What to Look for when buying Soccer Equipment

Is a soccer player only as good as his footwear?  Well, no, not really.  But proper soccer footwear does allow a player to be as good as he or she can be, and also helps prevent injuries.  Soccer footwear is often referred to as soccer shoes, soccer boots (in England), or, most commonly in the United States, soccer cleats. 

There are two basic types of soccer cleats: molded cleats and detachable cleats.  Molded cleats are the staple soccer footwear.  They are the most commonly used and most practical for most ages and skill levels.  Molded cleats use non-removable rubber, or hard plastic formed to the bottom of the shoe for traction and control.  It is recommended that beginners and intermediate players purchase molded cleats because they are aptly suited for almost all field and weather conditions.  In addition, many youth programs require players to wear molded cleats over detachable ones for safety reasons.

Detachable cleats feature studs on the bottom of the shoe that can be screwed on or off and be replaced.  The studs vary in length and are usually made of hard plastic or, sometimes, plastic with metal tips.  The advantage to the detachable cleat is that players can change the type and length of stud depending on the current weather conditions.  For example, longer cleats may be used on wetter, soggier fields, and shorter cleats in drier conditions. However, detachable cleats have been associated with an increased risk of knee injuries.  To help decrease the risk of injury, it is important to not where the longer cleats in hard, dry conditions.  Generally, it is the more experienced soccer player who prefers the detachable cleat.  

In younger players (between the ages of 9 and 13), it is important to look for an adequate number of cleats in the heel, regardless of the type of soccer boot selected.  If there aren’t enough cleats supporting the heel, the player will have increased heel pressure that can lead to heel pain and tendonitis.  In addition, to minimize the risk of ankle and knee injuries, younger players should generally not have any cleats longer than 1/2 inch.    

Turf shoes are a popular alternative to soccer cleats.  Turf shoes contain various raised patterns on the bottom of the shoe in place of studs.  They are considered very good footwear on hard outdoor surfaces and on artificial turf.  Depending on the raised pattern, some turf shoes can even be used in damp conditions.  In general, turf shoes are a good all around training shoe that can also be used in games on particularly hard surfaces.  

            Soccer boots come in two basic materials: leather and synthetic.  Leather soccer boots, particularly Kangaroo leather boots, offer the highest quality, best “feel” to the shoe, but are also the most expensive.  The softer the leather, the more this is true.  All leather shoes can be treated with chemicals to make them more water resistant, however they are still not recommended for repeated or extended use on wet fields. 

            At the beginner or intermediate level, you might consider a synthetic shoe.  Although you will sacrifice some flexibility and feel, its lower cost may make it an attractive alternative to the leather boot.

            Fitting a soccer boot is done in the same general manner as fitting a regular shoe.  To this end, shoes should be selected at the end of the day (or after a running event) when a player’s feet are the most swollen.  Shoes should always be fitted while standing up and wearing sport-specific socks.  Make sure the heels fit snugly and that there is about a half an inch of wiggle room from the end of the child’s longest toe to the end of the inside of the shoe.  Have the child walk in the shoes.  High-quality leather soccer boots will generally stretch a little when worn repeatedly.  So, when new, it is acceptable for them to not have a full 1/2 inch of wiggle room at the end of the shoe, but there should still be some room to allow for growth.  Soccer boots are designed a little narrower than typical everyday sneakers in order to provide better feel and control of the ball.  Make sure they are not so tight that they choke the blood supply to the foot and are uncomfortable.  Take your time.  Have your child try on more than one pair of shoes so he or she is able to compare them.  Finally, enjoy your new soccer boots!   

Good related websites:

http://www.soccer-for-parents.com/soccer-cleats.html

http://www.thesportsauthority.com/info/index.jsp?categoryId=222850&infoPath=222998

 Author Information: 

                Grant Cooper, MD

                Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

                New York-Presbyterian Hospital

   The University Hospitals of Columbia and Cornel