Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Seattle, particularly widespread among families with young children and teens. While the sport offers tremendous benefits for physical fitness and teamwork, it also comes with inherent risks, especially when it comes to foot and ankle injuries—and in particular, the toes.
As a podiatrist who has been practicing for over 40 years in Seattle, Washington, I've seen countless young soccer players with injuries that could have been prevented with the right knowledge and preparation. The foundation of injury prevention starts with one crucial element-proper footwear.
Why Getting the Proper Cleat Fit Matters
Footwear that is too short or too long can cause a range of foot conditions and injuries. Getting the right fit is crucial in preventing conditions such as turf toe, ingrown toenails, black toenails, and fungal toenails.
Measuring Your Child's Feet: The First Essential Step
Always measure your child's feet before buying new cleats. And I mean every single time.
Children's feet can grow as much as a half size in just a few months, especially during growth spurts. Never assume you know their size based on the shoes they wore last season. What fit perfectly three months ago may now be tight.
1. How to Check the Length
Measuring is the first step. There should also be approximately one thumb's width—about a half inch—of space between the end of the big toe and the front of the shoe. This measurement should always be taken while your child is standing up, as feet expand under their weight.
The Goldilocks principle applies here: Too little room means toes will hit the top of the shoe, causing injury and damage. Many kids want tighter cleats, believing that it will improve play. But to stop toenail problems, avoid this trend.
Too much room can also result in toenail damage. As the foot slides forward during play, the toes tend to jam against the front of the cleat.
2. How to Check the Width
Width is just as important as length. A shoe that's too narrow causes compression and pain, while a shoe that's too wide causes instability and increases injury risk. Your child's feet should fit comfortably without feeling squeezed or swimming in extra space.
3. How to Check the Heel Fit
The heel should fit snugly without slipping. There should be no gap between your child's heel and the back of the shoe. A loose heel means the foot is moving around inside the cleat, which compromises stability and control.
Testing Cleats for Proper Support
Equally important is the support your child's cleats provide. Cleats that are too flexible can lead to turf toe and other foot problems. Before you buy, perform these three simple tests:
The Bend Test
Hold the heel in one hand and the toe in the other, then try to bend the shoe. It should bend at the ball of the foot—where your child's foot naturally bends during movement. If it bends in the middle or arch area, it won't provide proper support during play.
The Twist Test
Hold the heel in one hand and the toe in the other, then try to twist the shoe like you're wringing out a towel. A good cleat should resist twisting. Excessive floppiness can lead to injuries like turf toe, a painful condition where the big toe joint becomes sprained or damaged.
The Heel Test
The heel of the shoe should be firm, not soft and flexible. Try to move it back and forth while holding the shoe in your other hand.
![how to buy soccer cleats]()
Don't Buy Based on Brand and Price Alone
Don't Buy Based on Brand and Price AloneJust because a cleat looks flashy, carries a big brand name, or costs a lot of money doesn't mean it's good for your child's feet. Marketing doesn't equal quality. Stability, proper fit, and appropriate support matter far more than looks or price tags.
Choosing Cleats Based on Playing Surface
In Seattle, many families have kids who play both outdoors and indoors. Here's what you need to know about different cleat types:
Firm Ground Cleats
These are great all-around cleats for the different types of outdoor surfaces your child will encounter. They are designed for natural grass and varying outdoor conditions.
Turf Cleats
These are meant for indoor soccer. They're more like tennis shoes and tend to have a wider toe box.
Recommended Brands for Toe Health
The Soccer Post in Woodinville and Everett, both located just outside of Seattle, recommends Adidas, Puma, or New Balance for children with a tendency toward ingrown toenails and other toenail problems. These brands typically offer models with wider toe boxes, allowing the toes to spread naturally.
When to Replace Your Child's Cleats
Most kids will need their cleats replaced annually, semi-annually, or even more frequently, depending on their age and growth rate. Children's feet can grow very fast, and waiting too long to replace cleats is a common mistake.
Even if your teen has stopped growing, it's still important to regularly check:
- Wear patterns on the sole
- The condition of the cleats
- Whether the uppers have worn out
- Overall structural integrity
If any of these have deteriorated, replace the cleats even if they still technically fit. Worn-out cleats don't provide adequate support and protection.
Final Thoughts
Soccer and other sports place tremendous stress on the toes and toenails. While we can't eliminate all risk from athletic activities, buying the right shoes is an essential part of preventing future toe and toenail problems.
Take the time to properly fit your child's cleats, test them for support, and replace them when needed. Your child's feet—and their ability to enjoy the sport they love—will thank you.
