12 Of The Best Kids’ Soccer Cleats For The 2022 Season

Finding the right soccer cleats for your child can be surprisingly tough. There are so many cleats available at the moment – it can be hard to pick just the right product for your son or daughter.

You know how difficult it may be to locate the ideal pair of soccer cleats for your child if you’re the parent of a developing soccer player. This is particularly true if you are unsure of the location or type of surface they will be playing on for their next match.

In this guide, we’ve reviewed a heap of products and come up with 12 of the best cleats for youth soccer for sale in 2022.

We’ll also address some common concerns when buying cleats, so you know just what to look for.

Best Kids’ Soccer Cleats: Top Picks

No time to spare?

Check out our quick comparison table below to find our top picks.

Contents

• Best Youth Soccer Cleats
• Buyer’s Guide

Best Youth Soccer Cleats

Now onto the reviews!

Here’s 12 of the best soccer cleats for kids you can buy in 2022:

1. Adidas Kids’ Nemeziz .3
2. Adidas Kids’ Predator 19+
3. Adidas Kids’ X Speedflow.4
4. Nike Youth Hypervenom Phantom III
5. Adidas Performance Kids’ X 17.3 FG
6. Nike Jr. Hypervenom Phelon III
7. Nike Kids’ Mercurial Victory VI Neymar
8. Nike Kids’ Jr Bravata II
9. Vizari Stealth FG
10. Adidas Kids’ Copa Sense.3 Youth
11. Diadora Kids’ Cattura MD
12. Adidas Predator Edge.4

1. Adidas Kids’ Nemeziz .3

Adidas’s Nemeziz range of cleats is designed for attackers: offering an awesome feel for the ball when dribbling as well as explosive pace off the mark.

The 19.3 version is specifically aimed at false 9s (center-forwards) and creative midfielders, with the company’s “agility mesh” lining providing an awesome first touch and control when passing.

What’s more, these cleats fit nice and snug to give young soccer players a super comfortable, almost “barefoot” feel on the pitch, which helps to improve ball control when dribbling as well as shot accuracy.

They’re also priced very reasonably, and the colorways available are sure to impress.

Overall, these are fantastic cleats for central attackers and midfielders. Not only are they nice and comfortable, but the synthetic leather upper and the soleplate are very durable, meaning you won’t have to go hunting for another pair mid-season.

2. Adidas Kids’ Predator 20.3

We thought we should also mention Adidas’s brand new Predator model which has just been released for the 2022 season.

At the moment, these are probably the best kids soccer shoes available in terms of what it offers on the pitch.

You basically get every technological innovation Adidas has to offer at the moment in a pair of soccer cleats for kids. This includes a super-soft “Primeknit” collar and synthetic upper, which is incredibly comfortable and feels awesome when dribbling.

Complementing this, Adidas’s “Controlskin” outer material offers excellent precision when shooting and passing, as you get an immediate response when striking the ball.

The soleplate, studs and padded heel are specifically designed to allow for optimal acceleration as you begin a sprint, while offering decent ankle support during your actual run.

Despite having no laces, these soccer shoes are easy enough to get on and off. They do fit nice and snug, which further improves your feel for the ball. There’s also a version with laces called the Predator 19.1 if your child would prefer a more traditional feel.

The only real downside to these cleats is the price. Although they’re a little expensive, the Predator 19+ is jam-packed with features to make your life easier on the soccer pitch – you definitely get what you pay for.

3. Adidas Kids’ X Speedflow.4

Adidas have also utilized the collar-based design with their Ace series of soccer cleats. These particular cleats, the 18.3, comes with traditional laces (but no tongue) and a beautiful white/red/black colorway.

If the Predator is meant for playmakers and long shooters (Steven Gerrard used to wear them) then the Speedflow line of soccer cleats is designed for dribblers and wingers who look to take on their man.

Adidas has used a specialized pattern on the surface of this cleat – you’ll notice it on the toe and instep. These knobs are quite unlike the foam pods and dimples Nike uses, which we’ll discuss a bit later. Rather than looking to improve shot power, with this cleat Adidas has focused on helping you with your touch and control when dribbling.

Note that like most Adidas youth soccer cleats, the X Speedflow.4 is reasonably narrow, and isn’t really suitable for kids with wide feet. However, if you do get the right fit, these soccer cleats feel fantastic – the lack of a tongue means that they won’t shift around when the ball is controlled using the top of the foot.

4. Nike Youth Hypervenom Phantom III

Now let’s look at what Nike has to offer in the way of youth soccer cleats.

The Hypervenom Phantom III is Nike’s version of the Adidas Nemeziz range – a light, snug-fitting cleat designed for attackers and creative midfielders specifically.

