Guide: Buying soccer boots

Where to think of when buying soccer boots? Important questions you need to ask yourself before buying a soccer boot

Important questions you need to ask yourself before buying a boot are:

1. What kind of player am I?
2. How to determining my size?
3. What material do I prefer? Leather or synthetic?
4. When am i going to use my new boots? Match or practice?
5. Do I have width feet?
6. What kind of studs do i prefer?
7. How to take care of my new boots?

1. What kind of player am i?

Are you a quick winger? Then you might want to try a lightweight boot. This will increase a player’s mobility and acceleration. Most lightweight boots are made of synthetic material because it’s thin and less water absorbing then leather. Defenders usually choose for a more stable boot with long studs. This will prevent them from sliding all over the pitch.

2. How to determining my size?

Fit tips

Soccer boots are sized like regular shoes, but most are designed with a narrower upper than typical sneakers to allow for better feel and control of the ball.

High-quality leather boots will generally stretch a bit when worn. They will actually mold to the shape of your foot, so they should fit snugly when new.

Shoes that are too small are one of the major causes of foot pain and problems with athletic footwear; however, soccer boots should naturally fit more snugly than other athletic boots because of their design.

Determining your shoe size

determining your proper shoe size is essential to a comfortable fit

doesn’t assume you shoe size is the same as it has always been. The shape of you feet changes over time.

3. What material do i prefer?
Soccer boots come in two basic materials: leather and synthetic.

Leather

Offer the best feel and fit of any soccer shoe, but are also generally more expensive

Full-grain leather shoes are strong and durable, while variations such as Kangaroo leather are more flexible and offer an even better feel

The softer the leather, the better the feel for the ball, but also the less durable the shoe

Absorb more water than synthetic shoes and are not recommended for constant use on wet fields; however, water treatment options are available

Synthetic

Ideal for most entry and mid-level players

Generally less expensive than leather shoes, but do not offer as good a feel and do not last as long as a well-cared for leather boot

Generally contain some sort of water treatment and therefore last better under poor playing conditions.

Easier to clean and dry out than leather shoe.

5. Do i have width feet?
Adidas, Puma, Umbro and Mizuno are excellent boots for players with widht feet. If you do not have width feet you might want to go for Nike.

6. What kind of studs do i prefer?
Footwear for soccer depends on a number of factors: the level of your game, the types of fields you play on, and how much you want to spend. Most leagues require you wear the proper type of soccer boot during play, so it is most important to understand which type you need.

Molded Boots

Basic soccer shoe design

Non-removable rubber, or hard plastic formed on the bottom of the shoe is used to help provide traction and control

Ideal for beginning and intermediate level players

Suited for play on almost all field types and in all weather conditions

Required by many youth programs for safety reasons

Detachable Boots

Feature studs on the bottom that can be screwed on and off and be replaced easily

Boots vary in length and are usually made of hard plastic or plastic with metal tips

The type and length of the studs can be changed depending on the weather and field conditions of that day's game or practice

Ideal for experienced players who can tailor the boots to their playing field and weather conditions

Suitable for use on wet, soggy fields, or on well-groomed, soft grass fields

Turf shoes

Contain various raised patterns on the bottom in place of studs, for use on harder outdoor surfaces and on artificial turf

Generally good training shoes that could serve as a back-up game pair for hard-surface conditions

Indoor shoes

Resemble low-cut, lightweight sneakers

Designed for playing indoor soccer in a gym or recreational facility

Feature a flat, rubbery-type bottom for better traction on indoor courts and fields

Required by many indoor soccer facilities when playing on artificial turf, so the turf does not get torn up

Sandals

An important footwear add-on for all soccer players

Worn before the game to save wear on your soccer Boots

Easy to slip on and off when soccer socks and shin guards are on

Allow you to immediately remove your playing shoes after a game to rest your feet

Many sandals have special massage-type features for the bottom of the foot for added comfort

7. Care of your soccer boots

once you’ve bought a great boot, you want to keep it as new. The tips below might help your boots.

Undo the laces properly when you take your soccer boots off.