Best Soccer Cleats for Kids with High Instep
Does your child complain that the top of their foot hurts, or that their soccer cleats feel too tight in that spot no matter the size? As a certified children’s shoe fitter, this is a classic sign of a high instep — and it calls for a different fix than width alone. Here’s what a high instep actually is, how to spot it, and the cleats that consistently accommodate it.
What Does a High Instep Look Like?
The instep is the top part of the foot, and a high instep can make shoes feel tight or create pressure points, especially in standard soccer cleats. One telltale sign: if you consistently struggle to get shoes on and off your child’s feet, a high instep is often the reason.
It’s worth clearing up a common mix-up: a high arch doesn’t automatically mean a high instep, or vice versa. I’ve fitted plenty of flat-footed children who also have a high instep.
Does a High Instep Usually Come with Wide Feet?
Often, but not always. When the two combine, finding the right cleat gets more complex, since you need a shoe that solves for both extra depth and extra width at once — which is exactly why the picks below emphasize depth specifically, not just a roomier fit overall.
The Key Feature: Extra Depth
Extra depth lets the foot sit fully inside the cleat without the instep rubbing against the shoe’s upper — that rubbing is what causes discomfort, blisters, and eventually calluses if left unaddressed.
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Best Soccer Cleats for Kids with High Instep
These have worked for most of the high-instep kids I’ve fitted, though how well each one performs still depends on your child’s individual foot shape.
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 on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Durable leather upper that adapts to the foot shape
- Soft lining for improved comfort from the first wear
- Sizing Tip: Size up one full size to allow for growing room
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 on Amazon
- Fits children with medium or wide feet
- Cushioned heels
- Sizing Tip: Size up one full size to allow for growing room
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 on Amazon
- Fits children with wide or extra wide feet
- Extra padding around the ankles
- Sizing Tip: Size up one full size to allow for growing room
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 on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Lightweight synthetic upper
- Comfortable lining for improved first wear
- Sizing Tip: Size up one full size to allow for growing room
Predator 24 Club by Adidas
A soft leather upper that molds to the foot over time, paired with a cushioned insole for comfort.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Fits children with medium and wide feet
- Soft leather upper molds to the foot over time
- Comfortable lining for excellent first foot feel
- Sizing Tip: Size up one full size to allow for growing room
Getting the Right Size Online
I always encourage families to visit a local children’s shoe store first for a professional fitting — but with so many specialty stores closing, that isn’t an option everywhere. My virtual shoe fitting guide helps you accurately measure your child’s foot shape and width from home.
Comfortable Soccer Socks for Kids
Every movement in soccer creates different stress points on the foot, and the right socks act as a buffer between your child’s foot and the cleat. Look for padding in the sole to help prevent blisters, which most commonly develop on the back of the heel and the bottom of the foot. See my full guide to high-quality soccer socks for specific picks.
Everyday Sneakers for High Insteps
Cleats aren’t the only place a high instep causes trouble — I’ve seen plenty of kids complain about foot pain on top of their feet simply from wearing everyday sneakers that weren’t deep enough. See my guide to sneakers for high insteps if this is an issue beyond the soccer field too.
Contact Me for Specific Shoe Recommendations
If you’re struggling to find the right soccer cleats for your child’s high instep, reach out — I’m happy to provide personalized recommendations based on your child’s specific foot shape and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
A high instep tends to show up consistently across multiple shoe brands and styles, not just one pair — if your child struggles to get several different shoes on and off, or complains specifically about pressure on top of the foot rather than the sides or toes, that points to instep rather than a one-off fit issue.
Not ideally — these five are built for medium-to-wide feet. A narrow foot with a high instep is a less common combination; reach out with your child’s specific foot shape and I can help point you toward an option.
All five offer solid depth, but individual foot anatomy varies enough that what works best for one child may not for another. If your child has tried one of these without success, reach out with details and I can help narrow down a better match.
