subject: Take Care Of Your Soccer Shoes [print this page] Whether you're running, kicking or stopping yourself from falling over on the soccer field, your shoes are built for the game. Soccer shoes perform several functions with the overall goal of improving your playing ability and safety. Your soccer shoes will give you the best results if you ensure that they fit properly and are meant for the surface on which you intend to play.
Traction
Soccer shoes need to give you traction on the field, which they do by the design of the outsole. Not every soccer shoe comes with the same type of cleats or any cleats at all. Cleats designed for outdoor use are short and squat and can have an angular, blade-like tip for soft terrain or a tip that is flat and level for use on harder ground. Cleats for indoor use on artificial turf are flatter and more numerous than the outdoor cleats while indoor soccer shoes have a flat outsole with rubberized traction and no cleats.
Support
Support is essential during your quick moves and fast stops and starts during a soccer game. Soccer shoes offer support by molding to your foot and staying put, as long as the shoe fits properly. Shoes that are too big are likely to give you blisters and let your foot slip around inside them while those that are too small can cramp and hurt your toes. The shoe's upper, generally made of leather or a durable synthetic, are cut to fit snugly around your foot without being clunky, clumsy or adding a lot of extra weight.
Protection
Soccer shoes protect your feet by keeping them dry and comfortable. The dryness comes from the shoe's upper, which is generally waterproof so you can play in mud, sludge and rain. The comfort comes from padding built into the shoe beneath your foot. Shoes generally have padding in the insole, which lies right beneath your foot, and in the midsole, which is the area sandwiched between the insole and the bottom of the shoe. Padding cushions your foot and helps absorb shock. Additional protection in the padding can include anti-bacterial properties to reduce bacteria growth and odor.
Considerations
Although appearance is a secondary function, soccer shoes can also stand out. While many soccer shoes come in a standard black with white stripes or logo, others are neon orange, deep maroon, black with bright yellow highlights or a combination of orange and black, orange and royal blue or black and neon green. Regardless of their looks or quality of construction, your shoes won't take care of your feet unless you take care of your shoes. Removing them after the game, letting them air dry if they get wet and regularly cleaning them can help extend their lifespan and their effectiveness.
