The Best Soccer Shoes for Toddlers – Is Your Toddler Ready for Soccer Cleats?

March 31, 2025 Sport Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Is your toddler ready for soccer, but you’re unsure whether they need actual soccer cleats or if sneakers will do? While your child’s soccer coach may have recommendations, I firmly believe that toddlers under five are best off wearing regular sneakers instead of cleats for better comfort and flexibility. To help you make the best choice, I’ve put together a list of the top soccer shoes for toddlers, including both cleats and supportive sneakers, so your little one can play confidently and comfortably on the field

Should Your Toddler Wear Sneakers or Soccer Cleats?

The decision between sneakers and soccer cleats for toddlers depends on several factors, including your child’s level of activity and the type of surface they will be playing on. If your toddler is just starting out, flexible and supportive sneakers might be a better choice. However, for more competitive play, properly fitted toddler soccer cleats can provide better traction and stability on the field.

Advantages of Providing Your Toddler with Actual Soccer Cleats

The main advantage of providing your toddler with a pair of soccer cleats is that it will help your toddler learn proper form, as if you pay close attention, you will notice how most sneakers have a wedge, while most soccer cleats are flat. Soccer cleats also have a unique shape that corresponds with the shape of a foot and produces a better feeling every time your toddler kicks the ball. However, my recommendation is that for toddlers to be able to start wearing cleats, they must be fully stable when walking or running.

An image of two children getting ready to play soccer in comfortable cleats.

Are Soccer Cleats Available in Toddler Sizes?

Yes! Soccer cleats are available in toddler sizes, but options can be limited. Most brands start offering cleats around size 6 or 7 for little athletes.

Best Soccer Cleats for Toddlers to Help Them Learn Proper Form

Soccer cleats offer specialized traction and stability, making them ideal for playing on grass or turf. They are specifically engineered to enhance a child’s performance on the field, providing the necessary grip to reduce the risk of slipping and falling.

These soccer cleats are designed to fit toddlers with medium (M) or wide (W) feet. To ensure the perfect fit for your little one, check the cleat’s description below for details on foot shape compatibility! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Shoe style Fica by Carters

These toddler soccer shoes have Velcro closure for quick on and off. Designed for comfort and stability, they provide great traction on the field while keeping little feet secure and supported.

Pink Velcro soccer cleats for toddler girls.
Black soccer cleats for toddlers with Velcro.

Key Features

  • Order this soccer shoe style Fica by Carter’s on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • The hook and loop closure allows kids to put-on and take-off these soccer shoes by themselves
  • Rubber lugged outsole provides traction and comfort, for specific use on artificial surfaces
  • I suggest that you get this soccer shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Shoe style by LIGVIV

These red soccer cleats for toddlers are designed with a lightweight construction for enhanced speed and agility on the field.

Red soccer cleats for toddlers.

Key Features

  • Order this soccer shoe style Fica by LIGVIV on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Lace-Up
  • Molded FG outsole with stud pattern provides excellent traction on natural and artificial grass fields
  • Designed with a lightweight construction for enhanced speed and agility on the field
  • I suggest that you get this soccer shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Firm Ground by Brooman

These Velcro soccer cleats for toddlers are designed for optimal performance, offering excellent traction and stability on firm pitches.

Velcro soccer shoes for kids.
Pink Velcro soccer cleats for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Firm Ground by Brooman on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Adjustable and durable hook and loop closure 
  • Soft padded tongue
  • Order this soccer shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Would You Rather Choose Sneakers for Your Toddler’s Soccer Games?

If you prefer everyday sneakers over soccer cleats for your toddler, make sure they have these essential features for comfort and performance on the field:

1. Reinforced Toe Cap: Adds durability to withstand rough play and keeps shoes from wearing out too quickly.

2. Good Traction: Helps prevent slips and falls, keeping your little one steady on the field.

3. Firm Heel Counter: Provides essential ankle support and reduces the risk of foot injuries.

4. Lightweight and Flexible: Keeps tiny feet comfortable and prevents fatigue, so your toddler can run and play with ease!prevents your toddler’s feet from easily getting tired.

The Best Alternatives to Soccer Shoes

For those parents who prefer regular sneakers for their toddlers, there are plenty of options that can double as soccer shoes. Here are my top picks.

Chandler 2 CNX by Keen

These toddler soccer sneakers provide a rugged outsole and feature a waterproof membrane to keep feet dry and comfortable, even in wet conditions. The sturdy rubber outsole provides excellent traction, making them perfect for soccer games, while the lightweight construction ensures all-day comfort.

Waterproof sneakers for kids.
Waterproof sneakers for girls.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Chandler 2 CNX by Keen on Zappos or Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Elasticized lace panel with hook-and-loop closure
  • Protective rubber toe bumper to protect your toes
  • Reverse Strobel construction provides a streamlined interior
  • I suggest that you get this shoe a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Shoe Style 990v6 by New Balance

These toddler soccer sneakers provide a robust outsole that helps distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduces strain on the muscles and joints. The downside that many parents complain about is the high price tag.

990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.
New Balance 990 for kids with laces in purple color.
990v6 New Balance shoe with laces in black for kids.

Key Features

  • You can order the 990v6 with laces on the New Balance website, Amazon, or Zappos
  • Available in medium, wide, and extra wide widths
  • Also available in pink and navy blue
  • There is also a Velcro version of these shoes available in navy blue and pink
  • I suggest getting this shoe a half size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

Shoe Style Tracks by Timberland

This high-top sneaker is a durable and supportive choice for toddlers who play soccer. With strong traction, a reinforced toe cap, and a flexible design, it provides stability and comfort on the field while allowing natural foot movement.

Supportive Timberland high-top boot for kids with flat feet.

Key Features

  • Order the shoe style Tracks by Timberland on Amazon
  • Fits medium and wide feet
  • Water-friendl
  • I suggest getting this shoe a whole size larger than your toddler’s current foot size

Are You Unsure Whether You Should Choose Cleats or Sneakers?

If you have specific questions or need personalized recommendations based on your toddler’s walking stage, feel free to contact me via email. I’m here to help you find the perfect pair of shoes that support your child’s foot development and soccer journey.

Making sure that the shoes and cleats fit properly ensures first touches, dribbling, shooting, and simply running are as comfortable and natural as these basic skills should be.

How to Order the Correct Shoe Size for Your Toddler

Choosing the correct shoe size is crucial for your toddler’s comfort and foot health. To help you with this, I offer a virtual shoe fitting service that guides you through the process of measuring your child’s feet accurately. This service ensures you order the right size online, minimizing the hassle of returns and exchanges.

Bonus Resource: Best Soccer Socks for Toddlers

Providing your toddler with the correct type of soccer socks when playing soccer is also really important if you want to keep your toddler’s feet healthy. The right type of socks provides extra cushioning and padding in targeted areas of the foot. The correct types of socks can also help prevent your toddler’s feet from getting blisters and calluses.

Watch My YouTube Video on Soccer Shoes for Toddlers

For a more in-depth look at soccer shoes for toddlers, be sure to watch my YouTube video where I review and compare different models.

Remember that soccer cleats are specifically crafted to support quick movements and directional changes, which are common in soccer. This can be crucial for developing their agility and coordination, skills that are beneficial not only in soccer but in other physical activities as well.

Proper footwear is crucial not only for performance but also for preventing injuries and promoting healthy foot growth. This is especially important for toddlers and young children whose feet are still developing.