Parents often wonder what they should look for in their child’s soccer shoes. Whether a soccer parent or a parent trying to get their kids into sports, choose the right youth soccer cleats for your child. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Why Do Kids Need Soccer Cleats?
While you might want to buy your kid’s shoes from an athletic shoe store, buying soccer cleats is a better idea. Your kids need special features which regular sneakers don’t have.
Most youth soccer cleats have a thin sole that allows players to feel the ground beneath their feet. This helps them make quick movements without slipping. The part of the shoe right above the toes consists of a soft material. This material allows players to bend their knees while keeping them stable.
All youth soccer cleats come with specialized studs on their soles. These studs provide traction when playing on different surfaces during different seasons. When buying cleats, figure out what kind of playing surface your kids will be on the most.
There are three main types of playing surface: grass, turf, and artificial grass. Each type of ground surface has unique qualities, so get the right type of cleats for your child.
Youth soccer cleats should have good traction. It prevents players from slipping in rainy weather during playtime outdoors. It prevents slipping on wet artificial turf indoors.
Think about what level of play your child will be at. Determine whether they’re starting in recreational soccer or a competitive league. If so, look for more advanced cleats.
Look for safety features such as padded collars and insoles. These features help protect your child’s feet from injury while they play.
How They Should Fit
Your child’s feet should be snug but not too tight within the shoe. Your child should be comfortable enough during playtime.
Buy two pairs of shoes so your child can rotate them as they play. The cleats should have a comfortable sole. This protects against injuries and keeps your child’s ankles stable while playing.
Types of Youth Soccer Cleats
There are three main types of soccer cleats available for youths. Each of them has different features and benefits to consider.
Firm Ground Cleats
These soccer cleats provide traction on firm, artificial surfaces such as turf. They are unsuitable for soft conditions like sand or mud. They feature a high spike pattern and a rigid sole plate.
Soft Ground Cleats
Soft ground soccer cleats provide traction on soft surfaces like wet grass, mud, and sand. They provide traction without damaging the playing surface. These cleats have larger studs that allow them to dig into the ground.
All-Weather Cleats
These cleats are excellent for players who want to play in different conditions. They have a special rubber compound that allows them to grip the ground even when wet. You don’t have to worry about sliding on the pitch.
These cleats have a special outsole with studs that give you traction and allow you to run fast. You can move faster and quickly change direction without losing your footing.
Is There an Appropriate Age For Cleats?
There is no set age when you should begin wearing them. It depends on the child’s comfort and ability.
If your child is having trouble with their shoes, get them some cleats. They’ll need to run, pivot, and cut without feeling like they’re going to fall.
There are different sizes for different ages, so get the right size for your child. Kids’ feet grow very quickly, so buy some with about an inch of space, so you don’t need to replace them frequently.
Always Wear Your Cleats
There are many disadvantages of not wearing soccer cleats while playing. Your child will slip and often fall when they play. It may be harder to run because they won’t be able to sprint as fast on grass or dirt without them. If their feet aren’t planted enough to push off with proper force, their shot won’t have much power.
The Bottom Line
Get your kids cleats that are the right fit for them. They should be able to walk and jump in them to break them in before playing. Cleats don’t usually cause injury but wearing shoes that are not a right fit might. Get the right youth soccer cleats from a trustworthy online retailer.
