You have watched soccer and football on TV, and know both sports require lots of sprinting and cutting to outmaneuver an opponent. Based on appearances, you would think that soccer shoes and football cleats are interchangeable, but the sports demand unique footwear to maximize performance on the field.
Types of Soccer Shoes
If you want to be the next Pele, you will need the right shoes. In soccer there are three basic types of footwear: outdoor, indoor and turf.
Function
Outdoor soccer shoes, or molded cleats, are the most common style and are perfect for playing on grass. Molded cleats feature plastic studs fabricated into the soles of your shoes. For soft or muddy fields, you might opt for detachable cleats. These are also plastic studs--some metal-tipped--but removable. If the studs are too short, you will not get as much traction. If they're too long, you are more likely to experience foot pain, particularly if the ground is hard-packed. Many youth leagues do not allow detachable cleats because of associated injury problems.
Indoor soccer shoes resemble low-cut sneakers but feature a harder rubber base. Many indoor soccer venues require indoor shoes in order to preserve the synthetic turf or carpet.
Turf shoes are a cross between outdoor shoes and indoor shoes; they are ideal for a hard-packed grass field or artificial carpet.
Types of Football Shoes
Football shoes come in three styles: high-tops, mid-cuts and low-cuts. To pick the best style or height, it helps to know your position and role on the team.
Function
High-tops provide maximum ankle support and are preferred by linemen. Mid-cut cleats allow more maneuverability while still providing extra ankle support. If you are a running back, receiver or quarterback, you will probably prefer a mid-cut. Low-cuts are the most lightweight and allow you to make the quickest moves but leave your ankles more exposed to injury.
Based on the field, you will need to decide between molded or detachable cleats and turf shoes. Molded cleats feature permanently attached plastic studs and are less expensive than detachable cleats. Detachables can accommodate longer or shorter cleats to suit the sloppiness or hardness of your footing. Detachable cleats are only worn on grass and require a cleat wrench to properly install or remove them.
Turf shoes feature rubber studs to maximize the bounce and grip of your feet on the harder surface of an artificial turf or carpet.
Leather or Synthetic
Both soccer and football shoes are constructed of two types of material: leather and synthetic. Leather shoes breathe better and feature more flexibility, keeping your feet more comfortable. For soccer, leather cleats give you a better feel for the ball. But leather cleats are more expensive and less durable in inclement weather. Synthetic shoes dry out faster and require less maintenance.
Member Comments