Soccer Cleats

In a sport that relies on kicking and passing the ball with your feet, soccer cleats are an essential part of every soccer player’s gear. Soccer cleats are specifically designed for soccer players, so they can perform to their peak abilities and be comfortable during both competitive games and training.

Benefits of Soccer Cleats

As soccer players require both foot skills and agility, soccer cleats are important to every player’s performance. On average, a soccer player runs 7 miles in just one game. Therefore, soccer players need cleats that can support their feet and ball-handling skills.

Soccer cleats allow players to grip the ground and move in agile ways while protecting their bodies, especially their feet, from injury. Soccer cleats provide both traction and friction for soccer players when they are making quick turns on the field and sprinting with the ball.

The ideal soccer cleats are durable, lightweight, and comfortable.  When purchasing soccer cleats, it is important to take into consideration the playing surface. That way, you can buy the proper type of soccer cleats that will provide ample traction and support. Read below to learn more about the different types and brands of soccer cleats.

Things To Consider

When looking for soccer cleats, you'll want to consider the following:

• How much are you looking to spend on soccer cleats?
• What size cleat do you need?
• What surface are you playing on?
• What level of soccer do you play?
• Are you playing indoors or outdoors?

What are you looking for in soccer cleats?

• Comfort
• Durability
• Ankle Support
• To play indoors
• To play outdoors
• Affordability

Types

Soccer cleats are available in a wide variety of types. Soccer players choose what kind of soccer cleats they need based on the type of environment they play in, along with their position.

Hard Ground

Hard ground cleats have cone-shaped studs that were created for soccer players who play on harder surfaces or fields with patches of dirt or rock. The studs may be shorter, which helps soccer players distribute their weight and gives them more comfort and traction while running. Additionally, the studs sit on top of the field rather than digging into it while the soccer player is running.

Pros:

• Good for fields that have harder surfaces or dirt
• Some are designed to be played on artificial grass

Cons:

• Not suitable for indoor play
• Does not provide enough traction for muddy or damp field

Firm Ground

Soccer players wear firm ground cleats when playing outdoors on both natural and artificial grass fields. They are designed to provide extra traction for athletes when playing on firm, dry fields. With technology continuing to advance, new versions of firm ground cleats can also be used to play on turf fields as well.

Pros:

• One of the best options for outdoor games on grass fields
• Provide traction and stability on grass

Cons:

• Not suitable for indoor play
• If used on artificial turf, studs may wear down more easily

Soft Ground

Soft ground cleats help soccer players maintain traction on muddy outdoor fields. They are similar in design to firm ground cleats, and often have removable studs. However, they are typically worn by players that live in wet climates. These studs are often made from metal, so they sink deeper into the ground.

Pros:

• Detachable metal studs
• Great for damp or muddy fields
• Works on both long or short grass

Cons:

• Not suitable to be worn when playing on dry fields or turf
• May not be permitted by all soccer leagues

Indoor

Indoor cleats were created for soccer players who are playing indoors on artificial surfaces or courts. They do not have studs because players do not need additional grip on a flat surface. Finally, indoor cleats have a flat rubber sole in order to gain traction on a polished floor or surface.  

Pros:

• Strong traction for indoor courts
• Lightweight
• Can be worn during everyday activities

Cons:

• Not suitable for outdoor soccer environments
• Will not provide traction as strong as turf shoes on an artificial field

Turf

Turf soccer cleats are designed to be utilized on turf, or artificial playing fields. Depending on the type of turf you plan to play on, either artificial grass or AstroTurf, you may want to look for a specific stud pattern. Typically, they have small, cone-shaped studs that ensure a good grip on turf.

Pros:

• Offers strong traction on turf
• Different options available for types of turf

Cons:

• Not practical for outdoor play
• Not as widely available

Brands

There are a wide variety of brands to choose from that sell both indoor and outdoor soccer cleats. Certain brands may offer patented technology or unique features that aim to enhance a soccer player’s performance.

Adidas

Adidas indoor soccer shoes are widely used and recognized by soccer players. Adidas soccer cleats are lightweight and have strong support in all areas of the foot, including the soles and ankles. Adidas cleats have a Primeknit textile upper that also provides breathability, along with Predator technology that provides added texture.

Nike

Nike soccer cleats are well-known for their patented technology and strong performance. For example, Nike shoes have patented flyknit uppers, which is a form-fitting upper area of the shoe that Nike specially designed with certain materials to provide an ample amount of flexibility and breathability to athletes.

Puma

Puma is also a popular brand when it comes to indoor soccer shoes. The company has created new technology that provides better performance for turf play.  Puma shoes typically have a thinner upper material, which gives a better opportunity for close contact with the soccer ball.

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