When you've joined a soccer team, you may think that regular tennis shoes will do on the field. But you will need traction and control to maneuver the ball effectively. Soccer cleats fit much differently than regular shoes, so it's important that you don't rely on your regular shoe sizing to pick the right cleats for you. Professional sizing and the right type of cleat length can help increase your comfort and allow you to become a more efficient player for your team.
Step 1
Ask your teammates about brands and shoes that they like. Knowing which brands are tried and tested by real athletes can help you know what to look for when shopping for soccer cleats.
Step 2
Look for the right material for your playing conditions. Leather shoes may be more flexible and durable, but they aren't as efficient in inclement weather. If you will be playing in wet conditions, look for a synthetic cleat.
Step 3
Visit a sports specialty store. Not only will you find the widest selection of soccer cleats, you will be assisted by a retail associated who is trained in measuring feet for sports applications. Soccer cleats are narrower than regular tennis shoes, so they may seem tighter than your regular footwear. Avoid purchasing cleats larger than they need to be, as if could affect your performance on the field, notes the Soccer Training Guide website.
Step 4
Try on a variety of soccer cleats to ensure the best fit. When you place the shoe on your foot, you should have a thumbnail amount of space between the end of your big toe and the end of the shoe. The heel should fit tightly without any slippage, as slippage in the heel could result in painful blisters when running up and down the field.
Step 5
Walk around the store wearing the cleats to detect any annoying tags or laces. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association, or FIFA, states that a regulation soccer game is made up of two 45-minute halves. You will be wearing your soccer cleats for more than an hour and a half, so make sure they are comfortable and fit well before you make your purchase.
Step 6
Ask for interchangeable cleats if you will be playing on a variety of surfaces, suggests the book, "Soccer Step-By-Step." Longer cleats and wedge cleats are better for hard ground, as they will give you better traction. Short cleats and smooth bottoms are made for soft ground and asphalt surfaces. If you only plan to play on one type of surface, molded cleats that aren't interchangeable work well.
References
- Soccer Training Guide:
- FIFA: Laws of the Game
- "Soccer Step-by-Step"; Madeleine Jennings, Ian Howe; 2009
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