Updated October 22, 2026 · 8 min read
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Short on time? Our picks
Best overalladidas Goletto IX4.6★, 2,400+ ratingsCheck price on Amazon →
Best valuePUMA Attacantocomfortable and low-costCheck price on Amazon →Soccer cleats · 2026
The best youth soccer cleats
Kids need cleats that fit well, grip the grass and do not hurt by the second half. They do not need the expensive pro models: the best youth cleats are light, comfortable and cheap enough to replace when feet grow next season.
We compared the best-selling kids’ soccer cleats on Amazon on fit, comfort, grip, durability and what thousands of parents say. Below is one clear pick for each kind of player, plus a sizing guide and tips for wide feet and heel pain.
Quick answer: the best youth soccer cleats
- Best overalladidas Goletto IX · 4.6★, 2,400+ ratings
- Best valuePUMA Attacanto · comfortable and low-cost
- Best for turf and indoorKids turf soccer shoes · 4.7★ · flat rubber studs
- Alternative to our top pickPuma Tacto · firm and artificial ground
If you want one answer: buy the adidas Goletto IX. It is the best-reviewed kids’ cleat we found, with 4.6 stars from more than 2,400 parents, and it works on firm natural grass and multi-ground surfaces. Parents praise its quality, durability and comfort. If your child plays mostly on artificial turf or in a gym, choose the turf shoes instead.
Pick by player
adidas Goletto IX
Rec league or school team on grass fields. A durable, comfortable firm-ground cleat that also handles multi-ground surfaces.
PUMA Attacanto
Feet are growing fast and you will buy new cleats next season. A comfortable firm-ground cleat at a lower price.
Kids turf shoes
Most practices are on artificial turf, hard ground or indoors. Many small rubber studs grip without the pressure of tall cleats.
The best youth soccer cleats, reviewed
adidas Goletto IX Kids Cleats
You need this if: you want a durable, comfortable cleat for grass fields that lasts a full season.
- SurfaceFirm and multi-ground
- Ratings4.6★, 2,400+
- Parents likeQuality, durability, comfort
- SizesLittle kids and big kids
Why we recommend it: It is the most-reviewed and best-rated kids’ cleat in this guide. Parents mention quality first, then value, durability and comfort. The firm and multi-ground studs work on most youth fields, including grass that turns hard late in the season, and the brand gives a trusted fit.
Keep in mind: Check the size chart on the listing. Some adidas styles run narrow, so for wide feet see the wide-feet tips below.
PUMA Attacanto Kids Cleats
You need this if: you want a comfortable, well-made cleat at a low price for a growing child.
- SurfaceFirm ground
- Ratings4.5★, 1,600+
- Parents likeQuality, value, comfort
- Best forRec and school teams
Why we recommend it: Parents praise its quality, value and comfort, and it often costs less than the adidas. For kids who outgrow cleats every season, it is the sensible choice. It works well on natural grass fields.
Keep in mind: Firm-ground studs are not ideal for regular use on artificial turf. Choose the turf shoes for that.
Kids Turf Soccer Shoes
You need this if: your child practices on artificial turf, hard ground or indoors.
- SoleTurf, small rubber studs
- Ratings4.7★, 370+
- Parents likeQuality, value, comfort
- UseTurf, futsal, training
Why we recommend it: Turf shoes spread pressure across many small studs, which is more comfortable on hard surfaces and safer on artificial turf. Parents praise the quality, value, look, comfort and sizing, and it has the highest rating in this guide.
Keep in mind: It is a smaller brand with fewer reviews. On soft or wet grass, turf shoes slip more than firm-ground cleats.
Alternative: the Puma Tacto is a good alternative to the Goletto for firm and artificial ground, with 4.6 stars from parents who praise its quality and fit. Buy one or the other, not both.
Youth soccer cleats compared
| Cleat | Best for | Surface | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Goletto IX | Most kids | Firm and multi-ground | 4.6★ (2,400+) |
| PUMA Attacanto | Value | Firm ground | 4.5★ (1,600+) |
| Kids turf shoes | Turf and indoor | Turf | 4.7★ (370+) |
| Puma Tacto | Alternative | Firm and artificial ground | 4.6★ (260+) |
Ratings were checked on Amazon in October 2026. Prices vary by size and color.
Firm ground, turf or indoor: which cleats does your child need?
- Firm ground (FG): molded studs for natural grass. The most common youth cleat.
- Multi-ground (MG): shorter, more studs for grass and artificial turf.
- Artificial ground (AG): made for artificial turf fields.
- Turf (TF): many small rubber nubs for hard turf, dirt and training.
- Indoor (IN): flat gum soles for gyms and futsal.
Look at the field your child plays on most. If it changes, a firm or multi-ground cleat plus a pair of turf shoes covers almost everything.
