Kids' Football Boot Guide
Shopping for kids’ football boots when you know nothing about football or boots can feel a bit like trying to referee a match without knowing the rules — lots of running around, plenty of confusion, and the occasional dramatic dive (usually from your child in Sports Direct when you won’t buy them the latest Predators).
That’s where I come in! This guide will go over all bases and break down the basics, share some clever tips and tricks, and point you towards a few of my other resources so you can find the perfect boots without breaking a sweat — or the bank.
Trying on Boots
When it comes to trying on kids’ football boots, rule number one is simple: ALWAYS get them to wear proper football socks — yes, even if they feel a bit daft strutting around the shop in them.
Trust me, those “perfect fit” boots can suddenly feel like mediaeval torture devices once you swap thin socks for match-day thick ones.
While you’re at it, have them try on a few different sizes to be sure you’ve got the best fit. When you're in a shop, most staff will be more than happy to give you a hand (and a professional opinion).
Aim for just a smidge of growing room — enough to last a season, but not so much that their boots are flying halfway down the pitch.
Different Surface Types
Images from Pro Direct
When it comes to kids’ football boots, the main surfaces you’ll be dealing with are firm ground, astro turf, and soft ground — plus indoor if they’re playing inside over the winter.
- Soft ground (SG) boots are built for those glorious British winter pitches that resemble the aftermath of a Tough Mudder event (muddy, wet, and best tackled with longer studs).
- Firm ground (FG) boots are, as the name suggests, for the opposite — drier, harder pitches — and they can double up for 3G and 4G astro surfaces (the fake grass ones), though artificial ground (AG) boots can be an even better choice there.
- Astro boots (TF) shine on sand-based 2G pitches and are also perfect for concrete kickabouts — basically, the playground hero.
I’ve put together a full guide to surface types, another explaining the difference between FG and SG, and even one for parents who aren’t sure about their kids wearing studs. When I said I’d cover all bases, I meant it — no pun left behind.
High Collar vs. Low Cut Boots
Images from Pro Direct
Another thing that often slips under the radar is the choice between boots with a sock-like ankle cuff (high collar) and those without (low cut). Both have their perks, and it really does come down to personal preference. I used to never have a collared boot, but now I do wear them (mainly to keep my old ankles in place).
High Collar Boots:
- Extra ankle support
- Better lockdown and secure fit
- ‘Pro-player’ kinda look
- Can be trickier to get on and off
- Might look like it provides extra protection from tackles, but not really
Low Cut Boots:
- Easier to put on and take off
- More freedom of movement
- More traditional
- Often slightly cheaper
- Can feel less secure
Different Boot Classes
Images from Pro Direct
Kids' feet grow fast, and boots aren't the cheapest thing in the world, so it's worth knowing the different classes and price points before you buy.
It’s easy to assume your budding superstar needs the priciest, top-tier boots to play their best — but that’s not always true. Sure, the latest, top-level models come loaded with all the fancy tech, but for many young players, that extra gear isn’t really necessary.
Most kids’ boots come in three main tiers, each one stepping down in price (and features), so you can find the right balance between performance and budget.
adidas:
- Elite = Top level, most expensive
- League = Middle level, cheaper than elite
- Club = Bottom level, cheaper than elite and league
Nike:
- Pro = Top level, most expensive
- Academy = Middle level, cheaper than pro
- Club = Bottom level, cheaper than pro and academy
Puma:
- Pro = Top level, most expensive
- Match = Middle level, cheaper than pro
- Play = Bottom level, cheaper than pro and match
And there you have it—the not-so-scary world of kids’ football boots, decoded.
If you’re ready to take the next step, check out my Best Kids’ Football Boots blog for a hand-picked list of top performers.
On a tighter budget? We’ve also got kids’ boots under £30 so your little star can shine without draining the piggy bank. And while you’re at it, swing by our cheap kids’ football kit page to get them kitted out head-to-toe for less.
When it comes to playing their best — or just having fun on the pitch — the right gear really does make all the difference.
