How to Fit Sports Insoles Inside Your Kids’ Cleats – Step-By-Step Guide

July 11, 2025 Insoles for Sport Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Does your child struggle with foot pain from conditions like flat feet, Sever’s Disease, or plantar fasciitis—especially when playing sports? Many kids need extra support in their cleats, but simply buying sports insoles isn’t enough. A proper fit is crucial to keep your child comfortable and pain-free on the field. As a shoe fitter with over a decade of experience helping children with foot conditions, I’m here to show you exactly how to fit sports insoles inside your kids’ cleats in just two easy steps. Let’s make sure your young athlete’s feet get the support they deserve!

When insoles don’t fit properly in cleats, kids risk discomfort, poor foot alignment, and injuries like blisters, plantar fasciitis, or ankle strains. But a well-fitted insole offers crucial arch support and cushioning, helping prevent injuries and boosting performance by improving energy transfer and reducing fatigue. The right fit can truly be a game-changer for your child on the field.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Fitting Sports Insoles in Cleats

Getting the insoles to fit perfectly in your kids’ cleats is not a complex task, but doing it carefully ensures that each game or practice session is enjoyable and free from unnecessary foot pain. I’ll walk you through each step.

Kids' soccer shoes with removable insoles.
Step One. With the new insoles in hand, gently remove the existing insoles from your child’s cleats. This is usually straightforward but be gentle to avoid tearing any material. Once removed, clean any debris inside for a fresh start.
Fitting kids' sports insoles inside supportive soccer cleats
Step Two. Fit the sports insoles into the cleats. They should lay flat against the bottom. If they’re bunched up or too tight at the edges, they may not provide the intended support or comfort. Check the insole alignment from heel to toe by sliding your hand and making sure there is not too much extra space between the end of the insole and the end of the cleats.
Step Three: Make sure the insole is fitting deeply inside of the cleats. Here is an example of an insole that was fitted correctly and sits deeply inside the cleats.
Here you can find an example of an insole that was fitted inside the wrong pair of cleats as it’s sitting too high up.

In some cases, you might need to trim the new insoles for a perfect fit. Most insoles have guidelines that help you cut neatly and safely. Always trim conservatively; you can always cut away more, but you can’t add back what’s been removed.

How to Fit Sports Insoles – Watch My YouTube Video!

For a visual walkthrough of this process, watch my YouTube video, where I demonstrate each step in detail. Your child’s comfort and safety are my priority, and with the right approach, you can help them stride confidently onto the field.

Apply This Amazing Shoe Lacing Technique

After fitting the insoles inside, it’s key to ensure they stay in place. Lace the cleats snugly. The lacing should hold the insole securely without being so tight that it’s uncomfortable for your child. A shoe that’s properly laced will help the insole perform its job without sliding around. I learned a specific shoe lacing technique that works amazingly for children who wear orthotics.

By following these steps, your child’s cleats are now ready with their new, supportive insoles. But the process doesn’t end here. The last stage is about sourcing the right cleats to partner with those insoles, which I’ll cover in the next section.

Top Picks: Navigating Choices for Insole-Compatible Cleats

Not all cleats are made alike, and some work better with added insoles than others. When shopping for cleats, prioritize those specifically designed with firm heel counters and extra depth. They generally have more depth and a removable factory insole, allowing for a custom fit option. Also, ensure you’re getting the correct type of cleats for the sport, whether it’s soccer, football, or any field sport. Don’t hesitate to email me if you need specific cleat recommendations.

When trying the insoles with the cleats, make sure your child wears the same kind of socks they’ll wear during games or practice. Watch them walk, run, and perform sport-specific movements to ensure there’s no slippage or discomfort.

Why Professional Fitting Matters: Insights from a Shoe Fitter

I understand it can seem convenient to grab a pair of off-the-shelf cleats and insoles for your child, but I encourage you to consider professional fitting as a crucial step. Expert shoe fitters bring a wealth of knowledge and can make a huge difference in your child’s comfort and performance on the field.

I am happy to assess your child’s foot shape, arch type, gait, and specific sporting requirements. My recommendations will not just focus on the immediate fit but also on providing room for growth, especially important for children whose feet are still developing. I created a virtual shoe fitting service that will help you retrieve your child’s shoe size from home. In that resource you will find out whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet. I also be able to determine whether your child has a high instep or not.

Many families from all over the world have been taking advantage of this free resource.

Reach Out with Any Questions

If you’re ever in doubt about the fit or the type of insoles to use, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. As a shoe fitter, I’m always here to help guide you through the process.