For a kids football boots size guide, the short version is this: allow about 8 to 12 millimetres of growing room, based on the bigger foot, measured standing and in football socks. Sources give margins between 8 and 15 millimetres. For football boots it is sensible to stay at the lower end, because too much length causes tripping and less control.
Below you can read how to measure, how often, how to tell at home that a boot is too small and what to do with wide feet. For children with a wide foot there is a page of its own: football boots for kids with wide feet. If you want to spend less, lower versions of wide-fitting models are covered on our page about cheap wide fit football boots.
Kids football boots size guide: which size to choose
Measure your child’s foot and choose the size that fits the bigger foot. Measure in the evening, in football socks, while your child is standing. Feet are widest in the evening, and thick football socks take up room.
Nike advises half a size extra for children who wear thick football socks. That is not a fixed rule for every brand. You can read how to measure length and width in our guide to how to measure your foot width, and our size converter helps with UK, EU and US sizes.
How much growing room should kids’ football boots have?
Sources differ. Some give 8 to 12 millimetres, others 10 to 15 millimetres, roughly a thumb’s width. Another figure circulates that we could not check properly.
For football boots it is sensible to stay at the lower end of those margins, around 8 to 12 millimetres. That is our reading of the sources and not a fixed rule. Too much room in front of the toes causes tripping and less control of the ball, and a big gap at the heel causes blisters.
How often should you measure your child’s feet?
Children grow quickly, and young children can go up a size or two in a year. In a growth spurt half a size can be added in a short time.
As a guideline, and an uncertain one, measure young children every two to three months, children of school age every three to four months and older children every four to six months. Always measure at the start of the season and after the winter break, and every three months during a growth spurt. For indoor football a different soleplate and often a different fit apply, see indoor football boots for wide feet.
How can you tell kids’ football boots are too small?
Children often do not complain. So look for signs: red marks on the toes or heel, tripping or not wanting to walk, and a child who suddenly wants to play less. You can also check at home if the insole is removable:
- Take the insole out of the boot.
- Have your child stand on it.
- If the toe print touches the edge, the boot is too small.
- If the toes hang over the side of the insole, the boot is too narrow.
On many kids’ football boots the insole is removable, but this has not been verified for every model. Read also football boots too small or too big.
Should you buy a size bigger to allow for growth?
A little room is good, a whole size extra is not. A boot that is too big gives heel slip and less feel for the ball. Choose the size where the margin is right and measure again after a few months. If in doubt, buy a new size more often rather than a boot that is far too big.
Which football boots suit kids with wide feet?
On wide kids’ feet, the Nike Phantom consistently runs wider in junior sizes, while the Mercurial is the narrowest Nike. New Balance has a 442 Academy Junior in Wide, though availability in the UK is not certain. Mizuno sells the Monarcida Neo III Select as wide fit. Look at the Nike Phantom 6 and at our page for kids with wide feet.
How should you try on kids’ football boots?
Try them on at the end of the day, in the socks your child plays in. Have your child stand upright with the laces done up and feel with your thumb where the longest toe sits. Have your child run and turn a little as well: does the heel stay put, and can the forefoot not bulge out to the side? Look at the soleplate too: for kids it is often MG, TF or indoor, see which soleplate to choose. For grassroots football on a 3G pitch, check that the boot has a soleplate for it.
Which material suits children?
Leather stretches, which is helpful with a growing foot. Synthetic hardly stretches, so the size has to be right straight away. Read leather or synthetic football boots for the trade-offs.
When should you see a podiatrist?
If you are unsure about your child’s foot posture, gait, pain, frequent tripping or about the size, you can take your child to a podiatrist or your GP. This is fit advice, not medical advice. The football boot adviser can narrow down models for your child’s foot.