Wide Soccer Cleats for Kids – The Best Wide and Extra Wide Soccer Cleats for Children!

Children’s feet come in all shapes and sizes, and for those with wider feet, standard cleats may feel too tight. Many families struggle when it comes to finding soccer cleats for kids with wide feet, as the ones available in wide widths (W) sell out pretty quickly. Wide soccer cleats for kids provide the extra room needed for comfort, allowing your child to focus on their game rather than their feet. By the way, I have noticed that many families recommend New Balance cleats for kids with wide feet. While New Balance is one of my go-to shoe brands for children with wide feet, not all New Balance cleats fit the same way, as some styles fit a lot wider than others.

Where is the Best Place to Find Wide Soccer Cleats?

I work for a children’s shoe store, and many families who visit the store come looking for wide soccer cleats, not those that “run or fit wide” but actually have wide widths (W, X-Wide) as a choice (and/or a squared toe-box). These families explain to me how they tried on a ton of cleat options at Dick’s or other sporting goods stores, but always ended up empty-handed. Since we are a shoe store that is all about FIT, we carry every single shoe style capable of accommodating “complicated” foot shapes such as wide or extra wide feet.

The fact is that many local shoe stores don’t sell soccer cleats in wide widths and families don’t have a chance to try them on in person, so they have to find them online, and I can help you with this. By the way, if your child is into the “cooler” brands such as Nike, Under Armour, or Adidas, then it will get pretty challenging to find shoes that fit. I have only found these Adidas Predators capable of accommodating children with wide feet and high insteps.

Be Careful About Fitting Your Child In Cleats that Are Too Narrow!

Did you know that many children suffer from ingrown toenails and medical professionals such as podiatrists attribute this to wearing narrow cleats? I have also noticed that most children who wear soccer cleats that are too narrow tend to develop blisters on their pinky toes (small toes). This happens because the toes are cramped inside the cleats and they push the small toe against the side of the shoe. The constant rubbing and friction between the small toe and the side of the shoes might lead to blisters:

An image of a child who developed a blister on his pinky toe from wearing narrow soccer cleats.

Key Features of Soccer Cleats for Kids with Wide Feet

When selecting soccer cleats for a child with wide feet, there are specific features to consider to ensure comfort and performance.

1. Extra Depth: This feature allows the child’s feet to fit deeply inside the shoes and prevents the top part of the foot (instep), from rubbing against the top part of the shoes. This feature is ideal for children who have high insteps (top part of the foot).

wide-soccer-cleats-for-kids-with-high-insteps
The difference in depth between two different soccer cleats for kids.

2. Round Toe Boxes: A round toe-box is essential for kids with wide feet. It provides enough room for their toes to spread naturally, reducing pressure points and enhancing comfort. Additionally, a round toe-box can help accommodate any swelling that might occur during intense physical activity.

soccer-cleats-for-kids-with-wide-feet
The difference in toe-boxes between a pair of New Balance and Umbro soccer cleats.

3. Width Options: Many soccer cleat brands now offer wide or extra-wide options, which are essential for providing the necessary room across the midfoot. Look for labels such as “W” for wide or “EE” for extra-wide, which indicate that the cleats are designed to accommodate broader feet.

Brands like New Balance, Adidas, and Zephz offer excellent options for wide-footed children, ensuring that your child can enjoy the game comfortably and confidently.

Expert Recommendations for Wide Soccer Cleats for Kids

Below you can find a list of my top soccer cleat recommendations for kids with wide feet based on my many years of shoe fitting experience. 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.

1. 442 V2 Academy by New Balance

This is one of parents’ favorite soccer shoes for children with wide feet as it is offered at a reasonable price and the cleat features a genuine suede leather upper for long-lasting durability.

Supportive New Balance soccer cleat for kids.

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 wide-footed children. Known for its lightweight design, this cleat allows for quick movements on the field. These Adidas soccer cleats for wide feet are ideal for children who prefer shoes from “popular” shoe brands.

Supportive Adidas in black and pink soccer cleat for kids.
Supportive Adidas soccer cleat in navy blue for boys.

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 wide feet. Zephz is a brand that specifically caters to children with wider feet and is the only shoe brand that offers soccer cleats in extra wide widths.

Zephz red soccer shoe for kids with wide or extra wide feet.
Zephz soccer shoe for kids with wide or extra wide feet.

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 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

Supportive New Balance kids soccer cleat for kids with wide feet.
  • 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 offer a wide fit with a soft leather upper that molds to the foot. The flexible material and cushioned insole make them a comfortable choice for wide-footed players. 

Supportive Adidas Predator style for kids.

