Selecting a soccer shoe that fits can improve player performance and help reduce injuries. It may be tempting to buy youth soccer shoes a size up, but it’s not good for your child's game or health.

Soccer shoes come in a variety of styles and cleat patterns, designed for different field surfaces. The most common and versatile shoe is the 12-cleat soccer shoe, with either molded studs or blades. This style will work on all soft surfaces, including artificial turf.

For indoor soccer on a hardwood floor, use either special indoor soccer shoes, or cross-training shoes. Both of these types of shoes are designed to be low to the ground and stable, as opposed to running shoes which are built with more cushioning that raises the foot higher from the floor.

Like all shoes, fit varies from brand to brand, so trying them on is essential. When trying on shoes, be sure your child wears the same socks and shin pads worn while playing. It’s also a good idea to try shoes on in the afternoon, when their feet are slightly swollen from being active during the day.

A shoe that fits is snug in the heel, has no pressure spots from seams, and allows toes to wiggle freely. The fit should also allow for a one adult-finger distance between the toes and the end of the shoe.

At certain ages it’s common for a child to grow out of more than one pair of shoes during a single season. Because out-grown shoes are often only lightly used, it's easy to find them second-hand in excellent shape.

If you’re looking to save money by buying second-hand soccer shoes, there are two local sports consignment stores in Vancouver that usually have a wide selection of sizes and styles: Cheapskates, on 16th at Dunbar; and Sports Junkies at 102 West Broadway.