Soccer cleats are a fundamental part of sports gear. Proper footwear helps any player perform better on the pitch, or soccer field. When choosing soccer cleats, the most important thing to look for is fit. Then take a look at the type of cleats available.
Cleat History
Originally, soccer cleats weighed 500 grams, which in the game's early years hindered the speed of movement from players. The shoes were made of thick, hard leather that stretched over the ankle for increased protection, but would double in weight when wet.
With the use of synthetic materials, cleats now weigh as little as 200 grams, which allows for more agile footwork.
Price
Cleats can cost hundreds of dollars, but you do not need to have the most expensive pair. An amateur soccer player should consider the surface he plays on most often before buying cleats because different shoes work best on different surfaces. It is not unusual to have more than one pair of cleats.
Cleat Variety
There are three diverse styles of cleats--soft ground, firm ground and hard ground. Each style works best on a specific type of field.
Soft Ground
Soft ground cleats are heavy and mainly used when the ground is soft or moist to make sure a player maintains his footing. They are mostly worn by defenders whose retreating footwork requires more stability.
Firm Ground
Attacking players benefit from firm ground cleats. They are lighter and help increase speed. Firm ground cleats are not recommended if the surface is wet because they increase the chance of slipping.
Hard Ground
On tough ground, usually in warmer climates, players often wear hard ground shoes. They are comfortable and act as slippers on a tough surface.
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