▶ How to Choose Soccer ShoesSOCCER.COM explains cleat types, surfaces and fit. The video loads from YouTube only when you press play.
How should youth soccer cleats fit?
- Snug, not tight: cleats should fit closer than sneakers, with no sliding in the heel.
- Thumb’s width at most: leave about a quarter to half an inch at the toe. Do not buy two sizes up to grow into, because loose cleats cause blisters and trips.
- Try with soccer socks and shin guards: they add bulk around the ankle.
- Check after a growth spurt: kids often outgrow cleats mid-season.
Youth soccer cleat sizes by age
Kids’ shoe sizes vary a lot, so always measure feet rather than guessing from age. As a rough starting point for US sizes:
| Age (about) | Typical US size range |
|---|---|
| 3 to 5 | Toddler 9 to 13 (marked “K” or “C”) |
| 5 to 8 | Little kid 13 to 3 (marked “Y” from size 1) |
| 8 to 12 | Big kid 3.5Y to 7Y |
| 12 and up | Big kid 6Y and up, then men’s or women’s sizes |
To measure, have your child stand on paper, mark the heel and longest toe, and compare the length with the brand’s size chart on the listing. Measure in the afternoon, when feet are slightly bigger.
adidas vs Puma vs Nike youth cleats
All three make good kids’ cleats. In general, adidas youth cleats like the Goletto feel durable and supportive, Puma cleats like the Attacanto are often a little roomier and cheaper, and Nike youth cleats tend to run narrower. The best brand is the one that fits your child’s foot, so if one brand pinches, try another rather than going up a size.
When to buy new soccer cleats
- Toes touch the front when your child stands.
- Studs are worn down and your child slips more.
- The upper is split or the sole is coming away.
- Your child complains of pain that was not there before.
Best soccer cleats for kids with wide feet
Many soccer cleats are cut narrow. For wide feet, look for a roomy toe box and a softer synthetic upper that stretches a little. Try the size up only if the toes feel squeezed, and check that the heel still does not slip. Parents with wide-footed kids often find turf shoes more comfortable than firm-ground cleats, because they are built more like sneakers.
Soccer cleats for kids with heel pain or flat feet
Heel pain is common in active kids aged about 8 to 14 during growth spurts. Cleats with a cushioned heel, a firm heel counter and good arch support can help, and some families add a cushioned insole or heel cup. Turf shoes put less pressure on the heel than tall studs on hard ground. If your child has ongoing heel or foot pain, see a doctor or podiatrist. Shoes help, but they are not a treatment.
Laces, straps or laceless?
Young kids who cannot tie laces yet do best with hook-and-loop straps or a laceless slip-on style. Older kids usually prefer laces for a locked-in fit. If you buy laced cleats for a young child, double-knot them before every game.
How to make youth cleats last
- Knock off mud after each game and let cleats air-dry away from heaters.
- Stuff wet cleats with newspaper to keep their shape.
- Do not wear firm-ground cleats on concrete or asphalt, which wears the studs down.
- Keep a separate pair of turf shoes for training on hard surfaces.
Complete the kit with shin guards for kids and the right size ball from the best soccer balls. Practising at home? See pop-up soccer goals and soccer rebounders.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What are the best youth soccer cleats?
For most kids, the adidas Goletto IX. It has 4.6 stars from more than 2,400 parents and works on firm and multi-ground surfaces.
What soccer cleats are best for kids with wide feet?
Cleats with a roomy toe box and soft synthetic upper, or turf shoes, which are built more like sneakers. Check that the heel still fits snugly.
What cleats are good for kids with heel pain?
Look for a cushioned heel, firm heel counter and arch support, and consider turf shoes on hard ground. See a doctor if pain continues.
Should I buy soccer cleats a size bigger for my child?
No more than about half a size. Loose cleats cause blisters and trips. Leave about a quarter to half an inch at the toe.
Can kids wear soccer cleats on turf?
Firm-ground cleats are fine occasionally, but turf shoes or artificial-ground cleats are better for regular turf use.
Are there soccer cleats with no laces for kids?
Yes. Many brands make strap or laceless styles for younger kids. Check the listing for the closure type.
How long do kids soccer cleats last?
Usually one season, because kids outgrow them. Good cleats last longer if you clean and dry them after games.
Do kids need expensive soccer cleats?
No. Comfort and fit matter far more than price for young players.
How we chose
We compared the best-selling and best-reviewed kids’ soccer cleats on Amazon in October 2026. We looked at surface type, fit, comfort, durability and price, and read Amazon’s review topics and verified buyer reviews to see what parents praise and complain about. We picked one cleat for each kind of player. We have not tested these cleats in person, no brand paid for placement, and prices change often. This guide is not medical advice. Read our full method.
We research sports gear for players, coaches and sports parents. We compare specs, read verified buyer reviews and name one clear pick for each kind of player. How we pick · Affiliate disclosure
