Soccer Cleats - Different Types For Different Reasons

Soccer cleats are certainly the most important part of your soccer gear. Although you must use your head as an important part of soccer, the majority of the game is played on the ground. That means that your soccer footwear should be tough enough to make sure that it can take what you are going to give it.

How about when someone else steps on your toes? It is definitely going to happen.

What Types!

They can also be called soccer boots, or soccer shoes. It depends who you talk to. However, soccer shoes are mostly referred to when you are talking about indoor soccer, or playing on turf. Cleats, or boots are referred to for outdoor grass games.

This is about soccer cleats.

Molded Cleats

• Is the standard soccer cleat type.


• Hard plastic or rubber molded.


• Pre-molded, non-removable studs.


• Perfect for beginners, or players with minimal experience.


• Good for most field types and weather conditions.

Removable Cleats (studs)

• Easily replaced when individual studs get worn down.


• Different lengths for different field and weather conditions.


• Made with hard plastic or plastic with metal tips.


• Mostly used on wet or soggy fields.


• Also good for long grass fields.

What Is In Them!

There are 2 main materials used to make soccer cleats.

• Synthetics.

Synthetics are great for soccer players just starting to play as they are less expensive than leather. They are also usually waterproofed to prevent absorbing water on wet days. Synthetic shoes are much easier to clean than leather shoes.

• Leather.

Leather provides the best fit and feel of any soccer cleat. They may be more expensive, but will provide better feel for the ball for those that take the game more seriously. Leather shoes will absorb more water than their synthetic counterparts but there are many waterproofing treatments available to keep them looking good and to help lengthen their lifespan.

When deciding what to choose consider this:

• How much time will I be playing soccer?


• What field will I be playing on?


• What are the dominant weather conditions in my area?


• How serious am I about my game?

Answering these questions will help you decide what choice is best for you.

It doesn't matter if you choose Nike soccer cleats, or those from Adidas or Puma, knowing what type you will need puts you a step closer to your goal.

Wayne MacLean has over 30 years of experience in the game of soccer. As a soccer coach, soccer player, soccer referee, and all-around soccer fan, Wayne is now adding a new dimension to his love of soccer. He now writes many articles and creates soccer videos to help those that are involved in soccer, are new to soccer, or just want to know more about soccer. Check out my Soccer Cleats for more great soccer information for yourself or your team.

The Soccer Drill Sargeant

Nike Soccer Cleats - Always Improving

Top quality, and popular, Nike soccer cleats continue to improve

Even though Nike has not been involved in soccer for as long as other soccer cleat manufacturers like Adidas, and Puma, their technology has caught up fast. Nike's commitment to improving soccer cleats and their technology, has placed them right up there with the other leading manufacturers.

Nike makes world-class soccer cleats. Their philosophy is to continue to improve what they offer. They consider that they have some of the finest soccer boots on the market. Do you?

Materials for the Upper (the visible part of the shoe)

Nike boots uppers are made from 3 main materials:

• Microfiber Synthetic Leather - Soft, lightweight, and tough.


• Kangaroo Leather - The softest of leathers, and very strong. It will mold well to your foot.


• Full Grain Leather - not as soft as Kangaroo leather, and not as strong. But still a good choice.

The upper can also contain a heel counter that helps provide reinforcement and improves the fit.

Lacing System

Nike uses 3 different lacing systems in their boots. What you decide will be based on your own personal preference.

• Symmetrical lacing - Laces run straight up the cleats.


• Asymmetrical lacing - laces are offset to increase the area of the boot that contacts he ball. Helps improve accuracy and ball striking.


• Covered laces. Offers a larger area to strike the ball, and improved contact.

Midsole (what your foot sits on)

The midsole is usually made from a foam that has been compressed using heat. Nike uses many different foams depending on the cleat being made.

• Some models use the Air Zoom Unit that is very thin. It brings your foot closer to the ground, and allows you to make those fancy moves even easier. It also provides this without a sacrifice of comfort.
  


• There is also the new and unique Nike injected Phylon midsole that provides great comfort and stud pressure reduction.
  


• A molded sockliner will also help to provide an excellent fit.

Outsole (bottom)

There are a number of different stud configurations and shapes.

• Circular studs specifically designed to provide perfect stud
  pressure reduction.
  


• Blades designed to grab the field and provide comfort.


• Molded studs for firm ground and replaceable studs for softer ground.

You have the choice of many bold and daring colors, so choose your Nike soccer cleats for their performance, and to complement your personal style.

Wayne MacLean has over 30 years of experience in the game of soccer. As a soccer coach, soccer player, soccer referee, and all-around soccer fan, Wayne is now adding a new dimension to his love of soccer. He now writes many articles and creates soccer videos to help those that are involved in soccer, are new to soccer, or just want to know more about soccer. Check out my Nike Soccer Cleats for more great soccer information for yourself or your team.

The Soccer Drill Sargeant