Soccer Cleats for Kids Who Wear Orthotics
Is your child dealing with foot pain during soccer, and has a doctor recommended orthotics for extra support? Finding cleats that actually accommodate an orthotic is genuinely difficult — cleats are built snug by design for agility and ball control, and that same snug fit is exactly what makes fitting an orthotic inside so hard. As a certified children’s shoe fitter, here’s what actually works.
Do Kids Who Play Soccer Need Orthotics in Their Cleats?
Children with foot conditions like flat feet are more prone to foot and heel pain, and soccer’s intense running, quick direction changes, and sudden stops raise the risk of both overuse and acute injury. An orthotic helps absorb some of that impact and reduces strain on the foot, keeping your child more comfortable and less injury-prone during play.
My Experience Fitting Cleats for Kids with Foot Pain
At the children’s shoe store where I work, I regularly see kids with flat feet, weak ankles, and other conditions that need more than an off-the-shelf cleat can offer. I work closely with children referred by their physical and occupational therapists, guiding families through finding the right shoes and orthotic combination for their child’s specific needs.
What Makes a Cleat Work Well with an Orthotic
1. Extra depth — this gives the orthotic room to sit inside the cleat without cramping the foot, while still keeping a snug, supportive fit.
2. A firm heel counter — this helps maintain foot alignment and keeps the orthotic from sliding around inside the shoe during play, which also improves balance and reduces fall risk.
3. Removable insoles — this is what actually makes swapping in an orthotic possible in the first place. Without a removable factory insole, there’s often no room left for the orthotic at all.
Most cleats aren’t labeled with these features, which makes finding the right one by browsing alone difficult. The picks below are ones I’ve worked with hands-on and confirmed actually deliver on all three.
Disclosure: some links below are affiliate links — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click and purchase.
Best Soccer Cleats for Kids Who Need Orthotic Support
An orthotic takes up real space inside the shoe, so lean toward a wider, deeper fit rather than just sizing up — sizing up alone solves length, not the width and depth an orthotic actually needs.
442 V2 Academy by New Balance
This is one of the best soccer cleats for orthotics as it is extra deep, supportive, and offered at a reasonable price.
Key Features
- Order on the New Balance website or Amazon
- Available in wide widths
- 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 who wear orthotics. Known for its lightweight design, this cleat allows for quick movements on the field. These Adidas soccer cleats are ideal for children who prefer shoes from “popular” shoe brands.
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 soccer cleat comes in extra wide widths, making it perfect for fitting orthotics. With its removable insoles and added depth, the orthotics fit comfortably and securely inside, providing the support your child needs for optimal performance.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Available in extra wide widths
- 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 a wide fit option, 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
- Available in wide widths
- Lightweight synthetic upper
- Comfortable lining for improved first wear
- Sizing Tip: Size up one full size to allow for growing room
Predator by Adidas
The Adidas Predator features a wide fit and a soft leather upper that gently molds to the foot for a custom-like feel. Perfect for kids who wear orthotics, this soccer cleat combines comfort and support to enhance their performance on the field.
Key Features
- Order on Amazon
- Fits 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
Note: of these five, Zephz is the only genuine extra wide option — the rest offer a solid wide fit, which works well for many orthotics but may not be enough room for a bulkier one.
Contact Me for Personalized Recommendations
Every child’s foot and orthotic setup is different, and general advice only goes so far. Reach out with details about your child’s orthotic and foot shape, and I’ll help point you toward the best option.
What Type of Orthotic Does Your Child Wear?
This actually changes what you need to do before fitting the orthotic:
3/4-length orthotic — you can typically leave the original insole in place, since a 3/4-length orthotic only needs room through the heel and midfoot.
Full-length orthotic — remove the cleat’s original insole before placing the orthotic, since a full-length orthotic needs that space.
Lacing to Keep the Orthotic in Place
A lock-lacing technique helps keep the orthotic properly positioned, prevents the heel from slipping, and secures the whole foot more firmly inside the cleat. I cover the full technique in my dedicated guide to lacing shoes with orthotics.
Already Have the Right Cleats — Still Need a Sport Insole?
If your child’s cleats check every box above but they’re still uncomfortable, a supportive sport insole can add extra cushioning and structure. See my full breakdown of sport insoles for kids with foot pain for specific picks.
Getting the Right Size Online
With many specialty children’s shoe stores closed, finding the correct size online has become the default for a lot of families. My virtual shoe fitting guide helps you determine your child’s correct size and width from home.
Bonus Resource: Soccer Socks
The right soccer socks add another layer of comfort and can help prevent friction and blisters for kids wearing orthotics — well-fitted socks also help the cleat itself stay secure throughout the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reach out with your child’s specific orthotic type. Some orthotics are bulkier than others, and occasionally a modified lacing approach or a different brand entirely ends up being the better fix.
Not as the first move — width and depth are usually the actual problem, not length. Sizing up in length without addressing width can create its own instability issue. Try a wider or deeper cleat before sizing up significantly.
It depends on how much room the orthotic takes up — a cleat that fits well with the orthotic in may be too loose without it. If your child alternates, it’s worth checking fit both ways rather than assuming one setting works for both.
