Which Football Boots Should I buy?
We know from experience how exciting (and slightly daunting!) it can be when your child starts football for the first time. There are so many questions and one of the most common is: Which Football Boots Should I buy?
Let's make that choice a little easier for you.
Step 1: Ask What Surface They’ll Be Playing On
Before you buy, check with your club or coach what surface your child will be training and playing on — this will help you choose the right type of boot.
Grass or 4G pitches: Moulded boots are a great all-rounder and can be worn safely on both.
Wet or muddy grass pitches: Metal studs offer better grip and prevent slipping, but cannot be worn on 4G or artificial surfaces.
Indoor or Astro turf: You’ll need flat-soled trainers or Astro turf boots (TF) for grip without damaging the surface.
Why Do Their First Football Boots Matter?
Your child’s first pair of boots sets the foundation for both safety and comfort on the pitch.
Poorly fitted or unsuitable boots can lead to:
Blisters and rubbing
Sore feet and toes
Trips or falls due to poor grip
A negative first experience that can knock confidence
At this stage, comfort is just as important as style. A comfortable, correctly fitted pair of boots helps young players focus on enjoying the game not their feet!
Don’t Overspend
It’s tempting to buy the latest high-end pair, but if it’s your child’s first time playing, keep it simple and affordable. Kids grow fast, and they might not love football as much as you think (though we hope they do!)
Big brands like Nike often release boots in three tiers — Elite, Pro, and Academy — all with identical colourways and branding, making them easy to confuse until you see the price tag!
For more detail on choosing the right boot, check out our earlier guide:
How to Choose the Right Football Boots This Christmas
Should I Buy a Size Bigger for Them to Grow Into?
We get it — kids’ feet grow fast! But football boots should always have a comfortably snug fit. Buying too big can cause:
Rubbing and blisters
Lack of control when kicking
Instability and possible injury
Top tip: When trying on boots, always wear the match socks your child will play in. If the boots are a touch roomy, a good pair of grip socks can help reduce movement inside the boot.
Laces or Laceless Boots?
Many parents on Reddit share the same frustration kids constantly stopping to re-tie laces mid-match:
“Kids spend so much time tying and retying their shoes … try the laceless ones.” — Reddit Parent
We totally get it — that’s why we invented Laceeze bands, which keep laces locked tight for the whole game.
While laceless boots look sleek, they can be tricky for younger players to put on and are often tighter by design. For most 6-year-olds, laced boots + Laceeze bands are the perfect combo.
Top Tip: Break Them In at Home
Once you’ve chosen your boots, have your child wear them around the house for short periods. It helps soften the materials and avoids blisters on match day.
We cover more on this topic here: How to break in new football or rugby boots.
Boot Care Tips
To help your child’s boots last the season:
Clean them after every use
Dry naturally — avoid radiators or direct heat (this can damage the glue)
Use shoe deodorising pouches to keep them fresh — the Defiance Fresh range in Lemon or Ocean Fresh scents works brilliantly.
Enjoy the Grassroots Journey
Your child’s first steps into football are something special — and with the right pair of boots, they’ll feel confident, comfortable, and ready to play their best.
From all of us at Laceeze, good luck with your grassroots journey and remember, we’re here to help keep those laces tied and those little feet happy on the pitch.
At Laceeze, we’re more than just a brand — we’re a community of grassroots parents who know the early mornings, muddy kits, and proud sideline moments all too well. We love celebrating your child’s success on and off the pitch, so don’t forget to share your Laceeze moments with us. Tag us on social media — we can’t wait to see your young athletes in action!
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