What a parent needs to know about buying football cleats

Cleats are a vital piece of apparel, and the process in purchasing a pair for your child can be tricky, especially if you haven’t done it before.

With training camp for our son Bradley fast approaching, my wife and I have been shopping around for the right pair, and it can be maddening even though we’ve gone through it before.

Complicating matters is that one of Bradley’s friends tried to convince him to get a pair of very expensive cleats bearing the name of an NFL player, a far cry from the shoes he had worn in the past. That idea came to a screeching halt when he had difficulty getting them on his feet while trying them on in the store.

So what should a parent look for when buying cleats? There are several things to keep in mind.

Comfort over cost

When buying cleats for a youth football player, the most important aspect should be that it fits properly and it shouldn’t hit you that bad in the wallet.

“I wouldn’t so much worry about pricing and what kind of model I’m getting,” said Enzo Zucconi, director of equipment operations for Stony Brook University on Long Island. “I’m going to look for comfort and style of shoe.”

Try to avoid buying anything too expensive. When a child is young, the cleats are only going to last one season.

“The shoes are only good for maybe seven or eight months before you need another size,” Zucconi said.

Know what you are looking for

There are three types of cleat appropriate for youth football: screw-in, molded and rubber bottom. Since most games are played on grass or synthetic turf with the little rubber pieces, you will want a shoe that can be used on both surfaces.

The rubber bottom cleat is probably the best bet in terms of both surfaces while the cleated shoe is one to avoid.

“The cleated shoe is probably something that you don’t need when you’re 9 or 10,” Zucconi said. “The screw-in can hurt the bottom of your feet sometimes because the cleat is actually screwed into the bottom and presses against your forefoot or heel after a while.”

The cleated shoe comes in handy in the rain for extra traction. It can dig into the grass better than the molded or rubber cleat. The difference between the molded cleat and rubber cleat is that the molded cleat is made of a bit harder plastic.

What position is your child playing?

Young athletes should wear something that is functional and provides the support they need. But where your child lines up on the field can play a huge role in determining what pair of cleats to purchase.

“If you’re a skill guy, you can get some of the nice fancy lightweight cleats or a speed type of cleat that they have nowadays,” Zucconi said. “They’re very light and molded bottoms.”

However, if you’re playing on the offensive or defensive line, players are better off with a pair of cleats that are more sturdy and supportive.

“You want something that can handle the weight that you might have,” Zucconi said.

A lineman should wear a rubber bottom that will provide comfort because he will be doing a lot of drill work with his feet. A heavier shoe also is going to last him through the season. The speed cleats might look good, but they’re not functional for someone who plays on the line.

It’s not a sneaker

This should be evident when you take your child to the sporting goods store to try on cleats. They have a different feel than a sneaker, and your child should try them on with all of the football necessary for practice or games.

“If you wear orthotics or ankle braces or you’re wearing a certain type of heavy sock, bring that with you,” Zucconi said.

You want a sturdy cleat that won’t be as flexible as a pair of sneakers. The cleats will fit more like a pair of dress shoes.

“It’s going to be heavier than a sneaker,” Zucconi said. “They will break in over time, and they’ll feel nice and comfortable.

Eventually, the cleats will feel like a pair of sneakers.

Buying football cleats for a child is not an easy process. There are many different types and styles, but the most important thing is that the cleat is comfortable and durable while also being right for the position.

By Peter Schwartz - Via USAFootball.com