Soccer sizing guide — Parent Coach Playbook

Cleats

Buy a half size up from street shoe. Feet swell on the field.

For ages 5-9, get firm-ground molded cleats with rounded studs. Avoid bladed studs at this age.

Used cleats are fine if you replace the insole. The insole is the only piece that molds to the foot. A new insole resets it.

Indoor soccer needs a separate flat-soled shoe. Cleats damage indoor surfaces and most leagues prohibit them.

The 70-80 percent rule: the shin guard should cover 70-80 percent of the shin from the top of the cleat to just below the knee.

Ages 5-7: about 6 inches. Ages 8-10: 6-7 inches. Ages 11-13: 7-9 inches. Ages 14+: youth XL or adult small.

Slip-in style is fine through about age 10. Older players want strap-on or sleeve style.

Size 3: ages 4-8. Size 4: ages 9-12. Size 5: ages 13+.

Buy two. One stays in the car. One stays in the garage.