Winning at soccer starts with your feet! What's on your feet? Whether
you need soccer shoes or soccer cleats for men's, women's or youth
divisions, or whether you are a beginner or an enthusiastic travel
player, there are factors to consider when buying soccer shoes or
cleats. Particularly, what kind of traction and control do you gain, and
which are the types of fields on which you'll play? This brief guide
provides you with answers to these questions. After all, success on the
field will come from examining the best soccer player's greatest weapon:
his feet.
Know Your League Regulations
Leagues require you to wear the proper soccer shoes or cleats during
practice and play. You can check with your coach or local league
association for details. Also, take your coach's suggestions for the
right shoes for your practice field, and inquire if any league
regulations are in process to change. Before spending a bundle on your
soccer shoes, check your league regulations regarding shoes and the key
one's are summarized here:
The National Collegiate Athletic Association: "Shoes shall be worn
by all participants in a game. Shoes with soles containing aluminum,
leather, rubber, nylon or plastic cleats, studs or bars, whether molded
as part of the sole or detachable, are allowed as long as the referee
does not consider them dangerous. The NCAA allows metal soccer cleats in
addition to soft or hard rubber cleats."
High School Soccer: Each state, local section and league creates
some unique rules. A rule that is generally accepted and enforced by
them is set by the National Federation of State High School Association.
It reads: "The bottom edge of the cleat may not be higher than two
inches above the ankle."
Boys' and Girls' Youth Soccer: The standard regulations for Youth
Soccer confirm that screw-in cleats and cleats from other sports may not
be used. In addition, metal cleats are not allowed for safety reasons.
Shoe Construction and Materials
With soccer's worldwide popularity and the game's strong competition,
research and development for better soccer shoes is always on-going. The
result are shoes that are a perfect combination of improved features
and new technologies. Their main materials of construction are:
Rubber or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane, a very elastic plastic)
produces superior traction which is especially good for grassy playing
fields. This is the most common material in soccer shoes due to its
ability to prevent slipping.
Leather provides breath-ability, strength and durability for soccer
shoes. Soft leather provides a comfortable feel when dribbling or
shooting the ball. Comfort and fit increase with each use. Leather is
extremely flexible and it wicks away more water and moisture than
synthetic shoes.
Synthetic blends are great for all levels of soccer, and shoes made
of them are easy to clean and dry out. These types of shoes generally
include a water treatment to help the cleat last longer under poor
playing conditions, including wet grassy fields.
Youth Soccer Shoes
Young soccer players need footwear that provides ventilation, durability
and the feeling of stability and protection. Youngsters should choose
molded cleats for safety reasons since the bottom of the shoe is rubber,
not metal. So, check out the soles for the regulation rubber cleats
that provide traction and stability.
Although an adolescent or teenager is still growing, buy a shoe that
fits. A shoe that is too big can cause blisters and sprained ankles. A
snug fit is the right fit, and when the shoe is outgrown in size, buy
the next size so you don't affect the growth of the feet. To get the
right size in the first place, try on the soccer shoes with soccer socks
and shin guards to guarantee a proper fit. The shoes should be snug at
the top as this will allow for better control of the ball when passing,
dribbling and shooting. As the shoes get worn in, the uppers will
stretch and become more comfortable. Keep in mind that leather stretches
and then molds to the foot so this is a good choice for growing feet
and stability.
Men's and Women's Soccer Shoes
Men's soccer has produced many stars known for their speed and power.
Even before the popular film, Bend It Like Beckham, the women's game,
too, is equally represented by soccer stars known for their agility. In
order to achieve the skillful edge necessary for the success of our
soccer heroes, both men and women players need soccer cleats that
maximize mobility while providing full foot protection. Generally,
soccer cleats are usually narrower than other types of athletic shoes
and this supports greater control of the ball. To guarantee that you get
that winning support when buying a new pair, lace the shoes up tightly
and walk around to make sure that the inner seams don't irritate the
foot but give that tight fit. Since having the proper footwear will be
men's or women's players best ally on the field, new technological
advances give us the ability to provide soccer cleats that have superior
traction and control without sacrificing speed or flexibility.
The world of soccer shoes has evolved and whether you play indoor,
outdoor, or on artificial turf, there are soccer shoes that are right
for your feet with a fit crucial to your performance. Here is a brief
guide to the types of soccer shoes targeted to the various surfaces the
game is played upon:
Firm Ground/Molded Soccer Cleats
These shoes are perfect for beginning to advanced soccer players since
they are versatile for most field types and various conditions. They are
designed for all surfaces and allow you to keep your footing while
making quick turns so you can possess the ball with ease. It is formed
on the bottom to help provide traction and control. The cleats come in
different
