Youth Soccer Cleats

Tap to Read ➤ Suketu Mehta

Perfect shoes make perfect goals! Soccer is widely followed, and children have always wanted to be like the soccer stars they see. It all starts with the right direction, and with the right shoes. Here are a few tips to pick up the best ones for your children.

The game of soccer demands tremendous stamina levels, and a player is expected to be on the move constantly, running all over the field. Since running is an inevitable aspect of the sport, there needs to be an additional emphasis on the choice of footwear used. Cleats is an American term for soccer boots.

They are designed specifically for varying skill levels, field types, and weather conditions. As most soccer players begin young, they require to build up and maintain amazing fitness levels which can be carried forward throughout their playing years. This is where cleats come into the picture, and have a huge market all over the world.

Types of Soccer Cleats

They come in both, leather and synthetic material. Leather ones are more expensive and they provide better feel and fit well. Softer the leather, better the feel while striking the ball. However, soft leather cleats are less durable and cannot be worn while playing in wet weather conditions or on a wet field.

Synthetic cleats, on the other hand, are cheaper than leather shoes, but lack the feel and comfort of the latter. These shoes are recommended for beginners and intermediary players, as they are long-lasting and can be used while playing in any weather or field conditions. Synthetic cleats are easier to clean and cheaper to maintain.

Molded Cleats

Molded cleats come with the most basic design. To provide players with traction and control, they have hard plastic or non-removable rubber attached at the bottom.

These are best for players who have just begun and the ones who are at an intermediary stage. Molded cleats can be worn on all field types and under any weather conditions.

Detachable Cleats

These come with studs on the bottom, which are detachable, and hence, can be either worn or removed off depending on the field type. They are made of hard plastic and come with metal tips.

The best part is that they can be adjusted depending upon the weather and field conditions. These cleats are most suited for experienced players who know how to utilize them. Detachable cleats are considered to be best for wet fields or fields with soft grass.

Turf Shoes

These are worn while playing on artificial turfs or hard outdoor surfaces, as they come with different raised patterns on the bottom, instead of studs. Turf shoes are good for training, and can be kept as an option while playing on hard outdoor surfaces.

Indoor Shoes

These cleats are similar to low-cut, lightweight sneakers. To provide the player with better traction while playing on indoor surfaces, they have a flat and rubber type bottom. They also help in protecting the indoor turf, as they do not have anything attached to the bottom which will damage the surface.

Buying Cleats for Your Kids

For young players, their soccer cleats should fit perfectly to provide them with the best possible feel while striking the ball. Parents often tend to buy a slightly larger size, as they feel their child's feet may grow in some time. This is wrong and should be avoided as it is very uncomfortable to play with over-sized cleats.

Ideally, for young players, their toes should not touch the end of the shoe, and should be at a thumb's width from the end.

Buy the ones with rubber soles and preferably molded, as they can be used in any conditions. Opt for synthetic cleats over leather ones, as the former score more on durability. The ones for girls are comparatively narrower than the ones for boys, although most of them are unisex.

Keep in mind the surface where the child is going to play. Turf or indoor shoes are best suited while playing indoors, while molded ones are used while playing on outdoor fields.

While trying on the shoes before purchasing, the child should wear them along with socks and shin guards which he will be wearing while playing. This gives the child their exact feel and avoids purchasing an ill-fitting pair. Also, purchase them during summers before the beginning of the season, as they are relatively cheaper during this period.

Purchasing the right cleats will enhance the child's playing abilities, and more importantly, prevent any dreadful injuries to the feet.