Soccer is one of the most popular sports worldwide, and it is enjoyed by people of all ages.
However, if you want to enjoy the same game that is played by millions you will need a good football to do so.
So whether you are a beginner.
Someone who wants to have a light kick around at the park.
Or even an experienced footballer who wants to make it pro.
Then having the right equipment is essential to enjoying the game to its fullest.
One of the most important pieces of equipment for any soccer player is the ball, and choosing the right size is crucial for optimal performance.
First thing you need to know is that there are several sizes of footballs.
These go from Size 1 to Size 5. The largest of which is used professionally in games you see on TV.
Size 4 soccer balls are a popular choice for players between the ages of 8 and 12, as they are smaller and lighter than size 5 balls, making them easier to control and handle.
However, not all size 4 soccer balls are created equal, and it is important to consider several factors before making a purchase.
Now regardless of the size of the ball, what you will likely want is quality let me be the first to say that, a low-quality ball will not be enjoyable to play with.
A high-quality ball should be durable, well-constructed, and able to withstand the rigors of regular use.
Testing loads of football’s is far from ideal, especially if you don’t want to mess about with returns.
So in this post I am going to use my experience of Size 4 soccer balls along with a few more that I have brought for the purpose of testing for this review, to show you the best ones.
All of which excel in performance, durability, while offering value for money.
So without further ado lets get right into it!
Table of Contents
Best Size 4 Soccer Balls
As avid soccer players ourselves, we understand the importance of having the right ball for the game. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best size 4 soccer balls on the market. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, our top picks offer the perfect combination of durability, performance, and value. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our roundup of the best size 4 soccer balls available in the UK.
Mitre Impel Training Soccer Ball 4 White/Pitch Green Without Ball Pump
If you’re looking for a durable and affordable training soccer ball, the Mitre Impel might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- Soft-touch soccer ball suitable for all-weather training
- Hard-wearing 30-panel construction for durability and shape retention
- Suitable for both kids and adults, available in various colourways
Cons
- Ball comes deflated, and requires inflation before use
- Not recommended for use in official games
I’ve been using the Mitre Impel for a few weeks now and I’ve been impressed with its performance.
The soft EVA foam backing and Vimini TPU outer texture provide enhanced grip and control.
This in turn makes it perfect to use during training sessions.
The 30-panel construction ensures long-lasting durability and shape retention, even after prolonged use.
A ball made for training sessions, this ball is therefore perfect for both kids and adults who are either playing with their local sides.
Or practicing by themselves or with friends.
Now the ball above shows the white and green colourway which is my favorite of the ones they offer.
But you have another six colorways to choose from, so you can choose the one that best suits your style.
Overall, I would recommend the Mitre Impel which comes in at a reasonable $20 price tag for anyone looking for an affordable and durable training soccer ball. While it may not be suitable for official games, it’s perfect for home practice and team training.
Adidas Performance X Glider II Football
Adidas has made some of my favorite soccer balls to date, and with the Adidas Performance X Glider II Football, you have a reliable size 4 ball that is worth considering.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Great for both training and matches
- Good grip and control
Cons
- May require some breaking in
- Some users have reported issues with air retention
- May be slightly heavier than other size 4 soccer balls
I used this soccer ball during both training sessions and matches, and it has held up well over time.
What I enjoyed specifically was how nice the ball felt when striking the ball, enabling you to get a clean hit with spin.
The ball feels sturdy and durable, and I didn’t notice any significant wear and tear after taking it to the field numerous times.
Performing tight knit dribbling feels quite effortless with the good grip the Adidas Performance X Glider II Football.
You never feel like the ball is slipping out of your control as a result.
It also has a nice weight to it, which can help with accuracy when passing and shooting.
If I were to name one downside that would be the air retention with it losing air quicker then other balls I have tested.
It is also a little more on the pricey side compared to other balls you will find in this list. But one thing you get with all Adidas products is quality and the Adidas Performance X Glider II is no exception.
Overall a reliable size 4 soccer ball with its durability, versatility, and how it provide good grip and control during play.
