Best Youth Lacrosse Cleats for Boys and Girls
The best youth lacrosse cleats fit snugly, use molded studs, and match the surface your player is on most. For most kids, boys and girls, that means a lightweight molded cleat in a youth size 1 to 7, with a wide option if their feet need it.
Below are our current picks, followed by a plain guide to sizing, cleats versus turf shoes, and what actually differs between brands.
- Best all-around: New Balance FreezeLX v5 Youth. Durable synthetic upper, works on turf and grass, comes in wide.
- Best for beginners and tight budgets: New Balance Rush v5 Kids. Simple, comfortable, youth sizes 1 to 5.
- Best for ankle support: Nike Huarache 9 Elite Mid LAX SE. Mid-cut with a locked-in fit, available in kids’ sizes. Runs narrow.
- Best for older, faster players: New Balance BurnX5. Low-cut speed cleat that starts at men’s 4.5 for kids who have outgrown youth sizes.
Our Top Youth Cleat Picks
Youth lacrosse cleats are unisex, so every pick here works for boys and girls. Prices and stock update automatically.
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$84.99$69.99Shop NowThe youth New Balance FreezeLX v5 is a scaled-down version of the adult FreezeLX, built for young players who need traction and stability more than flash. It runs on a molded TPU cleat plate that grips on both turf and natural grass, weighs 196 g (6.9 oz), and comes in standard and wide widths, which is rare at youth sizes. The main change from the v4 is the upper: the v4's lightweight synthetic-and-mesh build and hybrid tongue are replaced with a full synthetic upper and a traditional tongue, shifting the focus from minimum weight to durability and support. The plate concept carries over largely unchanged, so traction should feel familiar to anyone moving up from the v4. The v5 makes the most sense for players who are hard on their cleats or need a wide fit.
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10/02/2026 03:09 pm GMT -
$112.27Buy NowThe Burn X5 Low Lacrosse Cleats are a refreshed version of the Burn X4 cleats. The difference is in the upper. The X5 moves to an engineered mesh for better breathability and adds webbing along a straight eye row that cinches across the midfoot when you lace up. The X4 uses a standard lace closure with a snug, locked-in upper, longer studs, and added flex zones in the plate. Both are low-cut, unisex speed cleats built on a molded TPU plate, and both handle turf and grass.
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10/19/2026 04:21 am GMT -
$54.99Shop NowThe New Balance Rush v5 kids' lacrosse cleat is the entry point to the Rush line, built for young players who need dependable footing and a comfortable fit more than top-end tech. It runs in youth sizes 1 through 5 with half sizes, and comes in both standard and wide widths, which helps kids who have been squeezed into cleats that are too narrow. The main changes from the v4 are underfoot and up top: the v5 gets an updated cleat outsole aimed at better traction and stability, plus a reworked upper focused on comfort, where the v4 paired a synthetic upper with its own updated cleat plate. The overall formula carries over, a lightweight, durable lace-up cleat for developing players, so the v5 is a refinement rather than a new direction. It makes the most sense for newer players, kids moving up from sneakers or turf shoes, and anyone who needs a wide fit.
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10/02/2026 03:09 pm GMT -
$94.95Shop NowThe Nike Huarache 9 Elite Mid LAX SE is a mid-cut lacrosse cleat built for players who plant hard and change direction often, with the SE marking a special-edition colorway on the same build as the standard Huarache 9 Elite Mid. The upper is lightweight skinned mesh with internal Flywire cables, a stretchy inner sleeve, and a no-slip tongue for a close, glove-like fit, while a heel fit system and mid collar add ankle stability without locking up mobility. Underfoot, a Nike React foam midsole takes the edge off stud pressure, and a flexible TPU plate carries 11 studs in a multidirectional pattern borrowed from Nike's Phantom soccer line, suited to both grass and turf. The main change from the Huarache 8 Elite is flexibility: the 9's plate bends more easily, which shortens break-in time and makes quick cuts feel more natural, and the new traction layout replaces the previous stud pattern. It fits snug and runs narrow, so it suits medium to slender feet best, and wide-footed players should try it on first or size carefully.
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10/02/2026 03:23 pm GMT
How the Picks Compare
| Cleat | Best for | Sizes | Widths | Upper |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Balance FreezeLX v5 Youth | All-around play, kids who are hard on cleats | Youth | Standard, wide | Synthetic |
| New Balance Rush v5 Kids | First cleat, rec leagues, budget | Youth 1 to 5 | Standard, wide | Comfort-focused upper |
| Nike Huarache 9 Elite Mid LAX SE | Ankle support, competitive players, slender feet | Kids’ sizes through adult | Standard (runs narrow) | Skinned mesh with Flywire |
| New Balance BurnX5 | Older youth, speed and quick cuts | Men’s 4.5 and up (women’s 6 and up) | Narrow, standard, wide | Engineered mesh |
New Balance FreezeLX v5 Youth
A scaled-down version of the adult FreezeLX. It runs on a molded TPU plate that grips on turf and grass and weighs 196 g (6.9 oz). The main change from the v4 is the upper: mesh panels and a hybrid tongue are replaced with a full synthetic upper and a traditional tongue, trading a little weight for durability and support.