It comes with a Dynamic Fit collar for stability and it fits nice and tight. In fact, Nike might have gone a bit overboard in trying to make a snug cleat – it can be quite difficult to get on at first.

Nike has attached specialized foam pods to the instep and synthetic upper for a little more oomph when shooting. The synthetic material on the upper pretty grippy, especially when the soccer cleats are new, which is quite useful when dribbling.

Take a look at the soleplate and you’ll see a hybrid stud organization – rounded pegs on the instep and the flatter molded variety on the outside. Nike does this to improve agility while still providing excellent traction, but you’re unlikely to notice much difference.

5. Adidas Performance Kids’ X 17.3 FG

Adidas also make a great mid-budget cleat with many of the features of their pricier models.

As with Adidas’s more expensive youth soccer cleats, you get an inner lining that’s designed to mold to the shape of your foot, as well as an ankle collar for stability. The end result is an almost “barefoot” feel when playing – this makes dribbling and shooting very comfortable.

Because the outer material is designed to improve your feel for the ball, it’s quite thin which makes it very light. This in turn can improve your speed off the line, especially for kids. Although these soccer shoes should last for at least a year, they’re not the most durable cleats out there, in part due to the thin synthetic upper material.

In saying that, the price is very reasonable and the soccer cleats are quite comfortable. On a low to mid-range budget, they’re excellent value for money.

6. Nike Jr. Hypervenom Phelon III

We’ve already had a look at the Hypervenom Phantom III in this guide, but Nike also makes a cheaper version of this cleat which is nearly as awesome as the original.

The difference between the two is the cheaper cleat (the Phelon III) is made with a less sophisticated surface that doesn’t have the foam pods for extra power when shooting. However, these soccer cleats still have dimples on the exterior which help to improve your pass and shot accuracy.

Despite being a bit cheaper, the Phelon III still features Nike’s Dynamic Fit collar and off-center lacing for a bigger strike zone on the instep. It also has Nike’s signature hybrid stud layout which helps to maintain your stability while also allowing you to make a quick initial move when sprinting.

7. Nike Kids’ Mercurial Victory VI Neymar

Taking inspiration from the classic silver/blue Nikes of the late 1990s, this version of the Mercurial Victory VI is named after Brazil’s new golden boy, Neymar Junior.

While Messi is a creative player who loves to dribble, Neymar has a fast playing style and likes to finish the job himself – with the odd rainbow flick thrown in for good measure.

 

It makes sense then that the cleats named after him are designed for wingers and fullbacks looking for an extra bit of pace and agility. That’s where the Dynamic Fit collar comes into play – it offers greater stability when running and turning.

There’s no traditional tongue on this cleat – this can feel odd at first, but once you get used to it, it feels pretty natural.

The only downside to this cleat would be its durability – it can wear down quite quickly depending on how often you play.

8. Nike Kids’ Jr Bravata II

In terms of a value-for-money kids’ cleat from Nike, the Bravata II is a really great pick.

Despite being very reasonably priced, you get a couple of features that are typical of a more expensive soccer shoes. The Bravata IIs have an offset area for the laces, meaning there’s more room on the instep to comfortably strike the ball.

They also come with a “micro-textured” (slightly bumpy) upper for greater control when dribbling.

In addition, these youth soccer cleats use a hybrid stud layout (like with the Hypervenom Phantom III) for excellent agility and stability.

There’s a few awesome looking colorways to choose from, and these soccer shoes are fairly durable considering the price. Overall, they’re a great all-round pick if you’re looking for value for money.

9. Vizari Stealth FG

Now let’s see what a few of the other smaller soccer cleat brands have to offer.

Vizari’s Stealth model excels in regards to value for money and durability – it’s sure to last at least a season for most players.

The synthetic material is very tough and quite easy to clean, making your life a little bit easier as a soccer mom. 🙂

These youth soccer cleats are also pretty comfortable. There’s no fancy collar so they’re relatively easy to put on and take off, and the laces are nice and thick and stay tied quite well.

The downside to these cleats is they’re not super sophisticated like the Nike and Adidas options we’ve looked at so far. In saying this, they’d make an awesome pair of cleats for a beginner player – you can always upgrade as they grow up!

Also, be sure to order a half size up – these cleats run small.

10. Adidas Kids’ Copa Sense.3 Youth

Whenever you see Adidas use the term “Copa”, think traditional fit. The company has literally been making variations of this cleat since the 1970s, and still sell a version today made with real kangaroo leather.

The Copa Sense.3 are more modern synthetic leather cleats, meaning it isn’t banned in California.