Optimum Classico
If you’re looking for an affordable and durable soccer ball for practice and training, the Optimum Classico is a solid option.
Pros
- The 2 ply lining and shiny PVC material make the ball durable and resistant to wear and tear.
- The 32-panel design ensures a consistent and predictable flight path, making it easier to practice ball control and passing accuracy.
- The ball is shipped deflated, so you can easily inflate it to your desired level with the Optimum pump.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the ball loses air quickly, requiring frequent inflation.
- The ball might not be suitable for high-level competitive play, as it lacks some of the advanced features of more expensive soccer balls.
- The black and blue colour scheme might not be to everyone’s taste.
I have been using the Optimum Classico for a few weeks now having brought it for the first time.
This is a brand that I brought for the first time, meaning this was a brand new experience for me, having used pretty much all other brands at some point in my career.
So far however I have been happy with its performance.
The ball has held up well to regular use, with no signs of wear or damage.
The 2 ply lining and shiny PVC material make it resistant to scratches and scuffs, and the 32-panel design provides a consistent and predictable flight path.
One minor issue if I were to point one thing out is that the ball seems to lose air fairly quickly which requires me to inflate it more often than I’d like.
However, this is a relatively small inconvenience and doesn’t detract from the ball’s overall quality.
On the pitch, the performance is decent, with the Optimum Classico well-suited for practice and training.
It’s responsive and easy to control, making it a good choice for honing your skills.
However, it might not be the best option for high-level competitive play, as it lacks some of the advanced features of more expensive soccer balls.
Overall, I’d recommend the Optimum Classico to anyone looking for an affordable and durable soccer ball for practice and training. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done and provides good value for money.
Nike Pitch Team Electric Green/Black 4
If you’re looking for a durable soccer ball that stands out during training, the Nike Pitch Team Electric Green/Black 4 is a great option.
Pros
- The TPU casing makes the ball durable and able to withstand rough play.
- The reinforced rubber bladder ensures that the ball maintains its shape and stays inflated.
- The bright electric green and black colours make the ball highly visible, even in poor visibility conditions.
Cons
- The ball may feel too light for some players, which could affect the trajectory of their shots.
- Some users have reported that the ball loses air quickly and needs to be pumped up frequently.
- The ball may not be suitable for use in official matches due to its size and weight.
This isn’t the first time I have had the chance to play with the Nike Pitch Team Electric Green/Black 4 having used it countless times over the years in training sessions.
But after buying one for this review, my memories of how impressive this ball came back to me.
The TPU casing made the ball feel sturdy and able to withstand the occasional rough tackle.
The reinforced rubber bladder ensured that the ball maintained its shape and stayed inflated, even after several weeks of use.
The bright electric green and black colours made the ball highly visible during training, so if your training under the lights then this football will be visible in early morning or late evening sessions.
Now one thing to point out with this ball, which for some might not be an issue is the lightness of the ball.
In fact, I’d probably say its one of the lightest balls on the market, which means you can get a good amount of loft on shots and passes.
This though can affect the trajectory of the ball, with the way it moves in the air. However if you love a knuckleball or to swerve the ball, you will find yourself loving the ball even more.
Overall, I would recommend the Nike Pitch Team Electric Green/Black 4 for players looking for a durable and highly visible ball for training and casual games.
However, if you’re a more experienced player or looking for a ball for official matches, you may want to consider a different option.
Nike Premier Team Size 4 Soccer Ball
If you’re looking for a high-quality size 4 soccer ball, the Nike Premier Team Size 4 Soccer Ball is another option from Nike to consider.
Pros
- The ball is made from high-quality materials, making it durable and long-lasting.
- Its textured surface provides excellent grip, allowing for better ball control and more accurate shots.
- The ball’s size and weight are perfect for young players, making it easier for them to handle and control.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the ball loses its shape over time, although this seems to be a rare occurrence.
- The ball may be a bit too heavy for very young players, so it’s important to keep that in mind when purchasing.
