Your cleats can take your performance to its highest potential when playing soccer. The perfect soccer cleat makes sure you are worry-free about balance and footing so you can put your best foot forward in the game. So, how can you buy soccer cleats for yourself?
Buying soccer cleats comes with a lot of considerations. If you are a beginner, you may not even be sure what kind would be best for you.
You have to consider 3 things:
- what type of ground you’ll play on
- what is your position
- the comfort level that suits you best
All of this can be easy if you do some research and know your options. So, let us help you find your best fit.
Things To Consider When You Buy Soccer Cleats
There are a lot of factors to consider when buying soccer cleats that go beyond the basic body type. You need to consider the shoe’s material, ankle height, lacing, and overall fit so you can customize them better. Here are the first things you should take into account when you plan on heading out to get a pair of soccer cleats.
Ground Type
When it comes to ground types, there are at least five types of turf or grounds that you can play soccer on. Is your court firm ground, soft ground, artificial grass or turf, or hard court? If you know the surface type, you are ahead in the choosing process.
Here’s what each of the ground types means for your soccer cleats.
- Firm grounds are usually natural grass and dry soil, and most classic cleats are made for these grounds.
- Soft ground is a natural ground surface with muddy grass, the cleats have extra features for traction on wet fields.
- Artificial grass surfaces are made up of lush grass, and are typically firmer than real grass. You’ll need AG cleats that provide grip with no pressure underfoot.
- Artificial turf is a bit different from the artificial grass surface. Turf is made up of a thin carpet of artificial grass, and turf cleats are made to distribute pressure for comfort and balance without puncturing the surface.
- Hard ground or hard court surfaces are essentially indoor grounds. These grounds do not require cleats with spikes, instead you would wear indoor soccer shoes. You could even wear hard court shoes casually because of how they are made.
The Material Of The Shoe
The objective of choosing the perfect material for your soccer cleats is to make sure that you have the highest level of comfort. While new technologies are evolving every day in cleat material, the common ones in use right now are Kangaroo leather, calfskin leather, synthetic leather, and knitted material.
Kangaroo Leather
Kangaroo leather, or K-leather, is a type of material that allows for the most comfort in soccer cleats. Although the durability of this material is limited, it offers the best performance in terms of flexibility and comfort.
It can last a long time with proper maintenance. The best form of recommendation you can get for this type comes from professional players, so you have an idea of why these are so popular. This type of leather can be expensive, but it is worth it if you are willing to invest.
Calfskin Leather
Calfskin leather is not as soft as k-leather types. But this is made up for by their durability. It can take a bit of time to break in the shoes. Calfskin leather adds an extra bit of protection due to its durable material.
Synthetic Leather
Synthetic leather is artificial and so, it is made with as many perks as possible. This leads to the synthetic leather cleats being light and comfortable. Additionally, you can wear them in all kinds of weather and not have to worry about ruining the fabric.
The synthetic type has one downside to it, though. Because the fabric is artificial, it might not fit as snug and comfortable as the natural types might. This type of leather is good for regular use, but it can not protect as much as natural leather can.
Knitted
Knit fabric soccer cleats are extremely comfortable to use. Even though this type is fairly new in the market, its popularity and perks have taken it to great lengths as a regular-use material. The material can make the cleats fit perfectly, but because of its material type, you may not be able to use it in bad weather conditions.
If you are willing to pay a bit more for the perks that come with knitting, you can get coated ones that do not soak up water at all.
Ankle Height
Ankle heights come in two forms in soccer cleats: low and medium height. Low heights can expand your range of motion, which can be beneficial for certain positions on the field.
On the other hand, the mid-ankle height gives your foot some protection from injuries, and it can lower how much motion you get from your feet. These types of shoes are better for those in a defensive position.
Lacing
Lacing types can also be different in different kinds of soccer cleats. Between standard lacing and deep lacing, you would have to choose the one that fits more comfortably for your position and field type.
Standard lacing offers lacing on top of the shoe to keep it snug on your foot and allow comfort. On the other hand, deep lacing starts almost at your toes and covers a lot of space to allow custom adjusting and higher levels of protection. Deep lacing can be best for you if you have wide feet, and it can work for any other type of foot just fine.
Fitting
Fitting includes everything that has to do with the inside of your shoes.
The best-fitting soccer cleats for you would be the ones that fit your feet snugly. They should not be too tight or too loose. You should also be able to fit your little finger between the spaces left in the shoe after wearing it. Once the soles and laces feel comfortable enough to move your foot around as much as neded, you have found your fit.
The Position Of The Player
Different positions on the field can demand different types of soccer cleats.
Forwards play best with speed cleats that are lightweight and comfortable to move in. Midfielders can look into control cleats that have padding and protection in them. And defenders usually work best with well-protected cleats. Goalkeepers can prioritize comfort and opt for the shoes that work best while moving laterally.
Tips On Buying Soccer Cleats
Now you know what you should consider before you buy soccer cleats. You might still want some refined opinions. Here are some quick tips to help narrow it down.
- If price is a concern when you buy soccer cleats, go for synthetic or knit materials. These can last a bit while also being on the cheaper side compared to natural leather ones.
- The weight of the cleats is an essential thing to consider. So, lighter options within the same range can work better for movement and long-term use. Choose kangaroo leather if the price is no concern and you want a lighter choice.
- You may be playing in locations that have bad weather frequently. In that case, go for cleats that can resist water and are more durable. Synthetic and kangaroo leather can work best. Any other type would require an additional protective coating.
- Always pay attention to how the studs are designed on the specific pair of cleats. They can make or break your performance. Once you’ve decided on the surface you’ll be playing on, your options for studs will be significantly reduced.
Conclusion
Soccer cleats come with many considerations. The more you know about the conditions in which you are playing the easier it will be to choose a cleat that is right for you.
Make sure to check out our premium quality soccer cleats.
