Best Soccer Cleats for Kids with High Instep – Extra Deep to Prevent Foot Issues!
Does your child complain that the top part of the feet (instep) hurts or that the soccer shoes feel too tight around that area? Finding the best soccer cleats for kids with high insteps involves considering extra depth, adjustable closures, and a flexible upper. By choosing cleats with these features, you can ensure your child is comfortable and supported on the field. This not only enhances their performance but also protects their feet from potential injuries.
How Does a Foot with a High Instep Look Like?
Having a high instep always makes it more challenging to find shoes that fit, and it gets even more challenging when you are looking for a pair of sport shoes. Just so we are clear, the instep is the top part of the foot. This foot type can cause the shoe to feel tight or create pressure points, especially in standard soccer cleats.
One sign that your child might have a high instep is if you always have a hard time getting the shoes on and off. The image below shows where the instep of the foot is located:
As you can see in the image above the instep and the arch are unrelated. I mention this because most parents make the common mistake of assuming that a child with a high arch automatically has a high instep and vice versa. This is untrue, as I have seen flat-footed children with high insteps.
Do Most Children with High Insteps Also Have Wide Feet?
Many children with high insteps also have wide feet, but this isn’t always the case. The combination can make finding suitable shoes a bit more complex, as you need to consider both the height and width of the shoe.
Key Feature of Soccer Cleats for High Insteps: Extra Depth
The soccer cleats I recommend provide extra depth, which is a key feature for children with high insteps as it allows the foot to fit deeply inside the shoes. This helps prevent the top part of your child’s foot (instep), from rubbing against the top part of the shoes.
Below you can find my top recommendations for youth soccer cleats that cater to high insteps. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases.
Best Soccer Cleats for Kids with High Instep for Better Comfort
The soccer cleats that I recommend below have worked for most children with high insteps. However, how effective these shoes will be for your child’s feet depends on individual foot anatomy.
1. 442 V2 Academy by New Balance
This is one of parents’ favorite soccer shoes for kids with high instep as it provides extra depth and is offered at a reasonable price. The cleat features a genuine suede leather upper for long-lasting durability.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style 442 V2 Academy by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Comfortable lining to improve the first foot feel
- I suggest that you get this soccer shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
2. Goletto VIII by Adidas
The Goletto VIII by Adidas is another excellent option for kids with high insteps. Known for its lightweight design, this cleat allows for quick movements on the field.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Adidas shoe style Goletto VIII on Zappos or Amazon
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Cushioned heels
- I suggest that you get this soccer shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
3. Zephz
This is one of the best kids’ soccer cleats for high instep. These shoes are also ideal for children with wider feet and is the only shoe brand that offers soccer cleats in extra wide widths.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style by Zephz on Amazon
- Fits children with medium, wide, or extra wide feet
- Extra padding around the ankles
- I suggest that you get this soccer shoe a half size larger than your child’s current foot size
4. Furon Dispatch by New Balance
The Furon Dispatch by New Balance offers extra depth and round toe-boxes, catering to children who need extra room in their cleats. These cleats are designed with a focus on speed and agility, featuring a lightweight synthetic upper and a comfortable, accommodating fit
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Furon Dispatch by New Balance on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Comfortable lining to improve the first foot feel
- I suggest that you get this soccer shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
5. Predator by Adidas
The Adidas Predator is extra deep and has a soft leather upper that molds to the foot. The flexible material and cushioned insole make them a comfortable choice for children with high insteps.
Key Features
- Order the shoe style Predator by Adidas on Amazon or Zappos
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Comfortable lining to improve the first foot feel
- I suggest that you get this soccer shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
If you’re struggling to find the right soccer cleats for your child with a high instep, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to provide personalized recommendations tailored to your child’s unique foot shape and needs. My goal is to ensure that every child can enjoy their favorite sports without being hindered by ill-fitting shoes.
Find Out What Shoe Size You Should Order Online
I always encourage parents to take their children to a local shoe store for a professional fitting—not only to support small businesses, but also to ensure their child gets the best fit. The problem, though, is that many specialized children’s shoe stores are now closed. So, to solve this, I’ve created a virtual shoe fitting that allows parents to accurately measure their child’s foot shape from the comfort of home. It’s the perfect solution for getting the right fit, without stepping out the door!
Every movement in soccer creates different stress points on your child’s feet, and to protect your child’s feet, there are certain socks that will act as a barrier between your child’s feet and the cleats.
Comfortable Soccer Socks for Kids
Choosing the right socks can further enhance comfort and performance. Look for socks with padding in the sole to help prevent blisters and add an extra layer of comfort, ensuring your child’s feet remain protected throughout the game.
Parents should know that blisters are common in children who engage in soccer no matter the level they are playing. Some of the most common places where children develop blisters are on the back of the heel and the bottom of the foot. By investing in high-quality soccer socks, you’re complementing the benefits of well-fitted cleats and helping prevent issues such as blisters.
Sneakers for Children with High Insteps
Finding a pair of shoes for a child with a high instep can be a frustrating and time-consuming experience, especially when you don’t know which shoe brands or shoe styles fit deeper than others. I have seen cases of children complaining about foot pain on the top of their feet simply from not wearing everyday sneakers that were deep enough to accommodate their high instep.
Prevent Blisters, Calluses, and Foot Injuries
Wearing soccer cleats that don’t fit properly can lead to your child developing foot issues such as blisters and calluses, as well as foot injuries. If the soccer cleats are not deep enough children might get blisters on the top part of their feet (instep).
It is a fact that your child’s soccer cleats won’t make your child a better soccer player. However, properly fitted cleats will maximize your child’s performance and help prevent injuries.
