Rubber studs on the bottom of soccer cleats penetrate the ground, enhancing your traction. If you wear cleats, you're less likely to slip. Also, the increased friction makes it easier to accelerate quickly and to stop short. If possible, try different types of cleats to determine what works best for your playing style and needs.
Function
Choose the type of soccer cleat that matches the surface you play on most often. For soft surfaces, wear cleats that have fewer, longer studs. For hard surfaces, such as compacted fields or artificial turf, wear cleats that have many small rubber studs, which help distribute your weight evenly.
Types
Hard-surface cleats are often called turf shoes. Cleats that work well on hard and soft surfaces are called firm-ground outsoles, and they typically have medium-length studs or blades. For the hardest surfaces, rubber or plastic blades are better than studs. If the studs can't penetrate the playing surface, they are not effective. Rubber blades have a greater surface area, so they provide a stable base while you run on a hard surface.
Screw-in Studs
Some cleats have screw-in studs, allowing you to use different studs based on playing conditions. Note that leagues often have restrictions on the types of studs you may use. For example, a league might forbid the use of metal screw-in studs because they pose a risk to other players.
Considerations
Lighter cleats help players run faster, but they might not offer enough stability and support. Heavier cleats are more difficult to maneuver in, but they do provide support. Another factor to consider is the type of material. Leather absorbs water, so these types of cleats will become heavy if you play in wet conditions. Cleats made from synthetic materials, such as microfiber, remain light even when wet. On the other hand, leather cleats will stretch to conform to your feet, but synthetic materials will not.
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