What To Look For
When it comes to soccer shoes, the important things to look for are the make, the price and the type of studs on the bottom of the shoes. The more well-known the make is, the better the quality of the shoe will be. The same goes for the price. With the studs, you have to know what sort of ground you are playing on. Round studs are for hard ground, and blade studs are for soft ground. The latter seems to be more popular and is usually the default stud if you are not sure about which to use.
Common Pitfalls
People often go for very cheap cleats because they are trying to save money. This is not the best idea. Your feet are very important in soccer, and you need to protect them and keep them comfortable. At the same time, you needn't pay a fortune for your cleats either, as the difference between a $100 and a $300 pair of cleats is usually only aesthetic.
Where To Buy
Kitbag.com and any of the brand stores such as Nike, Adidas, Umbro and Puma are the best places to buy soccer cleats. When it comes to buying shoes, it is best to buy them in a reputable store. There, you can try on your shoes and get a perfect fit before you buy. You can go to discount places, but you may end up buying cheaply made, off-brand shoes, which will not last as long as the authentic ones.
Cost
Puma is selling its Powercat 1.10 Soccer Cleats at a high of $210. Nike, on the other hand, sells its top-of-the-range cleat at around $300. The average seems to be around $250 for all the major manufacturers.
In all cases, you can get the same shoe, made with slightly less luxurious materials, for half the price, which is probably a better idea for those on a budget.
Comparison Shopping
The Nike cleats, unlike the other makes, are made for different uses. Nike sells the Mercurial cleat for speed, the T-90 for accuracy and the Tiempo for control of the ball. It all comes down to preference and how the individual plays.
Puma, Adidas and Umbro make a couple of different versions of cleats, and again, it is a matter of trying them on and seeing which ones are the most comfortable for you. Despite marketing claims, no shoe will greatly increase or hinder performance in any area.
Accessories
For outdoor soccer, you need a good pair of shin-guards, also available from the manufacturers listed here, and a comfortable, high-quality pair of socks. The last thing you want is blisters from cheap, uncomfortable materials rubbing against your feet, so invest a little extra money into your equipment.
Insider Tips
Once you have found the right pair of cleats for you, see if the less expensive versions feel any different. There is no need to spend extra money. Avoid any pair of cleats that costs around $50 or less and isn't on sale.
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