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.

Keep in mind that soccer socks take extra space inside the shoes so make sure you allow for some extra room. I usually suggest buying soccer cleats a whole size larger than the child’s current foot size.

Tailored Suggestions for Your Child’s Unique Foot Shape

Whether your child has extra wide feet, high insteps, or is dealing with a specific foot condition such as flat feet, personalized advice ensures that they get the right cleats. If you have any questions or need any further assistance, you can also contact me via email and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

How to Find Out Exactly What Shoe Size to Order Online

For kids, having cleats that fit well is essential for both performance and injury prevention. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to discomfort and even injuries, which might discourage your child from enjoying the game. If you are not sure what your child’s foot size is, you won’t be able to order the correct shoe size online. You should take advantage of a virtual shoe fitting service I created that describes the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your child’s shoe size from home.

Most Common Mistakes Parents Make – STOP Buying Longer Cleats!

One of the most common mistakes that I see parents make when buying soccer cleats for their children with wide feet is to buy them longer to take the pressure away from the widest part of the foot. I have spoken with several parents who explained to me that because they weren’t aware that soccer cleats came in different widths, they kept trying longer sizes until the shoes didn’t feel tight anymore. Please stop doing this!

If you provide your child with shoes that are too long you will end up compromising your child’s stability, making your child more prone to falling. In addition, shoes that are too long usually make children more prone to develop blisters on the back of their heels, as the shoes tend to move up and down around that area too much.

An image of a child who developed a blister on the back of his heel.

Soccer Socks for Kids – Prevent Blisters, Calluses, and Corns

Did you know that blisters are common in children who engage in soccer no matter what level they are playing? Blisters can develop not only from wearing the wrong shoe size but also from wearing socks that don’t provide enough cushion.

I used to get blood blisters below my feet all the time after playing soccer. I found out that this was simply due to not wearing socks that provided enough cushion below my feet. Take a look at the picture below, has your child ever developed a blood blister below his toes?

An image of a child who developed blood blisters from wearing the wrong type of soccer socks.

Always check your kids’ feet to make sure that they don’t develop any blisters, especially on the back of the heel and bottom of the foot. Blisters form due to the repeated friction that occurs between the feet and the cleats, which causes the layers of the skin to separate from each other.

Soccer socks are important because they are meant to protect your kids’ feet against irritation and infection. Most parents believe that the main purpose of soccer socks is to hold the shin guards in place but that’s not the only purpose. The primary role of soccer socks is to protect the feet from the cleat itself, without compromising the fit of the cleat. 

When Should I Provide My Child with Soccer Cleats?

I believe that there is no set age to start wearing cleats as it depends on the size and weight of your child, and their muscle development should also be taken into consideration. Sneakers with outsoles that provide good traction are a better choice for young children such as toddlers as having young children wear cleats too early might increase their risk of injury.

The best way to figure this out is to ask your kids’ soccer coach, as they will be able to tell you if your child is ready to start wearing cleats. If your child is serious about playing soccer, please note that it’s almost impossible to learn proper form in sneakers, due to the simple fact that most sneakers have a wedge. Grab a pair of cleats and notice how they are generally flat. When the coach says is the right time to wear soccer cleats, go ahead and provide your child with a pair of well-fitted soccer cleats.

Please take into consideration that children who don’t wear cleats on the field tend to slip and fall, especially when the grass is wet.

How Can You Tell If Your Kids’ Soccer Cleats Are Too Narrow?

When children are fitted in soccer cleats that are too narrow they tend to complain in different ways. Some kids would say that they feel that their feet are “suffocating” inside the cleats, while some others complain that the cleats are too “skinny” and hurt their toes.

Slide your finger around the area where the pinky toe (small toe) is and check if you feel a bump. That bump means that the cleat is too narrow and your child’s toes are pushing the small toe against the side of the cleats. You should also check if you notice imprints on the top part of your child’s feet when you remove the cleats.

Soccer Cleats for Kids with Wide Feet – Watch Video!

This video covers everything that we went through in the article and it will also help you visualize what features your kids’ soccer cleats must provide to accommodate your child’s wide feet.

I have noticed how fashion-oriented shoes have become a trend for some children (especially as they get older). Shoe brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour seem to be children’s number one choice. However, to keep your kid’s feet healthy, providing them with the correct shoe size and the correct shoe style is more important than the brand name. Please use your best judgment and keep reminding your children why it is important to wear cleats that fit.

The right pair of wide soccer cleats will not only improve comfort but also enhance performance. With the right fit, your child will be able to run, dribble, and kick without discomfort or distraction.