How to choose the right soccer equipment gear for your child.

Youth Soccer Shoes or Cleats Guide for Parents

Buying the right soccer cleats (also called soccer shoes, or soccer boots) will not only result in a better player; they will prevent foot injuries, which can all too often ruin a soccer player's enjoyment of the game.

Soccer cleats should fit closely, and it's better to buy soccer shoes that fit children at the time of purchase rather than getting a larger pair and planning that the child will "grow into them". Too-big soccer cleats, like shoes everywhere, will slip and rub, causing blisters and affecting stance and balance.

When you measure soccer cleats, the wearer's toe should not press against the end of the shoe, but should come within the width of a thumb when the wearer is standing. Let the child tell you which shoes are more comfortable.

The soles of your cleats should be rubber, and it's best to buy regulation soccer cleats, since other sports cleats are not allowed in soccer. Kids' cleats are unisex, which makes buying them easier on parents. Like shoes, girls' and women’s' cleats will tend to be narrower than boys' and men’s', women with wider feet may find men's cleats fit their feet better. On the other hand, (or foot), men with narrow feet may find that women's cleats fit them better without in any way diminishing their masculinity.

For beginning soccer players who don't have grand notions, synthetic uppers with rubber soles will do just fine, preventing the problems other players will have with leather shoes. Leather uppers can become stiff and out of shape if they get wet and are improperly dried: synthetics tend to be more forgiving. If your cleats to get wet, stuff them with newspaper and let them dry naturally, without added heat.

When trying on soccer cleats, wear them with the socks and shin guards that will be used in practice and at games. It's important to feel the way each item matches its fit with the others.

If you are playing indoors, or if your child plays in a gym, you may decide to use sneakers or cross-trainers for soccer. They should be stable, without built-up soles or heels, and they should have rubber soles for adequate traction on smooth floors.

Soccer shoes that fit right enhance the enjoyment of the game as well as the skill level of the player. Take the extra time and energy to find the best soccer shoes for your feet and the conditions under which you are playing.

Spending a lot of money for children's soccer cleats may not be justifiable, since they will probably be outgrown by the end of the school year. As long as they fit well, meet the team regulations, and provide support, you can get away with spending less money. Put the money you save away, though: by the time your little soccer hero gets into third or fourth grade, you may expect wrangling over the most popular--and expensive--brands.

Shin guards for Your Young Soccer Player
All soccer players, from utter novices to total experts, have to wear shin guards and they should fit closely around the bones of the ankle, and end underneath the knee. They should protect the shin by creating a semi-rigid armor while allowing free movement of the leg. .

Make sure the shin guards you buy are appropriate for the age of the wearer, because using shin Guards that are too large may look like they will provide more protection but it will also decrease mobility and speed and it’s also very uncomfortable for the player to wear.  Also if a shin guard cracks, replace it right away. After all, a cracked shin guard can lead to a cracked –and extremely painful--shin!

When trying on shin guards, make sure to wear soccer socks, which are made to hold shin guards where they belong. Try them on with cleats or soccer shoes to make sure all the elements work well together. To make sure the fit is correct, wear new shin guards to practice several times before wearing them to an actual game. Never wear shin guards without soccer socks or over the socks.

When buying shin guards online, get the right fit by measuring an inch below the kneecap and an inch above the ankle. Shin guards are described in length, and this will help you choose the best fit. In addition to the proper length, the size of the ankle cup should be such that it fits closely, protecting the bones of the ankle

Some shin guards are machine-washable, but you may prefer to wash them by hand to help them stay new longer. Straps should be fastened before laundering. Players may want to powder them before use to help absorb perspiration.