You can trot around a grass soccer field in running or tennis shoes if you must, but your legs are likely to go out from under you if you try to suddenly change direction, especially if the grass is long, uneven or at all damp. Soccer cleats, the name given to outdoor soccer shoes with projecting studs, feature design elements in the sole and the uppers to allow you to enjoy the needed traction for cutting around a defender, sprinting down the field or planting your foot for a shot or long kick.
History
In the 19th century, soccer players wore whatever everyday boots they could find. With smooth soles, pronounced heels and a high cut, the players' movements were severely constricted, but ankles remained well protected, notes the Dorling-Kindersley Eyewitness Book "Soccer." By 1910, boots featured reinforced toecaps and leather studs with moderate ankle protection, as shown by models preserved in the National Football Museum in Manchester, England. The trend toward modern slipper-like shoes with more studs began after the 1930 World Cup, where South American teams lead the way toward a lighter shoe as part of Uruguay's march to win the inaugural cup.
Construction
Soccer cleats are made using lasts, synthetic foot-shaped devices that determine length and width of each model and size. An upper of synthetic materials or kangaroo or cow-grain leather is stitched to the outsole, the solid molded part of the cleat that touches the ground. A blade- or circular-shaped set of studs in the forefoot and heel provides traction for running, stopping, turning and kicking.
Fitting and Type
Soccer cleats need to fit well and to not be too big for the foot. Particularly for a child player, too much room at the toe defeats the goal of proper feel for the ball when striking it with the laces, writes Jeffrey Sanderson in "An American Parent's Guide to Soccer." If the cleat is too long, the player may also have to hold her foot at an improper angle to shoot. A too-long cleat can also catch on the ground during a proper laces kick, creating the potential for injury.
Care
After a muddy spring game, your soccer cleats will need immediate care. A stick can help push dirt from between the studs before you take off your shoes. When you get home, wipe the mud from the cleats with a wet sponge and use a toothbrush to remove dirt in the seams, advises Joe Provey in "The Parent's Complete Guide to Soccer." Stuff the shoes with newspaper to absorb moisture as the shoes dry overnight. Rub leather conditioner into the shoe uppers after the shoe dries out.
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