The Best Junior Hockey Shoes 2026/27

Buying hockey shoes for a junior is a bit of a balancing act. You want something grippy and comfortable enough for a long Saturday morning on the astro, but you also know there's a good chance they'll have outgrown them by Easter.

So here are the junior hockey shoes we'd actually recommend for 2026/27, plus a few sizing tips we find ourselves giving parents in the shop every week.

Do juniors really need hockey shoes?

In short, not straight away. For the first few sessions a pair of trainers will do the job. Once they're playing every week, though, proper hockey shoes make a real difference: the grip is designed for sand-based and water-based pitches, and the support helps with all the stopping, turning and lunging that hockey involves (and that trainers really aren't built for).

adidas Hockey Youngstar 2: our go-to junior shoe

It won't surprise anyone who's been to a junior training session lately: the adidas Youngstar is far and away our best-selling junior hockey shoe. Over the last 12 months, roughly two in every three junior hockey shoes we sold were Youngstars.

The new Youngstar 2 is cushioned and breathable, with grip built for water-based and sand-dressed pitches. It comes in Dual Lilac, Solar Turbo (pink), Bright Royal and Multicolour, which means fewer arguments about colour in the car park.

Shopping on a budget? Last season's Youngstar in Blue and Green are still in stock in some sizes.

adidas Youngstar Rise: for younger players

The Youngstar Rise is adidas' entry-level junior shoe and the one we'd point you to for younger children or anyone just starting out. It's durable, grippy and kinder on the wallet. It also comes in Solar Turbo (pink).

Mizuno Wave Lynx 3 Junior: a bit more support

The Mizuno Wave Lynx 3 Junior is built for stability and durability, with an artificial leather and mesh upper and an updated heel for a secure fit. It's a good shout for juniors who are training a lot and want something that feels a bit more substantial. It also comes in White/Black.

One thing worth knowing: Mizuno shoes tend to come up on the narrow side. If your child has broad feet, try another brand first.

Osaka Furo Play: bright, secure and comfy

The Osaka Furo Play is Osaka's junior shoe, sized UK 1 to 6. It uses a bootie construction with a lace closure, so it hugs the foot nicely, and there's a double-layer toe bumper on the front for the inevitable toe-dragging. Osaka describe it as unisex and true to size. It also comes in Hot Pink. If you're curious how it fits into the rest of the Osaka range, our Osaka shoe guide covers it.

Good value: Grays Stealth and Kookaburra Orbit

The Grays Stealth 1.0 is a lightweight shoe with a rubber outsole that grips on water-based and sand-based pitches and a cushioned midsole. The Kookaburra Orbit is another light, low-profile option with a PU and mesh upper. Both are sensible picks if you need a proper hockey shoe without spending a lot.

Sizing tips from the shop floor

• Leave about a thumb's width at the toe, but no more. Buying two sizes up "to grow into" means a loose, unstable shoe and, quite often, blisters.
• Try them on with hockey socks. Hockey socks are thicker than everyday socks and change the fit.
• Check the fit every season. Feet grow quickly, and squashed toes are a common reason juniors suddenly go off hockey shoes.
• Know when to go adult. Once a junior is into adult sizes and playing regularly, the senior ranges are worth a look. A lot of adult shoes start from smaller sizes, and broad-footed players in particular often find a better fit there.

What else do they need?

Good hockey socks help with comfort and keep shin pads in place, and if they're just starting out, our guide to field hockey kit for beginners covers the rest. For the bigger picture, have a look at our ultimate hockey shoe guide.

Not sure which size or shoe? Pop into our shop in Chester-le-Street and we'll help you find the right fit, or give us a call on 0191 447 4744. Ready to shop? Browse all junior hockey shoes.