Types of Cleats
Footwear for soccer depends on a number of factors. The level of game, the types of fields one plays on, and the budget are the major factors to finding the right kind of footwear.
- Molded Cleats
- Molded cleats are the basic soccer shoes.
- They use non-removable rubber, or hard plastic formed on the bottom of the shoe to provide traction and control.
- Molded cleats are appropriate for players playing in firm grass fields.
- Beginning and intermediate level players should purchase molded cleats because they are suited to play on almost all fields types and in all weather conditions.
- Detachable Cleats
- These types of soccer boots feature studs on the bottom that can be screwed on and off and be replaced easily
- The cleats vary in length and are usually made of hard plastic or plastic with metal tips.
- Players can change the type and length of stud depending on the weather conditions of that day's game or practice.
- More experienced players may favor detachable cleats because these shoes can be tailored to their game and they offer better performance in different conditions.
- Turf Shoes
- These contain various raised patterns on the bottom in place of studs, for use on harder outdoor surfaces and on artificial turf.
- These are generally good training shoes that could serve as a back-up game pair for hard-surface conditions.
- Indoor Shoes
- Indoor soccer shoes resemble low-cut, lightweight sneakers and are designed for playing indoor soccer in a gym or recreational facility
- They feature a flat, rubbery-type bottom for better traction on indoor courts and fields.
- Sandals
- An important footwear add-on for all soccer players, these slip-ons are worn before the game to save wear on the soccer shoes and allows immediate removal of playing shoes after a game to rest the feet.
- Many sandals have special massage-type features for the bottom of the foot for added comfort.
- Sandals
- An important footwear add-on for all soccer players, these slip-ons are worn before the game to save wear on the soccer shoes and allows immediate removal of playing shoes after a game to rest the feet.
- Many sandals have special massage-type features for the bottom of the foot for added comfort.
Soccer shoes come in two basic materials:
- Leather
- Leather uppers offer the best feel and fit of any soccer shoe, but are also generally more expensive
- Full-grain leather shoes are strong and durable, while variations such as Kangaroo leather are more flexible and offer an even better feel.
- The softer the leather, the better the feel for the ball, but also the less durable the shoe
- Leather shoes also absorb more water than synthetic shoes. They are not recommended for constant use on wet fields, however, water treatment options are available.
- Synthetic
- Most entry and mid-level players should purchase soccer shoes made with synthetic materials
- Synthetic uppers are generally less expensive than leather shoes, but do not offer as good a feel and do not last as long as a well-cared for leather boot.
- Synthetic shoes generally contain some sort of water treatment and therefore last better under poor playing conditions.
- They are also easier to clean and dry out.
