We may not have reached the finals in the 2022 World Cup, but following the Lionesses’ victory at the Euros this year, our children are showing more interest in football than ever before.
Whether they’re playing at after-school clubs, having a casual kickabout with friends at the park or taking things a little more seriously playing on a flood lid astroturf or in local club competitions, football is a great way to introduce kids to the benefits of an active lifestyle.
The right pair of football boots can not only improve their performance on the pitch but also ensure they feel comfortable and confident too. That said, finding the right pair of junior football boots isn’t as straightforward as you may think. Wearing the wrong type of football boot can affect more than just their gameplay - at their worst, the wrong boots can risk damaging the ankles or shins.
To make sure you find the right pair for your child, here are some things you need to consider:
- How are they playing? - When will your child be wearing their football boots? Are they playing competitively or just for fun? For those taking their sport more seriously, you may want to invest in a premium pair which offers enhanced features for comfort and ball control.
- Type of pitch - The outsole of the football boot, including the studs, will vary depending on the recommended surface. Look out for letters and abbreviations after the boot name, as these represent the surfaces they are recommended to play on. FG stands for Firm Ground, SG stands for Soft Ground and MG stands for Multi-Ground (which is probably the best all-round option). You can also pick up boots specifically for astroturf or indoor venues such as sports halls and training sessions.
- Weather conditions - Firm ground boots are ideal for the summer months when the ground is hard and dry, whereas soft ground boots may be more suitable in wet and muddy conditions.
- Colours/style - This may very much depend on your child’s style and preferences, but most football boots come in a choice of colourways, allowing you to choose a pair that best suits their personality.
- Fit - Don’t be tempted to buy a size bigger like you do school shoes - football boots need to fit properly to offer adequate support. It’s also important to try them on with football socks, which are generally considerably thicker than your average pair.
Parents - make sure you pack your pitch-side waterproofs, you’re going to need them! Here are the best kids’ football boots to buy in 2023.
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adidas Predator Edge.3 Multi-Ground Boots
If your child loves playing football whatever the weather, you’ll need a pair of boots that can cope with the UK’s varied weather conditions, tackling wet and muddy pitches in winter, whilst ensuring speed and control on the hard, dry ground we find during summer.
The adidas Predator Edge 3 Multi-Ground Boots are a great option, reliable across all outdoor surfaces and available in adult sizes too. The two-piece mid-cut collar ensures comfort and the studs perform well on varied terrain.
Best for: Varied terrain
Sizes available: UK infant 10 to 5.5
Colours available: Two
Buy now £50.00, adidas
adidas Predator Edge+ Firm Ground
The adidas Predator Edge+ Football Boots are a premium football boot option made from high-quality materials that focus on performance, comfort and durability. A popular choice for kids who are taking the game more seriously, they have a futuristic design and are available in a choice of two striking colourways, which they’d be proud to wear walking onto the pitch this season.
With a laceless design and stretchy Facet Fit collar, they’re quick and easy to get on - meaning less time sat on the sidelines securing laces and more time to get up and play.
The adidas PRIMEKNIT upper features ribbed sections for enhanced boot-to-ball contact and the medium-sized studs are best suited for firm ground or artificial grass
Best for: Laceless construction
Sizes UK: infant 10 to 5.5
Colours available: Two
Boot Type: Laceless
Buy now £130.00, adidas
New Balance Furon 3.0 Firm Ground Football Boots
If your kids have particularly wide feet, you may find they struggle with some of the slimline laceless designs. The New Balance Furon 3.0 (FG) come in a choice of standard or wide fit with an internal stiffened heel, offering a secure and comfortable fit even for children with larger feet.
With a bright blue and red design, the vinyl insert ensures comfort both on and off the pitch, whilst the textured surface on the synthetic upper ensures good contact and control whilst dribbling and attacking.
Best for: Wide feet
Sizes available: UK infant 10 to junior 5.5
Colours available: One
Boot Type: Lace closure
Buy now £50.00, New Balance
Nike Junior Mercurial Vapour 15 Academy CR7 Multi-Ground Boots
Admired by many, these Nike Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired boots are sure to be a popular choice with youngsters and will certainly stand out from the crowd. With a striking blue design inspired by the azulejo tiles of Portugal, they not only offer a unique style, but they also have a textured upper for performance and control too.
A lightweight, laceless, slip-on design, they offer a secure and comfortable fit even for the youngest of players. With Nike Zoom air cushioning under the heel, they provide a bouncy and spring-like sensation to propel players towards the goal.
Best for: Footballer inspired
Sizes available: UK infant 9.5 to junior 5.5
Colours available: One
Boot Type: Laceless construction
Buy now £64.95, Nike
adidas x Messi 3 Junior Astro Turf Trainers
Following his successes in Qatar 2022, these Messi Astro Turf Trainers are likely to be a popular choice for juniors in 2023 and are an ideal boot for training sessions and astroturf tournaments alike.
The moulded outsole on these bold and bright boots ensures premium control and a solid grip during even the most rapid dribbles, twists and turns. The cushioned insole, soft mesh upper and lace enclosure ensure complete comfort, even if they’re lucky enough to be on the pitch during extra time.
Best for: Astroturf
Sizes available: UK 4, 5 and 6 (Juniors)
Colours available: One (White/black/red)
Boot Type: Football Trainers
Buy now £35.00, Sports Direct
PUMA Unisex Kid’s Future 4.4 Jr Football Boots
If your kids are playing football indoors and are still wearing trainers, it may be time to invest in a pair of indoor football boots. The Puma Z 4.4 football boots are high-quality non-marking rubber outsole boots made specifically for indoor halls and sports pitches. Packed full of high-performance features, they provide excellent support and traction, whilst Creator Zones in key areas across the upper can help enhance their ball control.
The Dynamic Motion System outsole can cope with continuous multidirectional movements, whilst the compression technology securely holds their feet in place to ensure their movements feel lightweight and fluid at all times.
Best for: Indoor courts/training halls
Sizes available: UK infant size 10 to junior 5 (approximately 8 to 16 years)
Colours available: Two, Persian Night (black) or Fiery Coral (orange)
Boot Type: Indoor boots
Buy now £36.00, PUMA
Nike Jr. Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Academy FG/MG
Is your child always keen to be the first on the pitch? With a laceless construction including dual straps and pull taps, they take literally seconds to slip on and secure and are suitable on a variety of terrains from real grass to artificial pitches.
The Nike Zoom air unit to the sole ensures premium comfort, speed and buoyancy, making them a great option for those attempting to navigate passed defenders at speed.
Made with at least 20 per cent recycled materials, they’re also a great sustainable option for the eco conscious among us.
Best for: Lightweight
Sizes available: UK 13.5 to 5.5
Colours available: One, yellow
Boot Type: Laceless construction
Buy now £69.95, Nike
Verdict
Whilst your choice will very much depend on your child’s preferences and play habits, we think the adidas Predator Edge.3 Multi-Ground boots are a great all-rounder, offering enhanced performance at a budget-friendly price. Not only are they stylish and striking, but they’re also a model trusted by professionals to offer a comfortable fit whatever the terrain.
