Kids Football Boots

Which boots do they need?

Start with where they actually play. Most grassroots teams train on 3G during the week and play matches on grass at the weekend. For a lot of kids, a pair of FG/MG or AG football boots will handle both. If they mostly play on older astro or in the playground, junior astro turf trainers are a better shout and tend to last longer.

Getting the size right

Leave around a thumb's width of space at the toe. That gives growing feet a little room without the boot slipping when they run. Try boots on in the afternoon with football socks on, as feet swell slightly during the day. Junior sizing is usually listed as UK children's sizes up to 13, then UK 1 to 5.5, so check which scale a listing uses.

Laces, velcro or laceless?

Younger children are often better off in velcro straps they can do up themselves. Once they can tie laces tightly, laced boots give a more secure fit. Laceless junior models look the part, but they can be a fight to get on, so they suit older kids best.

What is worth paying for?

Junior boots sit in a few tiers. The Club and Academy versions are tough, cheap and fine for most kids. The Pro versions add a lighter upper and a better touch, which can make sense for a keen player in a settled size. Because prices on the same junior boot often differ between shops, comparing first is the easiest way to save.