Essentially, this soccer cleat is what a soccer shoes should be. There’s no collar, and it comes with a good old-fashioned tongue, meaning you can adjust how it feels. It’s great value for money, and has a traditional fit, making it suitable for kids with slightly wide feet.

But this cleat will still work with regular/slightly narrow foot profiles.

The inner padding layer is designed to have a little bit of give to it (due to its thickness), meaning the fit doesn’t have to be perfect for this to be comfortable soccer shoes. Order your normal size for the best possible feel.

The forefoot/toe area has a little bit of stitching for enhanced ball control. However, this cleat isn’t going to feel as nice to dribble with, or as effortless to shoot with, as a top-of-the-line model, like the Predator 20.3.

11. Diadora Kids’ Cattura MD

For kids who are just beginning to play soccer, the two most important features in a cleat are 1. comfort and 2. durability. As a parent, you’re probably also looking for something that’s relatively cheap. This is because your kid will likely grow out of their soccer cleats in a year or so at that age.

Therefore, the Diadora Catturas are some of the best kids cleats for beginning their soccer journey.

The synthetic leather is comfortable but also pretty durable – it won’t wear down like real leather cleats. Because these soccer shoes are black, and made of synthetical material, you don’t need to worry so much about cleaning them, and the price is very reasonable.

Since you’re paying so little you don’t get any special features such as a collar or surface dimples like you would with an Adidas or Nike soccer shoes. For serious soccer players, this might be an issue, but if your child is just starting out it’s not a problem at all.

Remember: the Diadora Catturas are quite wide compared to most Nike youth soccer shoes in particular. They come with firm ground studs – we’re not entirely sure what “MD” stands for.

12. Adidas Predator Edge.4

Adidas also make a kids’ budget cleat, although it’ll set you back a bit more than a comparable soccer cleat from a brand like Diadora. However, in return for the higher price you get a better quality cleat from a leading manufacturer.

The inner lining is nice and soft, offering a good level of cushioning from ball impact, which can be a good thing for young kids.

Also, the upper is fairly durable, and the glue that attaches the sole to the toe area won’t come apart easily like on some cheaper youth soccer cleats. The sole/stud area itself is very tough but also offers good stability when running.

As a solid all-round cleat, the Predator Edge.4 can function as more than just budget cleats. If your child doesn’t like the feel of the collar seen on more expensive Adidas models, this soccer cleat might be just right for them.

Youth Soccer Cleat Buyer’s Guide

If you’re new to this soccer-mom business (yes dads, you’re soccer moms as well) it can be a bit tricky to pick the best soccer cleats for youths.

Here’s everything you need to know, outlined by yours truly – a soccer player for more than 12 years (proof below!)

 

1. Soccer cleat diagram

First of all, it’s important to actually know what the different terms manufacturers use to describe their cleats actually mean.

In terms of getting the most comfortable youth soccer cleats, the upper, which is the material on the outside of the cleat, is critically important. You don’t want it too thick and stiff, nor too thin and flimsy – it should offer a good feel for the ball. This is why having a synthetic leather upper can be a good choice (as we’ll explain a bit below).

The midfoot is also important in ensuring a good fit. This is the area across the middle of the cleat, and as we’ll discuss below, you want a snug, secure fit.

2. Finding the right cleat size

Never go a size up when buying youth soccer cleats, unless you know for a fact that the soccer cleat fits small. Having your feet move around in your cleats can lead to blisters, and will make it harder to control the ball when dribbling.

But obviously kids’ feet grow like magic beanstalks, so you’ll probably have to get a new pair for your child every season or so. Unless of course you’ve planned ahead and had another soccer-loving kid who’ll use those hand-me-downs. 😉

Instead, you want a nice snug fit that isn’t too tight. If the cleat is too tight this will be uncomfortable and may also cause blisters.

Don’t be afraid to walk into a brick and mortar store and try on a soccer cleat before buying online if the price is better. Online stores sometimes have a feature where other customers will tell you how a specific cleat fits. For example, around half of all buyers on Amazon say that the Nike Youth Hypervenom Phantom III fits “as expected”. Some sellers also let you return the cleats for free if they don’t fit.

2. Different foot types

Some kids have narrow or wide feet so you’ve got to be careful when picking a size. This is another reason why you might want to go in-store and try on a certain soccer cleat before buying. However, online reviewers generally do a fantastic job of letting future customers know about cleats that fit narrow or wide.

3. Choosing the right studs

SG, FG, AG, what does all this mean??