- The ball is a bit more expensive than some other size 4 soccer balls on the market, although its quality justifies the price.
Overall, we highly recommend the Nike Premier Team Size 4 Soccer Ball for young players who are serious about the sport.
Its high-quality construction and excellent grip make it a great choice for both practice and games.
While it may be a bit more expensive than some other options, its durability and long-lasting performance make it well worth the investment.
Mitre Intent Training White 000
Mitre footballs have in my experience always been a great shout for training.
The Mitre Intent Training series is in my opinion one of the best they have to offer and therefore worth considering.
Pros
- Soft and comfortable to use
- Durable construction
- Suitable for all-weather conditions
Cons
- Requires inflation before use
- May not be suitable for professional use
- Limited colour options
I found that the soft EVA foam backing and Vimini outer texture of the Mitre Intent Training White 000 provided enhanced grip and control, making it comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
The 14-panel construction with machine-stitched seams also ensures hard-wearing durability, making it a great investment for those who want a ball that will last.
Additionally, the high retention bladder helps the ball maintain its shape and pressure for longer, even in all weather conditions.
This makes it a great choice for training or practicing your skills at football training, regardless of whether that is on grass or Astroturf.
While the ball does require inflation before use, it’s a small inconvenience that is easily remedied with a Mitre pump.
However, like others on this list, this ball will be great for training conditions but not so much for actual games due to its size.
Overall though, the Mitre Intent Training White 000 is a great option for those looking for a reliable and durable soccer ball for training or practicing.
Nike Strike Team 290g Ball White/Bright Crimson/Silver 000
If you’re looking for a lightweight soccer ball that not only looks good but is great to play with then the Nike Strike Team 290g Ball White/Bright Crimson/Silver 000 is a great option.
Pros
- The Nike Aerowsculpt technology ensures a consistent flight with pre-shaped notches.
- The highly contrasting graphics make the ball particularly visible on the pitch.
- The machine-stitched TPU case improves durability, while the reinforced rubber bladder ensures optimal air and shape retention.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the ball is longer in one direction than the other, which can affect its kicking accuracy.
- The ball is very lightweight, which may not be suitable for players who prefer a heavier ball.
- A few customers have reported issues with air leakage, which can affect the ball’s performance.
The Nike Strike Team 290g Ball White/Bright Crimson/Silver 000 is another top ball made by Nike that is packed full of technology to help you play to your fullest.
To begin with, you have the Nike Aerowsculpt technology which ensures a consistent flight, while the highly contrasting graphics make the ball easy to see on the pitch.
This ball is also very easy to handle and with its pre-shaped notches and 12-panel design you get a consistent flight that’s ideal for practicing your skills.
Overall a lot to like about this ball from its look to the way it performs.
Mitre Soccer Ball Professional Delta 4
Last on the list, is a ball I played with more times then I can remember.
That is the Mitre Soccer Ball Professional Delta 4 which is worth considering.
Pros
- The 14-panel construction allows for consistent energy and power transfer, making it easier to control the ball and score goals.
- The Hyperfoam material provides maximum power and speed, converting power into pure kinetic energy for boosted speed.
- The embossed surface texture manipulates airflow around the ball for a more accurate flight, making it easier to predict where the ball will go.
Cons
- The ball is quite expensive compared to other size 4 soccer balls on the market.
- Some users have reported that the ball loses air more quickly than other soccer balls they’ve used.
- The ball may be too heavy for younger players or those with less experience playing soccer.
Chances are if you have played at any competitive level of football.
Even if that’s Sunday League you have likely played with this ball.
It is a very popular training football for good reason, has a high-quality and FIFA Quality Pro certified size 4 soccer ball.
While it may be a bit more expensive than other options, the construction, materials, and design of the ball make it well worth the investment.
The 14-panel construction and Hyperfoam material allow for consistent power and speed.
While the embossed surface texture ensures more accurate flight.
The ball is available in both size 4 and size 5, making it suitable for a wide range of players.
However, some users have reported that the ball loses air more quickly than other soccer balls they’ve used, and it may be too heavy for younger or less experienced players.
