It can seem quite daunting knowing that you need to buy your child’s first pair of football boots. That’s why we’ve created the definitive guide to buying your child’s first football boots. We give you all the knowledge, pointers, and tips you’re going to need to make sure that you can make an informed decision. We are here to offer you whatever help you require… No stone will be left unturned!
Why is it important to get my child’s first football boot right?
Marcus Rashford aka Little Jimmy
Your little Jimmy could potentially be the next Marcus Rashford. Just imagine if he was destined to win the World Cup for England, but he gave up on football early on for something as simple as his football boots causing him discomfort.
It may sound ridiculous, but kids can be put off by any little thing. If they give up on a sport due to ill-fitting boots they’re going to miss out on a lot. A lifetime of having banter with their mates, scoring last-minute winners and pulling their socks up over shin pads following a crunching slide tackle.
What is the most important thing to look for when buying my child’s first boot?
Puma evoPOWER 3 Tricks FG Junior Football Boots
If your child has the luxury of trying the boot on before purchasing then the most important thing that you should take into account is the comfort of the football boots that you are buying. Make sure they are comfortable above anything else. There is nothing worse for a player of any age than playing in boots that irritate the life out of them!
Overall, just speak to your child and make sure that they will feel comfortable in the boots.
Can I buy my child’s first pair of football boots online?
Nike Mercurial Vortex II Fg-R Boys’ Football Training Shoes
You’re also covered by the same legal rights whether you buy from a shop online or in-store so are still entitled to a full refund if the boots are faulty or not as described.
Is appearance important when buying my child’s first football boots?
Adidas Performance Junior Predator X SG Football boots
Obviously, how a football boot looks makes absolutely no odds when it comes to performance on the pitch. Often, young’uns will simply go for the most visually appealing boot – I know I certainly did when I was just starting out playing football. Try to stop them from choosing boots based on appearance, and ensure that comfort and other factors of the boot are a higher priority.
On the other hand, you do not want to get a pair of football boots that your child would really not want to wear or look acceptable in (e.g. certain kids may play in an all-white kit, meaning bright coloured boots will stand out more. This may make they feel embarrassed or uncomfortable).
So, don’t prioritise appearance, but make sure you do get a pair of boots that your child will visually approve of and want to wear.
How much money should I spend on my child’s first football boots?
Nike Boys’ Jr Hypervenom Phade Fg-R
Obviously, this is largely down to the financial resources that you possess (see our other boot buying guides here for more information on how much you should spend on boots). All we can say on this matter is that young children’s feet grow very quickly. There’s little point on splashing out the cash on an expensive pair of boots, only for your child to grow out of them within six months. So use your judgement on how much you want to spend, bearing heavily in mind how much growing your child’s feet will potential still have left to do.
But to be honest, children’s football boots are so much cheaper than men’s boots are, and there are few boots on the market that will really cost significantly more in comparison to the rest. The very top of the range will set you back around £40, whereas a typical price for boots that are still very good but not quite the elite is around £20.
As long as you are spending around £20 on your child’s first pair of boots then your child will have as good a chance as any other kid to make it as a pro footballer.
Can my child’s first pair of football boots be second-hand?
Adidas Predator Absolado X FG Boys Football Boots
Also, if you have more than one child playing football, it is definitely okay to hand down the older player’s pair of boots to the younger one. Football boots are increasingly more versatile and durable. Some can really last for a few solid years, even when being in the wars week after week. Again just make an intelligent choice. If the boot is falling apart, you will obviously need to get your child a new pair.
Which type of football boot should I get for my child’s first boot (AG, FG, SG)?
To read more about what AG, FG and SG boots are, refer to our ultimate boot buying guide here.
Puma’s Unisex evoPOWER 4.2 SG Jr Football boots
It is more than likely that your child will only be playing on grass surfaces if they are playing for a local team (competitively). If this is the case, it’s imperative that you buy them a pair of SG football boots. This is because the majority, if not all, of their matches and training sessions will take place on a grass surface. With the weather being what it is in England, grass pitches are only hard for maybe two months of the year during summer when the season has ended. Therefore, 95% of matches will be played on SG surfaces, meaning your child will need a pair of boots specifically enhanced for soft ground surfaces.
If they are football crazy, a pair of FGs is recommended as well. This is so they can play on indoor surfaces and in the school playground etc. These will not be used for matches unless a pitch is very hard, which will be extremely rare.
AG football boots will not be needed. Your child should be fine with the other boots and AGs will be a waste of money.
Which brand is best when buying my child’s first football boots?
Puma Unisex Kids’ evoSPEED 4.4 SG Football boots
Still unsure or have a question about buying your child’s first pair of boots? Feel free to speak to us on our contact page and we will personally get back to you quickly with a resolution to your dilemma!
