort and value for beginners and casual players).
What cleat is best for my kid's sport?
For soccer specifically, choose cleats with appropriate stud patterns for your child's playing surfaces. Firm Ground (FG) works best for natural grass, Artificial Ground (AG) for artificial turf surfaces, and avoid using soccer cleats for other sports, as they will have different traction and safety requirements that translate to footwear design.
Is adidas or Nike better for soccer?
Both adidas and Nike produce excellent soccer cleats for kids, with neither being definitively "better." Adidas typically focuses on ball control and precision features, while Nike often emphasizes speed and innovation, so how and where your kid plays will be a factor in choosing "correctly."
