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Soccer can be an incredibly demanding sport, particularly on the feet. During a typical 90-minute professional game a player may cover between 8,000 and 11,000 meters, or between five and seven miles. Around two-thirds of this distance is spent walking or jogging, while the other third is spent sprinting, cruising, or backing. There is a great diversity in the movement involved in playing soccer, not to mention the need to kick the ball. Thus, soccer cleats play a huge role in the effectiveness of the soccer player, and are the most important piece of equipment to the competitor.
While a high school or non-professional athlete may not run as much as the professional soccer player, the athletic demands placed on the feet are great. Companies that make cleats therefore are required to meet the needs of the youth athlete, using designs that were previously only available to elite athletes.
So what should you look for in a soccer cleat? The following is an attempt to introduce some of the different aspects of selecting a soccer cleat.
Control vs. Comfort: The ideas of comfort and control can be thought of as being on opposite ends of a balancing scale. On one side, the player requires control, which is generally obtained with a stiffer, less flexible shoe. On the other side, the more comfortable shoe will be less flexible, and will offer less support. It is thus a balancing act of finding the right amount of control and comfort that is placed in the hands of the manufacturer.
Fit: A soccer cleat should not allow the foot to move too much during play. Excessive movement of the foot within the shoe can lead to blisters and tendonitis, two problems that can easily sideline a player. However, a shoe that fits too tight can lead to pain and trauma to the feet during play. The fit should be snug, but not uncomfortably tight.
The soccer cleat itself has several components that lend to the way it fits. The external last of a shoe is the form on which the shoe is constructed. There are three general types of external lasts – straight, curved, and semi-curved. The external last plays a crucial role in the fit of the shoe. A person with a normal foot type or a flat foot type will probably be most comfortable in a straight lasted shoe. Those with a higher arch generally prefer a curved or semi-curved last.
The internal last is also a very important aspect of the soccer cleat. The internal last is located between the sockliner and the cleats, and serves as the interface between the foot and the cleats. A proper fitting internal last helps support the foot and can prevent sports injuries such as plantar fasciitis.
Upper Materials: One of the key decisions that a soccer player must make when choosing their cleats is what type of upper materials they want in their shoe. The upper is the piece of the shoe that covers the foot, and serves to protect the foot. In soccer cleats, it can make a huge difference for some what type of material is used.
Full grain leather is the standard in soccer cleat uppers. It provides good protection and durability, and will likely last a longer time than kangaroo leather. Kangaroo leather is much thinner, giving less durability to the shoe, but a greater feel for the ball. Kangaroo leather is typically more expensive than full grain leather, and is found in higher end shoes.
Synthetic materials have gained popularity in soccer cleats as well. Synthetics come in a variety of types and thicknesses, and will generally not absorb any water. This makes the shoe durable, but also makes the shoe hotter and less breathable.
Cleat Type: The arrangement of studs and/or blades on the bottom of the soccer cleats can make a huge difference in the interface between the ground and the shoe. Different types of cleats are used depending on field conditions. There are turf shoes, hard ground, firm ground, and soft ground soccer cleats.
· Turf shoes have small rubber studs covering the entire sole of the shoe. These are best for synthetics turf or other extremely hard surfaces. These shoes are designed to be very grippy, but will not dig into the ground.
· Hard ground cleats have short rubber or plastic studs, and the studs are usually arranged in rows. These cleats are designed to be worn on hard, unforgiving surfaces, and help provide grip on fields that are hard for a cleat to penetrate. The studs on hard ground cleats tend to be shorter and firmer than the studs on firm ground cleats.
· Firm ground cleats are the most widely used cleats. They are either made with short studs such as the ones seen in hard ground cleats, but are more commonly made with blades instead. The blades are short pieces of thermal plastic that have been designed to dig into a firm, but somewhat forgiving surface.
· Soft ground cleats have longer studs that are usually detachable. They are designed for use on soft fields, such as a rain soaked field. They come in different lengths, between 12-16mm, and can be adjusted based on the player’s needs.
It is becoming more common for shoe brands to design cleats with interchangeable studs. This facilitates the athlete’s needs without having to buy extra pairs of shoes.
Whether they are for you or for someone you know, it is critical to consider all of these variables when shopping for soccer cleats. The right pair of cleats can be the difference between performing at top potential and sitting on the sidelines with an injury. If you can, shop at a store that specializes in soccer equipment. These store will typically have a wide selection, and will have the knowledge to find the right pair of cleats for you.
101 6TH St. NW.
Winter Haven, Fl. 33881
863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com
