How to buy soccer cleats

When looking into purchasing a pair of soccer cleats, the selection you make will have an impact on your playing ability. Your feet are the only part of your body that touches the soccer ball with very few exceptions. Buying a pair of cleats can greatly improve your game. Granted, there is no pair that will turn you into the next superstar, but it is important to find a pair that works so you can play to your abilities. There are many variables that go into a cleat, such as the materials used, size, type, brand, and price. Judging on the outside appearance will not yield your best results. You must consider the field of play you will be working on, typical weather conditions you expect, and the skill level you will playing against.

Leather versus synthetic

The material aspect of a cleat is broken down into two groups: leather and synthetic. Leather cleats will be more expensive but will provide a better feel when worn. Leather cleats are not recommended for playing on wet fields, as this will rapidly deteriorate the shoes. If leather shoes get wet and are not dried properly, the shoe will stiffen, making it very uncomfortable to wear. Synthetic cleats are recommended for beginning players. They won’t feel as great but will be much lower in price and will hold up in the weather. They are also easier to clean. The sole of your cleats should be made out of rubber.

Some Synthetic Cleats

Type of cleat

Depending on what skill level you are and where you are playing, there will be regulations as to what kind of cleat you are permitted to wear. There are two types of main cleats: molded and detachable. Molded cleats are recommended for beginning players. These are the only cleats permitted for play for most beginners due to safety reasons. They will cooperate in all types of weather and field conditions.

Some Molded Cleats

Detachable cleats are recommended for the more experienced players that wish to alter their cleats due to weather or field conditions. These cleats allow the player to remove the stud and replace them but can prove to be a safety risk to other players. They can also injure the wearer, as extra long spikes can result in knee damage to the spike getting stuck in the ground. Talk to your coach to get information about what type is permitted and what he recommends for you. You can also purchase turf shoes, which are used for hard surfaces indoors or artificial turf. They are recommended to be used only for hard-surface conditions and preserved as a back-up pair.

Some Turf Shoes

If you are playing indoor soccer, you are required to purchase indoor shoes which look like sneakers but have rubber traction on the bottom. When looking for a cleat for the indoors, search for one that is stable and has rubber soles. This will provide more traction on the smooth floors. These are designed for indoor use only.

Cleat size

When determining the proper size for your cleats, keep in mind they will be close to your regular shoe size. The toe/front part of the shoe will be designed to be narrower, which will affect your comfort. When purchasing leather shoes, the leather will actually stretch out when worn, so purchase a pair of leather shoes that fit closely to your feet. The leather will automatically expand and shape around your feet. Purchasing a pair of cleats that are too small can result in foot pain. When trying on the cleats, remember to wear the socks you will wear during the game or keep in mind the size of the socks. Trying on a cleat with regular socks can feel perfect, but the thickness of the soccer socks can prove to make a tight fit.

Some Soccer Socks

Many problems can arise when wearing cleats too big. Common problems are blisters, and you will experience more slips. The larger the cleat is, when compared to your foot, will result in a harder ability to balance. It is recommended to wear a pair of cleats for a couple months before heading into games. This way, you become accustomed to the feel and have a good feel for the cleats. Do not buy the first pair, no matter how great they feel. Try and focus on your heel and determine if the back part of your foot is comfortable. When trying on cleats, your toe should not be touching the end of the shoe. Rather, there should be a space, about the width of your thumb between your big toe and end of the shoe. Also, women’s cleats are made less wide than men’s cleats. For women that have a wide foot, it may be in your best interest to shop in the men’s section to find the best fit. Likewise, a man with small feet may find a better fit in the women’s section. A tip for trying on cleats is to try them on at the end of the day. After walking around all day, your feet will be swollen a little, just as they will be when you are playing on the field. Lace them up exactly as you would on game day, and spend a couple minutes walking around the store to judge them.

Brand

If David Beckham wears a certain brand, will it work for you? Not for that reason. The brand will matter for quality and durability, but spending an excessive amount of money may not be justifiable. If you wish to buy a popular brand such as Nike, Puma, or Adidas, try shopping a couple months before the season begins to find sales that will save you a lot of money. Still, you can get every aspect that you need out of one brand for much, much cheaper than another. But remember, your feet are the only things that matter in soccer, so take care of them by purchasing a pair of cleats right for you. By doing so, you will not only prevent injury, you will excel more on the field and will have much more pleasure wearing shoes that work for you.