Finding the right soccer boot can only help your performance on the pitch. There’s a huge selection of cleats available today and it can be a difficult decision when trying to find a new cleat. This guide will help you understand what to look for while shopping and hopefully make this process easier for you.
The price of soccer cleats can range from $30 all the way above $200. You’ll have to decide what you’re willing to spend on your cleats, but keep in mind; you get what you pay for. The more you spend, the better materials and technology are offered by the cleat.
Depending on the type of surface you play on most, this will help determine the type of studs to look for. For harder surfaces, look for a hard ground cleat. If you play on softer surfaces or you find it’s raining quite often, then cleats with longer studs will suit these conditions. Longer studs can also be screw-in cleats which are usually only 6 studs. In order to satisfy both of these situations, many companies have come out with interchangeable cleats that can be adjusted depending on the field type. This is a great option if you can only afford one pair of cleats.
The next part of this process is to consider the weight of the cleat. With lighter shoes, you’ll only improve your speed. Unfortunately, it won’t make a huge difference but when you’re carrying lighter weight, the faster you can move.
Choosing the right material is a huge part of this process. As a soccer player myself, I’ve always opted for real Kangaroo Leather. Many companies have turned to synthetic materials, due to animal groups protesting. Nike, Adidas and Puma all make synthetic options that feel very similar to real leather. The better synthetic shoes available have been getting great reviews over the last few years. Keep in mind, this is only for the higher end synthetic shoes. The cheaper ones will feel like plastic, as they’re made with cheaper materials. In my opinion, Kangaroo Leather is still the way to go since it will mold to your feet and feel like a slipper.
The life of a cleat will vary depending on how it’s made and how you use it. Taking care of the cleat can also keep it lasting longer. You know a cleat needs to be replaced when the studs are worn down, but if you have screw-in studs, you can easily purchase new studs. Once the leather tears, they’re finished!
They now make different shoes for different positions, but don’t look into this too much. The options are different shoes for a better shot or even better ball control. At the end of the day, if you don’t have a good shot or ball control, you should be working on that during practice!
There are a ton of options to choose from shopping online. Always read the reviews, but remember that every foot is different. If purchasing online, make sure to check the return/exchange policy. Good luck with your new cleats and I hope they bring you success on the pitch!
The author additionally often shares knowledge regarding products such asAdidas Men’s Copa Mundial Soccer Shoe.
