Best Soccer Cleats for Kids: Top Youth Soccer Shoes (2025)" -

Best Soccer Cleats for Kids : Top Youth Soccer Shoes That Actually Last

Finding the perfect soccer cleats for kids doesn’t have to break the bank or your sanity. After testing dozens of youth soccer cleats with real families, here’s your complete guide to the best soccer cleats for kids in 2025.

Quick Answer: Best Kids Soccer Cleats by Category

Best Overall: Nike Jr. Mercurial Vapor 16 Academy

Budget Friendly-Version: Adidas Goletto IX

Best for Beginners: PUMA Future Match

Ideal for Wide Feet: New Balance Tekela Team

Best for Durability: Adidas Copa Pure 3

What Makes Great Soccer Cleats for Kids?

When shopping for youth soccer cleats, parents often focus on brand names and flashy colors. But the best soccer cleats for kids prioritize three crucial factors: proper fit, appropriate traction, and durability.

Unlike adult soccer shoes, kids soccer cleats need to withstand growth spurts, frequent washing, and the inevitable grass stains from backyard practice sessions. Here’s what actually matters when choosing soccer cleats for children.

Key Features to Look For:

Proper Sizing and Fit Kids’ feet grow fast, but buying soccer cleats too large creates blisters and reduces ball control. The ideal fit leaves about a thumb’s width of space between the longest toe and the front of the cleat.

Age-Appropriate Traction Youth soccer players need different stud patterns than professionals. Younger players (ages 4-10) benefit from more studs for stability, while older kids (11+) can handle fewer, longer studs for better traction.

Easy Care and Cleaning Let’s be honest – kids soccer cleats get dirty. Look for materials that clean easily and dry quickly. Synthetic leather typically outperforms natural leather for youth players.

Best Soccer Cleats for Kids: Our 2025 Top Picks

1. Nike Jr. Mercurial Vapor 16 Academy – Best Overall Kids Soccer Cleats

Price: $65-75
Best For: All skill levels, ages 6-14
Available Surfaces: Firm ground, artificial grass

The Nike Jr. Mercurial Vapor 16 Academy consistently ranks as the best soccer cleats for kids, and for good reason. These youth soccer cleats offer professional-level features in a package designed specifically for growing feet.

What Makes Them Great:

Lightweight synthetic upper that’s easy to clean
Speed cage structure provides stability without bulk
Cushioned insole adapts to different foot shapes
Available in youth sizes 10C through 7Y

Parent Reviews: “My 10-year-old has worn these for two seasons. They’ve held up through rec league and club soccer, plus countless backyard games.”

2. Adidas Goletto IX – Best Budget Soccer Cleats for Kids

Price: $35-45
Best For: Recreational players, first-time soccer players
Available Surfaces: Firm ground

Don’t let the affordable price fool you – the Adidas Goletto IX delivers solid performance for young soccer players just starting out. These kids soccer cleats prove you don’t need to spend a fortune for quality youth soccer shoes.

Budget-Friendly Benefits:

Durable synthetic upper withstands heavy use
Traditional lacing system kids can manage independently
Reliable traction pattern for grass and turf fields
Machine washable (air dry only)

Perfect For: Parents testing their child’s interest in soccer before investing in premium cleats.

3. PUMA Future Match – Best Soccer Cleats for Beginning Players

Price: $60-75
Best For: Ages 5-12, recreational to intermediate play
Available Surfaces: Firm ground, artificial grass

The PUMA Future Match series earns top marks as soccer cleats for kids who are developing their skills. These youth soccer cleats focus on comfort and ball control – exactly what young players need.

Beginner-Friendly Features:

Soft synthetic upper improves ball touch
FUZIONFIT compression band provides secure fit
Low-profile design reduces ankle rolls
Eye-catching colors kids actually want to wear

4. New Balance Tekela v4 – Best Soccer Cleats for Wide Feet

Price: $70-80
Best For: Kids with wider feet, all skill levels
Available Surfaces: Firm ground

Finding soccer cleats for kids with wide feet can be challenging. The New Balance Tekela v4 solves this problem with a roomier toe box and adjustable fit system.

Wide-Foot Solutions:

Generous width throughout the midfoot and toe box
Soft synthetic materials stretch and adapt
Multiple width options available
Excellent arch support for growing feet

Parent Tip: New Balance typically runs wider than Nike or Adidas, making them ideal for kids who find other brands too narrow.

5. Adidas Copa Pure 3 – Most Durable Kids Soccer Cleats

Price: $80-90
Best For: Serious young players, club soccer
Available Surfaces: Firm ground

For kids who play soccer year-round, durability matters. The Adidas Copa Pure 3 represents the most durable soccer cleats for kids, built to withstand intensive training and multiple seasons.

