How to Choose Soccer Cleats
This article is part of the What to Know about Soccer Cleats series.
When it comes to soccer, cleats are the most important piece of equipment you’ll invest in. Ultimately, choosing the right soccer cleats comes down to the player’s preference and comfort, but there are a few key features to consider. To help parents and players learn how to choose soccer cleats, our Footwear Experts explain the basics including whether you need soccer cleats or shoes, the importance of the upper, and how a soccer cleat should fit and feel.
Soccer Cleats vs. Soccer Shoes
When buying soccer footwear, you’ll see them grouped between soccer cleats and soccer shoes. Whether you need a soccer cleat or soccer shoe depends on the playing surface—natural grass, artificial grass, turf, or court. Our Footwear Experts highlight the basics:
Expert Tip | Before buying new soccer cleats, be sure to check your soccer league’s rules and regulations for additional guidance.
Firm Ground (FG) Soccer Cleats
Firm ground soccer cleats are what most players and parents think of as the traditional option when choosing soccer cleats. The outsole features longer studs designed to dig into only natural grass. If you’re looking for firm ground soccer cleats, look for the abbreviation FG.
Multi-Ground (MG) Soccer Cleats
With a pair of multi-ground soccer cleats, players can enjoy the versatility of wearing them when playing on both artificial and natural grass. Designed with shorter, conical-shaped studs, multi-ground soccer cleats can grip and dig into both surfaces equally well to offer reliable traction. If you’re looking for multi-ground soccer cleats, look for the abbreviation MG.
Depending on the brand, this type of soccer cleat can be called flexible ground or artificial ground as well.
Turf Soccer Shoes
For players who play or practice on AstroTurf (carpet turf), you’ll need to look at turf soccer shoes. The outsole is designed with shorter rubber studs to offer a reliable grip without damaging the turf surface.
Court Soccer Shoes
If you play futsal or recreational soccer, court soccer shoes are designed with a traction pattern optimized for court or pavement surfaces.
Featured Expert Content: The Different Types of Soccer Cleats Explained >
Upper of Soccer Cleats
The upper of your soccer cleats is important in providing support and a more natural feeling when running the field and dribbling.
Upper Height
- nike free in malaysia purple shoes
- nike airwalk girls in shoes boots sale free
- cheap nike air mags nike lights for sale on ebay
- nike air pegasus 92 blue bird mini bird
- Low-Top: A low-top upper offers greater ankle mobility for speed
- Mid-Top: A mid-top upper helps to stabilize your ankle for more support
Upper Material
The upper of soccer cleats is typically made from leather, synthetic, or knit. Each material offers different benefits to players. The decision of which upper is best for you ultimately comes down to personal preference. The chart below summarizes the benefits of each type of material.
Leather | Synthetic | Knit | |
---|---|---|---|
DURABLE | ✔ | ✔ | |
LIGHTWEIGHT | ✔ | ✔ | |
WATERPROOF | ✔ | ||
NATURAL TOUCH | ✔ | ✔ | |
EASY CLEAN | ✔ |
Aside from the upper height and material, you’ll notice some soccer cleats feature a “laceless” design. A soccer cleat without laces fits more like a sock, which some players find much more comfortable.
How Should Soccer Cleats Fit?
No matter which type of cleats or upper you prefer, soccer cleats should fit snugly and hug your feet for support. With a tight yet comfortable fit, players notice a more natural feel when handling the ball.
Finding the right pair of soccer cleats comes down to which surface you’ll be playing on, your personal preferences when it comes to the upper material and cut, and having a snug, secure fit. If you have additional questions about choosing the right pair of soccer cleats, stop into your local ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN to speak with a Footwear Expert.