Perhaps, it’s hard to find a game as popular worldwide as football. It’s played by stars in stadiums and by kids in the backyard. Many parents, when sending their kids to training, face the challenge of choosing the right boots. Earlier, we discussed how to choose boots for an adult football player. Now, let’s focus on kids because a high-quality and properly chosen pair of boots ensures a safe and successful game.
The key features of kid’s football footwear
Among all the equipment kids’ boots should be chosen with maximum care. The accuracy of this choice determines comfort, protection against injuries, and the level of ball control during training.
In general, the qualities of kid’s models are determined as follows:
- Safety;
- Comfort;
- Lightweight;
- Bright design.
Doing technical moves, passes, and shots, as well as controlling the ball is made possible by the optimal shape of the boots.
The kid’s boots category is divided into three groups:
- Futsal shoes, or bumps, are shoes with a smooth sole and a slight tread pattern, specifically designed for playing indoors on a wooden floor.
- Studded boots, equipped with many small rubber spikes, are a variant suitable for hard surfaces such as artificial turf, gravel, and soil.
- Cleats are a good solution for natural grass.
Parents can seek advice from the coach, who will explain the nuances of the training process and the types of surfaces used in both trainings and competitions. A professional will provide precise recommendations on what to consider when making a purchase and suggest reliable models.
Labeling on kids’ soccer boots
To start, it is important to understand on what type of surface the boots will be used. The sole’s compatibility with this factor impacts both comfort during play and the kid’s safety. Improperly chosen footwear can make moving confidently difficult and lead to falls or injuries.
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In international labelling, soles are divided into:
- Turf (TF) – for solid-base fields;
- Indoor (ID), Incourt (IN, IC) – for indoor wooden floors;
- Artificial Grass / Ground (AG) – just for artificial turf;
- Multi Ground (MG) – for various surfaces, but not indoors;
- Firm Ground (FG) – for natural and artificial turf;
- Hard Ground (HG) – for hard surfaces;
- Soft Ground (SG) – for soft, wet ground.
It’s especially important to note that not all categories are suitable for every age group. For example, orthopedists do not recommend SG models with metal spikes for children under 16 due to excessive stress on the foot, which may lead to deformities in the ankle joint and flat feet.
The most suitable options for young athletes are MG, TF, MSR, and VHG.
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Guidelines for choosing the right boots for you children
Today, there’s a huge variety of football shoes from different manufacturers, making the choice difficult. Quality is crucial, especially for young football players.
Size
The key rule is that boots should fit snugly on the foot, not loose. This helps the player have full control during the game.
But kid’s feet grow rapidly, so it’s acceptable to leave a little extra space. To do this, choose the size that fits, and then take the boots that are half a size larger.
Material
The composition and materials are important not only for health but also for their various properties. Natural leather and suede are comfortable, have the ability to stretch, but are sensitive to moisture. Synthetics are known for increased durability, lighter weight, but they keep their shape.
Common materials recommended are natural and synthetic leather, suede, polyurethane, and polyvinyl chloride.
Purpose
Let’s focus on shoe features for a specific team position. Depending on the tasks set by the coach for the player, there are boots for:
- Goalkeeper – maximum grip;
- Defender/Midfielder – additional protection and durability;
- Forward – speed, maneuverability, sharp attacks, and precise shots.
It’s advisable to seek advice on this question.
Comfort
Shoes should fit the foot comfortably, considering all its features, without being too tight or too loose. Adults check the comfort of lacing, sole fit, the presence of a special insole, and the quality of seams.
Try them on with training socks and ask the child to run a bit to identify any issues.
Laces
Getting the right tightness for boots is done through lacing. Hence, this type of fastening is preferred over Velcro.
Football players develop special lacing skills, using various techniques for the optimal fit.
Kid’s Preferences
Even as you consider practical aspects, don’t forget your young athlete’s preferences. Let them choose the color, they’re the ones playing. The joy of a great pair is a key motivator for success.
The effort in choosing the footwear pays off with the joy and achievements of young footballers. After getting a new pair, remember to take good care of the boots to make them last and maintain their quality.
