Soccer cleats are specially designed shoes for use on soccer pitches, and all soccer players wear them. If you are a soccer fan, you must know everything about the cleats your favorite player wears and search them online.
You can also use soccer cleats to enhance your performance and become a better soccer player. But, how does one choose the right soccer cleats? This is where we come in to help you.
This article discusses choosing the best soccer cleats for yourself or even soccer cleats for toddlers. So, let’s dive in and find out how to go about it.
Choosing the Stud Pattern
The first thing you need to consider is the stud pattern of the cleats you are considering buying, and you can decide based on the surface you are going to play on.
Firm Surfaces
If you play on natural grass pitches that don’t experience too much moisture, you can do with firm ground shoes, which contain 10-12 long studs. These studs are spread out in an even pattern, and they provide the right traction for normal conditions.
You can choose between blade-shaped or conical studs. The former provides you with a better grip on the pitch, while the latter offers better flexibility.
Soft Surfaces
If you are going to play on grass pitches that experience rain, you need soft ground cleats with similar studs to ground shoes. However, there are only up to six cleats spread out evenly. Moreover, you can find conical or blade-shaped cleats in these shoes.
Hard Surfaces
If you are playing on worn-out and dry grass, you will need hard-ground shoes. These have small and flat studs spread out all over the sole. Their cleats don’t dig into the ground.
Turf
If you are going to play in a professional competition on turf, you can get specialized turf cleats, which are very tiny and spread out evenly. They are only suitable for this pitch type, and you can’t use them in normal conditions.
Considering Your Playing Position
Next, choosing a suitable soccer cleat depends on the position you play in.
Striker
If you play as a forward, the strike zone of your cleat needs to be smooth so that it transfers your foot power towards the ball. You will need lighter soccer cleats for this position.
Midfielder
As a midfielder, you will have to cover a lot of ground, which means you need cleats with comfortable midsoles and insoles, as they will support your feet for the full 90 minutes.
Defender
Defenders have to run back and forth while marking players, and tackles take a lot of toll on their cleats. Therefore, you need a durable outsole that doesn’t tear under pressure. You will also need cleats with high traction to move and stop at will.
Goalkeeper
Although the keeper doesn’t move around the pitch, they need the most traction to help them move swiftly in the box. Plus, the cleats should have a larger strike zone so that you can clear the ball and perform goal kicks properly.
Other Factors
Let’s move on to other crucial factors after considering the stud pattern and the playing position.
Material
Soccer cleats are manufactured from several different materials, such as mesh, leather, synthetic leather, etc. You can find high-quality cleats made from kangaroo leather, but they are heavier and more expensive.
On the other hand, you can opt for cleats made from goat leather since they are more comfortable and affordable. Nowadays, cleats made from synthetic leather are made, and they are comfortable and water resistant.
Fit
The next thing to do is to check the fit of your soccer cleats by trying them on. They should have a snug fit without being too tight. There should be a small gap between your toe and the front of the shoe. If your toenail scratches the front, you need to go one size up. If you compromise on the fit, you might risk bruising your feet while playing soccer.
Budget
Lastly, your budget should also be a determining factor when buying soccer cleats. They are available in different price ranges, but their quality varies accordingly. If you play professionally, you should opt for high-end soccer cleats that cost more than $150.
It is also possible to opt for mid-level shoes that range between the price ranges of $80 and $150. Buying something that is priced low might not be of good quality, so you should check the quality before deciding on one that meets all your needs.
The End…
This brings us to the end of our walk on how to choose soccer cleats. If you take the time to consider the factors we have discussed above, you will be in a position to select a suitable pair of cleats that will enhance your performance.