If your child uses custom orthotics or sport insoles, the right football boot should have: removable insoles (sockliners), enough depth/volume to fit the device without cramping toes, a firm heel counter for stable heel capture, and a plate/stud setup that won’t create painful pressure points.
On artificial pitches (3G/4G), AG (Artificial Grass) outsoles with many short, round studs typically spread weight more evenly and feel kinder underfoot than long FG studs.
Adapting the Fit: Choosing Boots to Accommodate Custom Orthotics
When a young player needs custom or specialized orthotics (insoles) to support their arch, heel, or posture, finding the right football boot becomes a significant challenge.
Most speed or high-performance boots are built with minimal, non-removable inserts and narrow designs, making it impossible to fit a thicker orthotic without causing painful compression.
Forcing a fit leads to instability and discomfort, entirely defeating the purpose of the custom insole.
The right boot for orthotics must deliver on three requirements: Removable Sockliner, Internal Volume, and Midfoot Stability.
First and foremost, the factory sockliner must be easily removable to make room for the custom orthotic.
Second, the boot needs adequate internal volume in the midfoot and toe box to prevent the orthotic from pushing the foot too high, which causes heel slippage and painful pressure against the upper.
Finally, a stable, broad base is necessary to ensure the orthotic sits flat and delivers its full corrective support during play.
In this guide, I focus on junior models known for having accommodating constructions and features that welcome a custom insole, looking for boots that offer the required depth and width to keep your child comfortable and stable, ensuring their customized support works as intended.
10 Best Kids’ Football Boots for Orthotics (Ireland 2025)
Table: Boots chosen for removable insoles, deep heel counters, and adjustable volume to accommodate custom supports comfortably.
Note: Prices and availability are subject to change. Please check the retailer's website for the most current information.
Orthotics fit checklist
Bring the orthotic: remove the boot’s stock insole and test your child’s orthotic inside the boot. You need enough depth so toes aren’t squashed and the heel seats fully in the heel cup. Prefer removable sockliners: most modern boots have them; they make orthotic fitting much easier. Surface matters for comfort: on 3G/4G, AG or FG/AG distributes load more evenly than long FG studs; TF is cushiest for old Astro/school courts. Choose low‑profile sport insoles if not using custom devices (e.g., CURREX CleatPro, Superfeet soccer/cleat insoles). Trim to fit. Flex balance: plates that are either too stiff or too floppy can feel worse with orthotics — aim for a moderate bend (comfort + control). Surface / stud guide
Which outsole feels best with orthotics?
- AG (Artificial Grass) — many short, rounded studs that spread pressure on 3G/4G; more comfortable than long FG on turf.
- FG (Firm Ground) — for Irish grass (dry to moderately soft). Good comfort when the ground has some give; can feel “pokey” on hard turf.
- SG (Soft Ground/metal) — only for very soft/muddy pitches; too aggressive (and uncomfortable) on firm or artificial surfaces.
- TF (Turf) — dozens of rubber nubs; trainer‑like feel on old Astro or hard courts; great for pressure relief.
FAQ
Can kids wear orthotics in football boots?
Yes — pick a boot with removable insole, adequate depth/width, and a firm heel counter so the orthotic seats and locks the heel. Test with the device inside the boot before buying.
Should I size up to fit an orthotic?
Sometimes a half‑size up helps, but prioritize depth/volume and shape. A fast way to check: remove the sockliner and stand on it — if your child’s foot spills over, the boot shape/size is off.
Are AG studs better than FG for comfort on artificial turf?
Usually yes. AG studs are shorter and more numerous, designed to distribute weight and reduce discomfort/injury risk on 3G/4G.
Do we need custom orthotics or are sports insoles enough?
For diagnosed issues (e.g., Sever’s, flat feet) podiatrist‑prescribed orthotics may be recommended. Otherwise, low‑profile cleat insoles can add support/cushion in standard boots.
How do we trim/fit an insole into tight kids’ cleats?
Remove the factory insole, trace & trim the sport insole to match, then re‑check heel seating and toe space. Most brands show this step‑by‑step.
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