• FG means firm ground. This is the standard stud type – it’s suitable for most firm types of grass.
• HG means hard ground. This variety is similar to firm ground but may be a bit shorter, designed for use in quite dry conditions.
• SG means soft ground. They’re normally longer and more rounded for better grip in muddy, wet conditions with very soft grass. Some associations don’t let kids use them because they can hurt other players, so there aren’t many kids’ cleats made with SG studs available at the moment. We couldn’t find any worthy of including in our reviews.

If your kid plays on grass, don’t buy indoor soccer shoes. These products have a smooth rubber outsole designed for excellent traction on concrete and bitumen. On grass, they feel very slippery.

Also, avoid artificial turf soccer shoes (sometimes called AG for artificial ground) unless your child plays all of their soccer on artificial turf. These shoes can be distinguished from regular cleats in that they have a large number of small rubber bumps on the outsole (around 2-3mm thick) as opposed to full-length studs.

You can use firm ground soccer cleats on artificial grass, but you can’t use artificial turf shoes on natural grass. So if your son/daughter plays on both types of surfaces, it’s best to stick with FG cleats.

4. Why do similar-looking cleats cost different amounts?

The main soccer brands (Adidas and Nike) make different versions of their best cleats at different price points.

Generally, the top of the line model will cost a hundred dollars or so. Then there’ll be some mid-range cleats for $50-$70 and a cheaper model for $30-$50.

For example, Nike’s Hypervenom III comes in the following editions, listed from most to least expensive:

• Phantom III
• Phatal III
• Phelon III
• Phade III

Do you absolutely need the most expensive model for a kid? Definitely not. But these pricier cleats are the better cleats overall – you do get better comfort and control for the extra money.

5. Synthetic material vs leather

Most cleats these days are made of synthetic material, also known as synthetic leather. They’re more durable, easier to clean and cheaper to make. Overall we’d definitely recommend sticking to cleats made with synthetic material when buying for kids.

Leather cleats are hard to come by, but they do offer a good feel for the ball. See what your son or daughter finds comfortable – maybe they’ll prefer the flexibility of leather cleats from the get-go.

6. What’s that sock thing on Nike cleats?

Since the 2014 World Cup Nike have been putting this weird “Dynamic Fit” collar thing on their cleats that’s separate to a regular soccer sock, and Adidas have begun doing something similar with their latest Primeknit models.

You’ll spot them on more expensive cleats. They’re meant to improve stability and comfort (as the fabric extends down into the cleat’s interior).

As of 2021, Nike and also Adidas have refined their cleat collars, making them a bit shorter so that they’re more comfortable. Now soccer players like Cristiano Ronaldo (who used to cut off the collar material) are using the cleats as-is without issues.

Our advice is to try them and see what your kid thinks. Most young players seem to prefer to have the collar these days although they can take a bit of getting used to.

7. Why do modern cleats have golf ball dimples?

Adidas and Nike in particular are convinced that adding small dimples on the surface of a soccer cleat will improve the player’s feel for the ball and hence their passing, dribbling and shooting.

As a player, I can tell you that they do help somewhat, but they won’t make your kid the next Messi. They’re a good thing to have, but aren’t an essential feature.

8. I want to get a top of the line cleat, should I choose Adidas or Nike?

Adidas and Nike are the two undisputed market leaders when it comes to soccer shoes.

Here’s my experience with both. Note that these are generalizations and there are always exceptions to these rules.

• Nike makes more innovative, outlandish cleats that are fun to use and offer excellent performance. They’re known for coming up with new stuff to improve their cleats, like the dynamic collar back in 2014.
• Adidas makes awesome all-round cleats that are generally very durable. They’re often very comfortable and nice to wear, and are usually a bit cheaper.

So if you want a flashy soccer cleat with awesome performance, go for Nike. If instead you want an incredibly solid all-rounder that’s super durable and comfortable, pick up some Adidas cleats.

9. My kid plays attack/midfield/defense/goalkeeper, does he/she need a specific type of cleat?

No.

Big brands market different lines of cleats for different positions, normally attackers or midfielders. For example, the Nike Hypervenom is meant for strikers and the Adidas Predator is meant for creative midfielders.

However, you don’t need to pay much attention to this. For defenders and goalkeepers, buying a cleat designed for speed, shooting or control is fine. If your child is an attacker or midfielder, you don’t absolutely need to buy a cleat that’s meant for their role in the team.

And obviously, for very young kids who are just playing for fun, positions and roles aren’t a big deal at all. So prioritize comfort, quality, and durability when shopping.

Conclusion

You’ve reached the end of our youth soccer cleats review and buyer’s guide!

Hopefully, you (and your child) found the right pair of youth soccer cleats! Also be sure to check out what to wear while watching a soccer match. Let us know if you’re still unsure what to buy and we’ll get right back to you. 🙂