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10 Best Youth Football Cleats 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Under Armour Boys' Highlight Franchise RM JR 2.0, (100) White/Metallic Silver/Metallic Silver, 13, US

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,319
Fit and Comfort
Weight
Ankle Support

Most important from
304 reviews

Fit and Comfort
These cleats offer true-to-size fit and good support, making them reliable for young players on the field.
Weight
The lightweight design combined with solid traction helps maintain stability and quick movements during games.
Ankle Support
The high ankle design provides decent support, helping to protect young players’ ankles during play.
Traction
The lightweight design combined with solid traction helps maintain stability and quick movements during games.

The Under Armour Boys' Highlight Franchise RM JR 2.0 cleats are designed with young football players in mind, offering a good combination of lightweight comfort and reliable traction. The synthetic upper along with the textile collar helps keep the cleats lightweight while providing some durability and flexibility for quick movements. The open-holed mesh tongue promotes breathability, which means feet should stay cooler during games. Comfort is addressed well with a die-cut EVA sockliner that cushions the foot, making them suitable for longer wear.

The cleats feature rubber molded spikes that give solid grip on various playing surfaces, helping with stability and quick direction changes. While the cleats provide some support, they don't have extensive ankle padding or high collars, so players seeking maximum ankle protection might want to consider other options. Also, the cleats are lace-up, which allows for an adjustable fit, but some kids might find laces less convenient than velcro closures.

In terms of weight, they are fairly light, aiding mobility without feeling bulky. These cleats are a practical choice for youth players who want a balance of comfort, decent ankle support, and good traction on the field, especially for those who prioritize lightweight footwear.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,319
Fit and Comfort
Weight
Ankle Support

Most important from
304 reviews

Fit and Comfort
These cleats offer true-to-size fit and good support, making them reliable for young players on the field.
Weight
The lightweight design combined with solid traction helps maintain stability and quick movements during games.
Ankle Support
The high ankle design provides decent support, helping to protect young players’ ankles during play.
Traction
The lightweight design combined with solid traction helps maintain stability and quick movements during games.
#2

Under Armour Boys' Spotlight Hammer RM JR, (001) Black/White/White, 1.5, US

Rating
9.7
Weight
Fit and Comfort
Traction

Most important from
216 reviews

Weight
These cleats offer a lightweight design that enhances speed and agility on the field.
Fit and Comfort
The fit is true to size and accommodates wider feet comfortably, ensuring a secure feel during play.
Traction
The traction provided by the molded TPU plate with diamond-shaped studs delivers solid grip and stability on various surfaces.
Material
Durability is impressive, with materials that hold up well after repeated use and clean easily.

The Under Armour Boys' Spotlight Hammer RM JR cleats are designed for young football players who need reliable performance on the field. They are lightweight, which helps with speed and agility, and use a durable polyester upper with a raised 3D print for extra toe protection—useful for intense plays. The cleats offer good comfort thanks to a textile collar that improves breathability and cushioning features like a full-length Charged Cushioning midsole and a high-rebound SuperFoam insole, which absorb shock well during running and quick moves.

For traction, the molded TPU plate with diamond-shaped studs provides a solid grip and stability on grass or turf, helping with starts and stops. The cleats use a lace-up closure to ensure a secure fit, although they do not include enhanced ankle support, which might be a consideration for players needing additional protection around the ankle. Weighing about 2.4 pounds, these cleats are reasonably light for youth football footwear.

The materials are durable and comfort is high, but the lack of extra ankle support may be a drawback for those prone to injuries or requiring more stability. The suede heel adds durability but may need extra care to stay clean. These cleats are well suited for young players seeking a balance of comfort, protection, and traction without extra bulk, making them a strong option for most youth football activities.

