Children's football shoes Mizuno

Mizuno, a Japanese brand born in 1906

Mizuno was founded in 1906 in Osaka by Rihachi Mizuno and his brother Rizo, initially focusing on baseball before expanding into various sports. In football, the brand with the Runbird logo made a name for itself with the Morelia, launched in 1985 to compete with classic leather boots.

Its reputation is built on the flexibility of its uppers and the accuracy of its shapes, crafted in Japan for the highest-end models. The kids' versions inherit this spirit: a well-fitted design, an upper that quickly adapts to the foot, and a durable finish, even at entry-level.

Other brands for young players

For comparison, the F50 Hyperfast and Predator for kids focus on speed and striking, the Future and Ultra in junior sizes prioritise comfort and lightness, and the other kids' brands page includes more niche manufacturers. The full range of football boots for kids lets you compare everything, and the Mizuno adult page showcases the Morelia and Alpha in larger sizes.

Morelia, Monarcida Neo, Alpha: three lines for three profiles

• Morelia: the historic line, available in Morelia II Club for the youngest and Morelia Neo Select, lighter, for juniors looking for a refined touch.
• Monarcida Neo: the most accessible line, with a comfortable fit, available in Select and Pro on nearly all soles.
• Alpha: launched in 2022 as the fastest shoe ever designed by Mizuno, it targets lively children who play with speed.

The right choice depends on your child's profile: ball feel, everyday comfort, or explosiveness.

Mizuno soles: FG, AG, Turf and mixed for juniors

Every Mizuno kids' model comes in several sole types. The FG is suitable for firm natural grass, AG for artificial turf with short, numerous studs. The FG/AG versions of the Monarcida Neo Pro allow for transitioning from one surface to another, handy for clubs that alternate.

For five-a-side football and hard pitches, the Morelia Sala is available with a TF sole, a studded sole from the brand's futsal range. Check the logo at the end of the product name, and choose based on the pitch where your child plays most, not according to an occasional match.

Grabbing a Mizuno kids' pair during key times

For a Morelia or an Alpha as a gift, aim for Black Friday or the end-of-year holidays; for the top size, check the winter sales. In spring, the French Days for kids, followed by summer sales before training resumes, complete the calendar. The kids' promotions and clearance also feature Monarcida Neo and Morelia at the end of their series.

Frequently asked questions

Why choose a Mizuno over a more common brand?

For its fit and the quality of its uppers, which adult players have appreciated for decades. Less common in changing rooms, a Mizuno also sets your child apart on the pitch, without sacrificing durability or comfort.

What does Select or Pro mean in the name of a Mizuno?

These are level indicators. Select refers to the entry-level version, with a simple, robust upper, while Pro indicates a lighter mid-range finish. The Elite or Japan variations, the most advanced, are mainly available in adult sizes.

Does Mizuno offer a junior futsal shoe?

The brand offers its Morelia Sala in a Turf version for children, a boot designed for five-a-side and hard surfaces. For a gym floor, however, a non-marking flat sole is required.

How to check if a Mizuno is the right size?

With the child standing and laces tightened, press at the shoe's end: a finger's width of space in front of the big toe is enough. The heel shouldn't lift when walking, and the upper shouldn't crease significantly on top of the foot.

Do Mizuno studs work on synthetic surfaces?

Yes, in AG or FG/AG versions, whose short studs are designed for artificial turf. A pure FG sole can also work in an emergency, but it wears out faster on synthetic and grips more in the fibers.