Child-sized boots question

[krolpolski]

When I purchased my last pair of boots (25 years ago) the common wisdom was that you bought shoes that were a 1/2 size too small so that you could really feel the ball.

Now that I'm buying my first pair of boots for my five-year-old and seven-year-old, does what I did a quarter century ago still hold up? Should I buy my boys' boots smaller than what their foot size is?

Thanks in advance.

[zz.db.5]

It holds up for when your feet aren't constantly growing....
Besides, the need to really feel the ball is not there as much with little kids. I would wait until they know more about touch before buying their boots small.
Just my opinion.

[Old US Keeper]

I will second that opinion. When you're an adult & your foot isn't growing anymore, then you can buy them tight & have them stretch. With small children their feet are always growing, & if you buy them small to start out they might be too small before the season even ends. Comfort is more important when they are young.

[krolpolski]

Thanks gents!

I'm an old keeper, too.

[goyoureddevils]

I sell soccer boots to parents in your position for a living, and what these people have told you is right on. You want to fit your child with shoes that are about 1/2 size big, or about a thumbnail extra at the toe, but still fit snug and tight at the forefoot (ball of foot), and heel. This gives them room to grow into, yet not so much that they will slide around in them and get blisters and such.

As for adult shoes, manufacturors are now using an anti-stretch lining known as cambrelle to line the shoes and keep them from blowing out as quickly...... the only down side of this is you can not buy your shoes much smaller now and stretch them out to fit. The most you can do is buy them about 1/2 size small and break them in over about a two week period. I used to buy my diadora brasils a full size and a half small and wear them in the shower for a week. At the end they fit so well you could see the bumps of every knuckle of every toe!

Check out my store online if you want more info: www.soccerhouse.com

[ADIKeeper]

Won't that harden the leather and make it feel like cardboard?

[goyoureddevils]

Won't what make it feel like cardboard? Getting in the shower with them? That's what Chelsea Leather Food is for!

Doesn't make any difference anyway, the anti stretch lining they put in boots doesn't allow you to do that anymore.