Rating
9.7
Weight
Fit and Comfort
Traction

Most important from
216 reviews

Weight
These cleats offer a lightweight design that enhances speed and agility on the field.
Fit and Comfort
The fit is true to size and accommodates wider feet comfortably, ensuring a secure feel during play.
Traction
The traction provided by the molded TPU plate with diamond-shaped studs delivers solid grip and stability on various surfaces.
Material
Durability is impressive, with materials that hold up well after repeated use and clean easily.
#3

adidas Adizero Impact.2 Molded American Football Sneaker, Black/Team Royal Blue/Black, 1 US Unisex Little Kid

Rating
9.4
Material
Fit and Comfort
Ankle Support

Most important from
241 reviews

Material
Their durable construction keeps them looking barely used even after a full season of active play.
Fit and Comfort
The cleats deliver true-to-size fit and exceptional comfort right out of the box, requiring no break-in period.
Ankle Support
The slightly higher ankle design provides added protection without compromising agility.

The adidas Adizero Impact.2 cleats are designed for young football players who need a lightweight and durable shoe. The synthetic and textile upper makes these cleats breathable yet sturdy enough to handle active play. They offer a comfortable fit with a soft textile lining, which helps kids wear them for extended periods without discomfort.

The low-cut design prioritizes speed and agility rather than heavy ankle protection. These cleats feature a rubber cleated outsole that provides solid traction, helping kids make quick stops and sharp turns on the field. Weighing about 1.2 pounds, they are light enough to avoid slowing down young athletes. An added bonus is their partial use of recycled materials, which is good for environmentally-conscious shoppers.

If your child needs extra ankle support or prefers a sturdier feel, these might not be the best fit. These cleats suit young players looking for a reliable, comfortable shoe that balances speed and traction for youth football.

Rating
9.4
Material
Fit and Comfort
Ankle Support

Most important from
241 reviews

Material
Their durable construction keeps them looking barely used even after a full season of active play.
Fit and Comfort
The cleats deliver true-to-size fit and exceptional comfort right out of the box, requiring no break-in period.
Ankle Support
The slightly higher ankle design provides added protection without compromising agility.

Buying Guide for the Best Youth Football Cleats

Choosing the right youth football cleats is essential for young players to perform their best on the field. The right pair of cleats can provide the necessary support, traction, and comfort, helping to prevent injuries and improve performance. When selecting football cleats, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure the best fit for the player's needs and playing style.
Type of CleatsFootball cleats come in different types based on the playing surface: molded cleats, detachable cleats, and turf shoes. Molded cleats have non-removable studs and are suitable for most field conditions, offering durability and versatility. Detachable cleats have studs that can be changed based on field conditions, providing customization for optimal traction. Turf shoes have small rubber studs and are designed for artificial turf surfaces, offering better grip and comfort. Choose the type based on the primary playing surface to ensure the best performance and safety.
MaterialCleats are made from various materials, including leather, synthetic, and mesh. Leather cleats offer durability and a snug fit, but they can be heavier and require more maintenance. Synthetic cleats are lighter and often more affordable, providing good durability and easier upkeep. Mesh cleats offer breathability and lightweight comfort, ideal for hot weather but may lack durability. Consider the player's comfort preferences and the typical weather conditions when choosing the material.
Fit and ComfortThe fit and comfort of football cleats are crucial for preventing blisters and ensuring optimal performance. Cleats should fit snugly but not too tight, allowing for natural foot movement. Look for features like padded insoles, heel counters, and adjustable laces to enhance comfort. Trying on cleats with the same type of socks worn during games can help ensure the best fit. Prioritize comfort to keep the player focused on the game rather than on foot discomfort.
Ankle SupportFootball cleats come in different ankle heights: low-cut, mid-cut, and high-cut. Low-cut cleats offer maximum mobility and are lighter, suitable for skill positions like wide receivers and running backs. Mid-cut cleats provide a balance of mobility and support, ideal for players who need both speed and stability. High-cut cleats offer the most ankle support, perfect for linemen and players who need extra protection. Choose the ankle height based on the player's position and need for support versus mobility.
TractionTraction is essential for maintaining stability and preventing slips on the field. Cleats with longer studs provide better grip on soft or muddy fields, while shorter studs are suitable for firm ground. Some cleats have a combination of stud lengths for versatility. Consider the typical field conditions and the player's position when selecting cleats with the appropriate traction to ensure optimal performance.
WeightThe weight of football cleats can affect a player's speed and agility. Lighter cleats are ideal for skill positions that require quick movements, while heavier cleats may offer more durability and support for positions that involve more physical contact. Balance the need for speed with the need for support based on the player's position and playing style.

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