Additionally, the higher price point may be a deterrent for some buyers.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, professional-grade soccer ball, the Mitre Soccer Ball Professional Delta 4 is worth considering.
Buying Guide
The above balls give you some great options when it comes to choosing the best size 4 soccer ball.
But if you are wondering what features of balls differentiate the best balls from the not-so-good, then here are a few things to take into consideration.
Material
The material of the soccer ball can greatly affect its performance and durability.
Most size 4 soccer balls are made of either PVC or PU leather.
PVC balls are more affordable, but they tend to be less durable and have a harder feel.
PU leather balls, on the other hand, are more expensive but offer better performance and a softer feel.
Weight
The weight of the ball is another important factor to consider.
A ball that is too heavy can be difficult to control and will be painful to strike.
While a ball that is too light may not have enough power behind it.
So you want that happy medium, and that is between 350-390 grams, as this is the standard weight for size 4 soccer balls.
Design
The design of the ball can also affect its performance.
There nothing worse than an egg-shaped ball, or one that is in another funny shape.
So a ball with a smooth surface and consistent panel shape will provide a more accurate and predictable flight path.
Additionally, a ball with a textured surface can provide better grip and control, especially in wet conditions.
Inflation
Proper inflation is crucial for optimal performance and longevity of the ball.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, which is typically between 8-12 PSI.
Overinflating or underinflating the ball can affect its bounce and control.
Durability
Finally, consider the durability of the ball.
Look for a ball with reinforced stitching and a sturdy bladder to ensure it can withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
Additionally, a ball with a waterproof coating can help prevent damage from moisture and extend its lifespan.
Now from my experience the more expensive the football, the more durable it will be.
It’s not always the case.
However, the ball is likely better made and put together better making it a better quality football.
In summary, when choosing the best size 4 soccer ball, consider the material, weight, design, inflation, and durability.
By taking these factors into account, you can find a ball that will provide optimal performance and last for many games to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which size 4 football is most suitable for young female players?
When it comes to selecting a football for young female players, it is important to consider the size, weight, and material of the ball.
A size 4 football is generally recommended for players between the ages of 8 and 12.
However, it is important to note that the size and weight of the ball should be appropriate for the individual player’s skill level and physical development.
What are the recommended size 4 footballs for youth training?
The majority of size 4 footballs are made for the intention of football training so finding one isn’t too hard.
As long as they meet the criteria of being durable, easy to handle, and providing good grip then they will do a good job.
Just like those I have included on this list.
Some of the popular options include Adidas Tango, Nike Premier Team, and Umbro Neo Pro.
I should note that where you train should go into your decision-making.
As you want a ball that is appropriate for the playing surface and conditions.
Whether that be on the astroturf under the lights or on an open field.
At what age should children transition to using a size 4 football?
Children should transition to using a size 4 football when they are physically ready and have developed the necessary skills.
This typically happens around the age of 8.
However using smaller than size 4 footballs is never a bad thing, in fact, many professionals still use smaller balls in training.
As small as tennis balls, smaller balls will help you with your control and first touch.
It is important though to ensure that the ball is appropriate for the child’s size and weight to prevent injuries and promote proper technique.
What are the characteristics of a size 4 football used in World Cups?
A size 4 football used in World Cups must meet specific requirements set by FIFA.
These requirements include a circumference of 68-70cm.
A weight of 350-390g, and a pressure of 0.6-1.1 atmosphere at sea level.
The ball must also have a specific design and be approved by FIFA for use in official matches.
How does a Nike size 4 football compare to other brands?
Nike size 4 footballs have a reputation for durability, accuracy, and control.
Players of all levels, including professionals in matches, frequently use and prefer them.
However, the choice of brand ultimately depends on personal preference and playing style.
What should one look for when purchasing a pack of size 4 footballs?
When purchasing a pack of size 4 footballs, it is important to consider the quality, durability, and price.
Look for balls that are made of high-quality materials and have a good grip.
It is also recommended to purchase balls from reputable brands that offer warranties and customer support.