subject: Soccer Shoes? (i Thought They Were Cleats!) [print this page] The name of the footwear used for playing soccer is generally referred to as cleats, or in Europe, boots. Nevertheless, if you are talking about indoor soccer, it is quite proper to pertain to your cleats as shoes, especially since they do not really have the spikes usually associated with cleats.
Indoor soccer shoes should have a non-marking rubber sole, which means even hard make use of on a gym floor or other surface will not leave it worse for the wear. Many players who frequent both grassy and indoor fields refer to their indoor shoes as flats, and their traditional grass field shoes as cleats. Flat soccer shoes are likewise appropriate on dry artificial surfaces, even when outdoors.
Before we think about the various kinds of uppers obtainable on soccer shoes, a short explanation of what's supposed by the term upper will help you in your decision procedure. Quite simply put, the upper is that section of the shoe which will come in frequent contact with ball. Uppers can be comprised of a variety of natural leathers and synthetic blends of leathers.
You can realize the best 'feel' or touch on the ball with the most expensive leather, that is Kangaroo, on the other hand, along with the high price, you will find a few other downfalls to consider. Soccer shoes made with Kangaroo leather uppers won't last for an extended time, and along with the sacrifice for durability, they'll also need a treatment, or special coating, to assist prevent water retention.
Next in cost comes Pittards leather, that is currently just available from Puma in soccer shoes. This is a specially treated calfskin leather, which goes through a patented process to gain a water-resistant quality, also causing it to dry quicker. These boots will preserve their softness longer than untreated calfskin, and also stretch less, therefore affording the player a truer fit for a longer period. These boots are not as expensive as Kangaroo leather, and do provide several fine qualities the Kangaroos lack.
Calfskin leather is the old stand by choice for soccer shoe uppers, for good reasons. It is the very least expensive of the natural leathers, and yet provides great durability, and a lot less stretching than the Kangaroo. You do sacrifice a few of the intricate touch on the ball that is very wonderful with the Kangaroo, since the calfskin uppers are heavier, however, for a beginning to mid-range player, these should see the season out with no complaints.
No matter what kind of shoe you eventually choose, great fit is of the primary importance. Visit a sports store, with knowledgeable associates to assist you in selecting the correct style and size. As a coach, I always recommend my players to wear their new boots around the house the week before using them in a match. This enables a bit of the breaking in to begin, prior to the tough use they will see on the field.
The last shoe every player ought to own is a great pair of soccer sandals. These rubber slides often provide a little bit of nubbing on the insole, a great cooling comfort to weary feet.