New Balance Rush v5 Kids
The entry point to the Rush line. The v5 gets an updated outsole for traction and stability and a reworked upper built around comfort. It comes in youth sizes 1 to 5 with half sizes, in standard and wide, which makes it an easy first cleat for a player moving up from sneakers.
Nike Huarache 9 Elite Mid LAX SE
A mid-cut cleat for players who plant hard and change direction often. Internal Flywire cables and a no-slip tongue lock the foot in, a React foam midsole softens stud pressure, and the plate is more flexible than the Huarache 8’s, so break-in is short. It fits snug and narrow, so it suits medium to slender feet best.
New Balance BurnX5
A low-cut, unisex speed cleat for players who have outgrown youth sizes. Compared with the Burn X4, the X5 moves to an engineered mesh upper and adds webbing that cinches across the midfoot. It weighs 349 g (12.3 oz) and comes in three widths.
Youth Lacrosse Cleat Sizing
Fit matters more than any feature. A cleat that is too big causes blisters and slow cuts, and kids rarely grow into a cleat before the season ends.
| Size range | Label on the box | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Toddler | Up to 10C | Few lacrosse-specific cleats are made this small. A molded soccer cleat does the job. |
| Little kid | 10.5C to 13.5C | Some youth lacrosse models start here. Check the size run on each listing. |
| Big kid | 1Y to 7Y | The core youth range. Sizes 1 through 5 have the most choice. |
| Moving to adult | Men’s 4.5 and up | A youth 6 or 7 is the same length as a men’s 6 or 7. Women’s sizes run 1.5 larger than men’s. |
- Try cleats on with game socks, late in the day when feet are largest.
- Leave about a thumb’s width between the longest toe and the end of the cleat.
- The heel should not lift when your player walks or jogs.
- Size up by a half size at most. If the cleat feels tight across the foot, look for a wide width before going longer.
Boys vs Girls Lacrosse Cleats
At youth sizes there is no functional difference. Boys and girls lacrosse cleats use the same plates, studs, and uppers, and most models are sold as unisex. The differences are colorway and, at adult sizes, the size label.
Two things are worth knowing for girls field lacrosse. First, once a player moves into adult sizing, convert carefully: a women’s 7 is a men’s 5.5. Second, some girls prefer a low cut for freer ankle movement, while players who want more support often choose a mid. Neither is required by the rules.
For older players, see our guides to women’s lacrosse cleats and men’s lacrosse cleats.
Cleats or Turf Shoes?
Molded cleats
The right choice for natural grass and the safe default if your player sees both surfaces. Molded studs also work on modern artificial turf.
Turf shoes
Short rubber nubs instead of studs. Best for turf-only programs, indoor and box lacrosse, and wall ball on hard ground. They slip on wet grass.
Low or mid cut
Low cuts are lighter and favor speed. Mid cuts add support around the ankle. For most youth players, comfort and fit should decide it.
Most youth leagues require molded rubber or plastic studs and do not allow metal spikes. Check your league’s rules before buying.
Youth Lacrosse Cleats by Brand
New Balance keeps the deepest youth lacrosse line, with the Rush, FreezeLX, and Burn, and it is the most reliable source of wide widths. Warrior is part of New Balance, and its cleats are now sold under the New Balance name.
Nike builds its lacrosse cleats around the Huarache line, and the Huarache 9 Elite Mid comes in kids’ sizes. They fit snug and narrow, so they suit medium to slender feet. Read our Nike Huarache 9 Elite review for details.
Under Armour and Adidas youth lacrosse options change from season to season. If your player prefers the fit of either brand, a molded football or soccer cleat from them is a workable substitute.
Shopping on a budget? Entry models like the Rush cost less than top-tier cleats, and last season’s version of any cleat is usually discounted once the new one arrives. For a growing player, the older model is often the smarter buy.
Ready for adult sizes? See our full list of the best lacrosse cleats.
Youth Lacrosse Cleats FAQ
Can kids wear soccer or football cleats for lacrosse?
Yes. Molded soccer and football cleats are fine for youth lacrosse, especially for beginners. Lacrosse cleats add a toe stud for push-off and usually more support around the ankle and midfoot, which helps as play gets faster.
What size lacrosse cleats should I buy for my child?
Buy the size that fits now, with about a thumb’s width of room at the toe while wearing game socks. Go up a half size at most. Cleats that are too big cause blisters and unstable footing.
Are boys and girls lacrosse cleats different?
Not at youth sizes. Most youth lacrosse cleats are unisex and differ only in color. At adult sizes, women’s sizes run 1.5 larger than men’s, so a women’s 7 equals a men’s 5.5.
Do youth players need cleats or turf shoes?
Molded cleats are the best single choice because they work on grass and on modern turf. Turf shoes make sense for turf-only teams, indoor or box lacrosse, and practice on hard surfaces.
Are metal cleats allowed in youth lacrosse?
Most youth leagues do not allow metal spikes and require molded rubber or plastic studs. Confirm with your league or coach before buying.
How long do youth lacrosse cleats last?
Most kids outgrow cleats before they wear them out, usually within one or two seasons. Replace them sooner if studs are worn down, the upper is separating from the plate, or toes are pressing against the front.