Wide feet can prove to be a pretty big problem for any age. Younger soccer athletes need the proper shoes to stay safe when they are playing soccer early on.
Getting a little bit of extra space is tough, but some companies do a better job than others.
What are the seven best youth soccer cleats for wide feet? Coming from a variety of brands, these are the best of the best currently on the market.
1. Adidas Copa Mundial
The Adidas Copa Mundial is one of the best options for players with wide feet. These popular shoes offer excellent arch support as well as an adjustable heel strap to help prevent slippage during games.
They can be purchased with either studs or blades, depending on preference. Plus, they come in a variety of colors so it’s easy to find one that suits one’s style.
The Copa Mundial cleats have been around in some form for quite some time. They have that classic look that everybody knows is associated with soccer, but these provide a little bit more modern playability.
Adults can also benefit from these if they love the feel. Adidas should be applauded for keeping the tradition alive by doing something like this with an old-school model.
Pros
- Classic look
- Modern feel
- Excellent lockdown support for all surfaces
Cons
- A little heavier than some of the other performance options
- Youth players might not buy into the classic look
2. Adidas Performance Ace 16.4
- Juniors' flexible-ground soccer cleats designed to dominate the game, made in part with recycled content
- COMFORTABLE FIT: Textured synthetic upper for a soft feel
- BALL CONTROL: Control Zone upper improves ball control and feel with strategically positioned grip zones
- MULTI-SURFACE SOCCER OUTSOLE: Flexible ground outsole offers high-speed control and stability on firm ground (dry natural grass), artificial grass (long-bladed synthetic fiber) and hard ground
- MADE WITH RECYCLED CONTENT: Made in part with recycled content generated from production waste and postconsumer household waste to avoid producing virgin content. 25% of the components used to make the upper are made with a minimum of 50% recycled content
The adidas Unisex Predator Edge.4 Flexible Ground Soccer Shoe is another great option, with a synthetic upper that makes it lightweight, comfortable, and easy to move in. The rubber sole also offers plenty of grip on various playing surfaces.
Adidas seems to be very focused on giving youth players an option to wear the same type of cleats that so many other professional players have on as well. These are one of the more affordable options out there, which is great for parents who don’t want to break the bank on cleats that they might outgrow.
There are plenty of color choices with these cleats, which is great for variety. Most kids like the fact that they look so much like the same cleats that they see out on the field during professional matches.
Pros
- Very flexible around the foot
- Lightweight for a budget shoe
- Comfortable lining throughout
Cons
- Touch and feel aren’t the best
- Durability is very average
3. Nike Youth Mercurial Victory VI
These are a good choice if your child prefers molded cleats instead of studs or blades because they offer excellent traction as well as durability for long-lasting use on the field. They’re also available in several color choices to appeal to your kids’ tastes and preferences.
Having that extra collar around the ankle and lower leg with dynamic fit helps out tremendously as well. Any kid who has had ankle problems in the past will find this to be much more comfortable than anything else that’s out there. It’s definitely worth the investment for people who have not found the perfect shoe for their child just yet.
Make sure to nail down fitting, because some people have had issues with that because they are supposed to be so close to the foot itself. The good news is that most online outlets will allow free returns to ensure that everyone buys what they need to.
Pros
- Dynamic fit collar provides extra lockdown
- Snug fit throughout
- Stud pattern provides plenty of traction
Cons
- Sits a little higher on the ankle than most other cleats
- Fit is a little tricky
4. Puma Kids’ One 17.4
Puma is known for producing wide-feet-friendly shoes and the Kids One 17.4 is not an exception. This updated version of the popular One soccer shoe is designed to be versatile and durable, with a soft synthetic upper that offers both flexibility and comfort. It also comes in various color options so kids can choose one they like best.
Parents are usually shocked when they see this price, as most cleats are not nearly this affordable. When on sale, they can dip as low as $30 in some cases.
It’s a knockdown version of the Puma One that so many adult players use, but that won’t make a difference with kids. They can have confidence moving around the field and not slipping around at all.
Pros
- Classic design
- Fits well and requires no break-in
- Studs provide plenty of traction
Cons
- Not that durable
- Shows dirt and mud easily
5. Under Armour Spotlight
Another great option for wide feet players is the Under Armour Spotlight. These cleats are perfect for players who prefer molded cleats because they offer plenty of traction on all types of playing surfaces.
The flexible outsole also allows your feet to move naturally, making it easier for you to play at your best. These shoes come in a variety of colors to help fit certain styles and preferences.
Under Armour might not be the most well-known brand out there for soccer, but these seem to be a hit at this level. Affordability is a major reason why, but having this in an indoor and outdoor option helps out tremendously.
It would be great to see Under Armour do a little bit more with their design, but other than that, they are functional cleats.
Pros
- Plenty of color choices
- Comes in indoor and outdoor models
- Holds up even after considerable use
Cons
- Design is pretty mediocre
- Under Armour soccer support isn’t the greatest
6. Adidas Performance Youth X 16+ Purechaos
These shoes are designed for firm ground surfaces and offer excellent traction, comfort, and support. They also come in a variety of colors so you can find the perfect pair to match your child’s style.
The adult version of this cleat has some crazy colors, and the same can be said for the child versions as well.
Having a laceless design at such a young age might seem like overkill for some parents, but others will love the fact that they can start to work on their touch at such a young age. The cleats mold to the child’s feet and allow for some of the best ball control in the industry.
Pros
- Outstanding ball control
- Snug fit
- Laceless design
Cons
- Expensive
- Neutral colorways tend to sell out fast
7. Nike Youth Mercurial Vapor XI
Last but not least, the Nike Youth Mercurial Vapor XI is another great choice for firm ground surfaces. They offer superb traction and control as well as being extremely comfortable to wear. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors so parents can find the perfect pair to suit a child’s taste and style.
The goal for this cleat is to offer a snug fit for kids who have wider feet. They may not be the most aesthetically-pleasing design and color choices compared to other options out there, but Nike still tries to keep it looking good overall.
Parents not wanting to spend a ton of money on a pair of cleats will love the price tag of these as well.
Pros
- Caters to wide feet play very well
- Very affordable
- Provide solid touch with ball control
Cons
- Durability is subpar
- Basic design
Why Wide Feet Soccer Cleats Matter for Younger Players
There are several reasons why having wider soccer cleats can benefit young players in particular. First, they will often be able to get a better fit and therefore more support from their shoes. This is because children’s feet are still growing, and so they can change shape and size quite rapidly.
Having a pair of cleats that can accommodate these changes will mean that they can get the most out of their shoes for longer.
Additionally, wider soccer cleats usually have more robust construction, which means they can withstand more wear and tear. This is ideal for kids who might not be as gentle with their gear as adults.
Of course, it’s not just younger players who can benefit from wider soccer cleats. One of the main benefits is that they allow for a greater range of movement, which is useful if you’re playing on narrower pitches or struggling to play with your normal shoes.
All in all, too many players with wide feet tend to make do with what’s available. By knowing some styles that offer more room, it’s much easier overall to play.
