Kids Football Boots Fit Guide
Help kids get more fun from football with comfort and support to play their best. Check out our fit guide for how to choose the right boot – from collar options to size tips.
Quick Fit Tips
Tip 01
Snug but Not Too Tight
The better kids’ football boots fit, the better they’ll play. They generally fit true to size. Make sure the boots are comfy and snug, as the right fit improves control, running, passing and shooting.
Tip 02
Measure Feet with Football Socks On
Give kids the comfort to play their best. Measure their feet in the evening while wearing football socks—they're usually thicker, so you may need to go up half a size.
Tip 03
Consider Playing Surface
Most boots get returned because of poor grip. To avoid that, consider their playing surface. Are they playing on firm ground (FG), turf (TF) or indoor courts (IC). Match their boot to the surface they'll be playing on for better performance and longer wear.
Understanding Our Boot Types
Our Three Styles
Our football boots fall into three types, each representing a style of play. Nike Mercurial for explosive speed. Nike Phantom for precision and control. Nike Tiempo for a flawless touch.
Traditional Low vs Dynamic Fit Collars
Traditional low collars sit just below the ankle for maximum freedom of movement. Dynamic Fit collars sit higher up the ankle and are designed for a more locked-in feel. They’re great for stability and to strike the ball clean.
Upper Technology
Nike Gripknit is a new generation of Flyknit yarn found on the Phantom GX. You’ll get game-changing control, thanks to coating on key ball-to-boot contact areas. Uppers on other boots are made of traditional Nike Flyknit, or a mix of materials–including leather, mesh, and soft foam.
Measure Up With Our Size Chart
We’ve made it easy for you to keep up with your kids’ growing feet.
FAQs
How do I check if the boot is the right fit?
- Try on both shoes, standup and check:
Heel: feels secure and doesn’t slip
Midfoot: feels comfortable and flexible but locked in Toes: there’s space for the toes to move and spread out during motion (approximately 1 centimetre) - Next, check the fit while moving:
Do a quick side-step drill to check the support and grip.
How often should I replace kids’ football boots?
Replace football boots every six to eight months. Or sooner if needed because of damage like worn-out soles or holes in the uppers.
What boots should I choose for a kid just starting football?
Look for simple boots with a rubber or plastic sole for good grip. The Nike Jr. Tiempo boot gives a comfortable fit and solid grip—great for beginners and experts.
How do you put on a boot with a collar?
- Unlace the first 3-4 eyelets of the boot, allowing the foot to enter into the body of the boot.
- Open the dynamic fit collar opening with the thumbs on each side of the top and slip the toes into the boot.
- Move the thumbs around to the back of the collar and grab its exterior and sink the heel into the boot.
- Tighten the laces and tie the boot.
- Unlace the first 3-4 eyelets, getting the foot entirely into the body of the boot. Then, open the dynamic fit collar with your thumbs on each side of the top and slip the toes into the boot.
- Next, move the thumbs around to the back of the collar, grab the collar and sink the heel into the boot.
- Tighten the laces and tie the boot.
How do I know if the boots will fit kids’ growing feet?
Each Nike Kid footwear style is designed for kids’ growing feet. Flex grooves allow feet to move and grow naturally. Low-profile soles give the right amount of cushioning for stability and comfort. And features like wide collar openings and a hook-and-loop closure give quick and easy entry.
How long do football boots last?
Football boots are built to last 1-2 seasons, or 12 months. But kids’ feet can grow half a size in just 3-4 months. Check the fit regularly and move up a size when they feel a bit tight.
Which football boots are best for wide feet?
The Nike Mercurial features a narrower fit than the Tiempo or Phantom, which tend to be wider. However, a lot of players with wider feet love the fit of Mercurial. It all comes down to a kid’s preference and playing style.
When is the right time to replace football boots?
Nike Kids boots are designed to be sturdy and durable. They should last a season—or longer if they’re looked after. Of course, if your kid outgrows them sooner, they’ll need to be replaced. They might also need replacing if they show wear and tear. Look out for separation of the outer layers, worn-out soles or studs, or holes in the ankle area. Hours played make a huge difference, but to help boots last, have your kids change out of their boots as soon as they leave the playing surface.
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