Due to soccer’s popularity, children are quick to fall in love with the game. It’s a sport that provides maximum discipline and great body development. In addition, it teaches children healthy competitiveness that will ultimately make them better and more capable people in the future.
One thing that makes them fall in love and appreciate the game, even more, is great footwear. With cleats that provide both protection and comfort as well as control over the ball as well, the results will come on their own.
However, every kid is different, and depending on the position they are playing, they all need a different type of soccer cleat. This makes the shopping process complicated since the best type is dependent on various factors.
For that reason, we made this article where we’ll explain everything you need to look for to find the right type of soccer cleats for your child. Keep reading and learn more.
Be sure of proper sizing
Source: cleatsreport.com
The first important thing to look for in children’s cleats is proper sizing. This tends to be complicated because you need proper fitment so they can have control over the ball, but not too tight so it causes discomfort. In addition, your kid is quick to grow, and buying cleats in a couple of months again can be a budget strain.
For that reason, be sure to get cleats with enough room for your kid to grow in them while not being too big to slip off their foot.
One method you can implement is making them go with their toes all the way to the front, and insert a pinky behind their heel. If there is more than one pinky space, they are too big and you should size them down. If there is correctly a pinky space, consider purchasing them.
You can also test the size by making your kid go move their heel as much as they can to the back. If there is a little bit of space between their toes and the front of the cleat, they should be the right fit.
Look for comfort
Another thing you must prioritize in the cleat selection process is comfort. You don’t need to get to the specifications and get lost in the great designs. If you get too quick and purchase a boot that looks good but is not comfortable, your kid will lose their game passion because of it.
You can begin by observing the inner portion of the cleats. Consider going with a sock liner because they provide comfort and help with impact absorption. In addition, they promote better fitment and help with the management of moisture which contributes to an odorless shoe.
Just be sure that your child is comfortable walking around wearing the boot. Let them be objective and tell you whether there is any pressure they are not comfortable with. If everything feels great, you can proceed to the next step.
Select cleats type depending on their position
Source: soccerprime.com
The next thing you have to bear in mind is the playstyle your kid plays because every position requires a different boot. In case they are only beginning, or they play various roles consider going with a versatile cleat type as suggested by https://dreampairshoes.com/collections/kids-soccer-shoes.
If your kid plays a defender role, because of the tackles, they need shoes with more padding that offers more protection. On the other hand, strikers and wingers need light cleats that grant them better control over the ball and quick direction changes.
Midfielders are the ones that are controlling the game’s pace and for the majority of the time, the ball is with them. For that reason, they need the maximum comfort and ability to properly control the ball. Lastly, the goalkeeper needs sturdy cleats with enough and a striking zone large enough to be precise with the goal kicks.
Consider the surface your child plays on
With various training terrains, soccer shoes are produced specifically for each terrain. To find the perfect type of cleat, considering the surface is highly important.
If your kid trains and plays on regular grass, you should be going with firm cleats. They come with sturdy studs that let them run across the field with great traction.
Even if your child trains on an artificial surface, it’s better to go with firm cleats as well. However, there are specific shoes made for artificial fields that come with smaller studs. Each type works well, so it comes up to your and your child’s preference.
Lastly, if your child is training indoors, you should be going with special cleats that come with an outsole with a flat rubber. The rubber is soft and when it comes in contact with a hard surface results in a great grip.
Material considerations
Source: moneyinc.com
What is the material that the cleats are made with is another thing you’d want to look for. Although the leather makes them more premium, it tends to stretch which not only loses its shape, but it does not feel snug on your kid’s feet.
For that reason, it is better to opt out of synthetic materials since they are better at holding their shape and close-fitting features. This makes them more durable until the time your child outgrows them.
Think about asking their trainer
In case you still have difficulties in finding the perfect type of soccer cleats for your kid, it is best to ask their trainer. They have a long-time experience with the sport and training kids so they know what is the perfect type of cleats suitable for your child and the position they play on.
Conclusion
Hopefully, all these factors made the cleat purchasing process slightly easier for you. With lots of brands to choose from, you can surely find a pair that offers the right features while providing great aesthetics.
Normally, you can get overwhelmed by the advertisements of the major cleat manufacturers, and they are all great. However, do not forget about brands that are not that popular since you can find quality cleats for a surely better price.