Durability Features:

Premium synthetic leather upper resists wear
Reinforced heel and toe areas
Professional-grade stud configuration
Comes with cleat bag for protection

Summary:

Model	Upper / Fit	Outsole	Key Highlights
Nike Jr. Mercurial Vapor 16 Academy	NikeSkin + snug knit; barefoot-like feel	MG/FG or turf	Air Zoom heel for speed; wave traction
Adidas Goletto IX	Synthetic leather; some laceless	FG/MG or turf	Budget-friendly; clean strike zone
PUMA Future Match	Mesh + knit collar; GripControl	FG/AG	360° agility studs; secure lockdown
New Balance Tekela v4	Slim synthetic; minimal texture	FG TPU plate	Close ball feel; creative play focus
Adidas Copa Pure 3	Fusionfeel synthetic, leather-like	FG/MG Comfortplate	Soft touch; classic Copa comfort

Mostly natural grass = FG
Mix of natural grass + artificial turf = MG
Mostly artificial turf = AG

Soccer Cleat Sizing Guide for Kids

Getting the right size in kids soccer cleats requires more than just knowing their shoe size. Here’s how to ensure proper fit:

Step-by-Step Sizing Process:

Measure Both Feet: Kids’ feet often differ in size. Always fit for the larger foot.
Shop in the Afternoon: Feet swell throughout the day. Late afternoon measurements are most accurate.
Check the Thumb Test: With soccer socks on, there should be about a thumb’s width between the longest toe and the front of the cleat.
Test the Width: The cleat shouldn’t pinch at the widest part of the foot, but shouldn’t allow excessive side-to-side movement either.

Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid:

Buying soccer cleats too large to “grow into”
Assuming soccer cleat sizing matches regular shoe sizing
Forgetting to account for soccer sock thickness
Not considering your child’s specific foot shape

Caring for Kids Soccer Cleats: Make Them Last

Even the best soccer cleats for kids need proper care to maximize their lifespan. Here’s how to keep youth soccer cleats in game-ready condition:

After Every Game and Practice:

Remove excess dirt with a soft brush
Stuff with newspaper to maintain shape while drying
Never put soccer cleats in the dryer or direct heat
Allow 24 hours to fully dry between uses

Weekly Deep Cleaning:

Hand wash with mild soap and warm water
Pay special attention to the sole and stud areas
Use an old toothbrush for stubborn grass stains
Apply leather conditioner if applicable (synthetic cleats don’t need it)

Storage Tips:

Keep in a ventilated area, not a sealed bag
Consider a boot bag to prevent odors
Rotate between two pairs if your child plays frequently

When to Replace Kids Soccer Cleats

Growing feet and active play mean kids soccer cleats don’t last as long as adult versions. Watch for these replacement signs:

Immediate Replacement Needed:

Toes touching the front of the cleat
Cleats slipping during play
Visible holes or separated sole
Worn-down studs affecting traction

Consider Replacement Soon:

Noticeable odor that won’t wash out
Laces breaking frequently
Discomfort complaints from your child
Significant fading or cosmetic damage

Most active kids need new soccer cleats every 8-12 months, depending on usage frequency and growth rate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kids Soccer Cleats

What’s the difference between soccer cleats and regular athletic shoes?

Soccer cleats feature specialized studs or blades on the sole for traction on grass and turf. The upper is designed for ball control and typically has a lower profile than running shoes. Regular athletic shoes lack this specialized traction and ball-touch capability.

Can kids wear soccer cleats on artificial turf?

It depends on the cleat type. Firm ground (FG) cleats work on natural grass but can be slippery on turf. Artificial grass (AG) cleats have shorter, more numerous studs designed specifically for synthetic surfaces. Many modern kids soccer cleats work on both surfaces.

How much should I spend on soccer cleats for kids?

For recreational players, $35-60 provides good quality and durability. Serious club players might benefit from $70-100 cleats with advanced features. Avoid spending more than $100 on kids soccer cleats – they’ll outgrow them before wearing them out.

Should kids soccer cleats be tight or loose?

Soccer cleats should fit snugly but not tight. There should be minimal heel slippage and no pinching, but also no excessive room that causes the foot to slide around inside the cleat.

Final Recommendations: Best Soccer Cleats for Your Kid

Choosing the right soccer cleats for kids doesn’t require a sports science degree. Focus on proper fit, appropriate features for your child’s skill level, and reasonable durability for their activity level.

For Most Kids: Start with the Nike Jr. Mercurial Vapor 16 Academy. They offer the best combination of performance, durability, and value.

For Budget-Conscious Families: The Adidas Goletto IX provides solid performance at a fraction of the cost of premium options.

For Serious Young Players: Consider the Adidas Copa Pure 3 for maximum durability and professional-level features.

Remember, the best soccer cleats for kids are the ones that fit properly, feel comfortable, and help your child enjoy the beautiful game. Focus on fit first, features second, and flashy colors last.

Ready to gear up for soccer season? Check out our complete Youth Soccer Gear Checklist and Soccer Ball Size Guide to ensure your young athlete has everything they need for success on the field.

About the Author: This guide was created by testing dozens of youth soccer cleats with real families across recreational and competitive leagues. We prioritize practical advice for parents navigating the often-confusing world of youth sports gear.