Soccer cleats, also called Football boots, are shoes worn by soccer players during training and matches. They have cleats, also called "studs," which are rounded projections on the bottom of the shoe that help grip the playing surface. Soccer cleats are more than functional equipment; they are an expression of individuality. Leading brands such as Adidas, Nike, Umbro, Diadora and Kappa offer endorsement contracts to the world's best players. The soccer cleat is the only thing between the player's foot and the ball, so it is essential to have a comfortable fit that allows
for optimal performance.
Types of soccer cleats include molded, replaceable, turfs and indoor. Molded shoes have cleats or blades made of rubber or plastic permanently attached in a certain configuration to promote traction on most playing surfaces. With 12 molded cleats on the bottom, these are the most common and usually the best choice for beginning to intermediate players. The replaceable version has detachable cleats, which can be changed and reconfigured by unscrewing and replacing the studs to fit the field surface conditions. Replaceable cleats are usually made of hard plastic and/or metal, and they vary in length. They can be great for increasing traction on wet or muddy fields. However, replaceable cleats are not allowed in many youth leagues due to the danger they can present to other players. Turf cleats have raised rubbery bumps on the bottom to increase traction on hard surfaces, such as artificial grass and turf. Indoor soccer shoes have a rubbery bottom for traction on indoor surfaces.
What to Look for
Ideally, a soccer player would have a different type of shoe for every surface. However, this is impractical for most recreational players. Cost, durability, level of play, material and color are all important factors. The most commonly used materials are various leathers and synthetics. Leather soccer cleats generally provide the best fit. Full-grain leather is durable, but provides less ball feel than kangaroo leather, which is softer, but far less durable. Leather soccer cleats cost more, absorb water readily and must be cared for properly to ensure longevity. Synthetic cleats are recommended for young and/or amateur players because the shoes are cheaper and last longer under wet field conditions. However, they provide less ball feel and can be bulky and heavy. More advanced players choose the lightest shoe that still provides ample feel along with sufficient durability.
The fit of soccer cleats is crucial to performance. Soccer cleats are usually narrower than other types of shoes because this design allows for more ball control. High-quality leather will stretch and mold to the foot, whereas synthetic material will not. Make sure to try on soccer cleats with your shin guards and soccer socks. Lace them up tightly and take a walk around. The inner seams should not irritate the foot, and the fit should provide good ball feel. More advanced players might take a soccer ball with them to test this. Remember that soccer cleats are also an expression of personality. In the past, the only color available was black, but today there are soccer cleats in virtually every color of the rainbow.
Common Pitfalls
A common mistake is not considering the level of play and intended use of the soccer cleats. Young players may want to wear the hottest new shoe that is worn by a favorite player. However, these soccer cleats can be very expensive. Some of them are functionally superior and others are not. With so many styles and colors, flashy marketing goes a long way. Make sure the performance and price tag fit with your level of play. Buying soccer cleats that are improperly fitted can be painful and may even cause injury. Young players' feet are constantly growing, which makes it even more difficult to ensure a proper fit.
Mistreatment of soccer cleats can severely decrease their durability. Leathers should never be cleaned with chemicals or a non-natural fiber brush--only with warm soapy water. After exposure to wet conditions, stuff them with newspaper to absorb moisture and retain shape. After drying in only natural heat, leather cleats can be polished for color, and natural leather oil can be applied for protection. Take care of your soccer cleats, and they will take care of you. Remember that the shoe should always fit the player and vice versa.
