Soccer Cleats: To Stud Or Not To Stud

Soccer boots, only correctly called cleats when theymake certain they are fully prepared for the
have the ground gripping teeth on the bottom of theadditional maintaince these boots will typically require.
shoe, have always been fodder for debate, amongThe simple cleaning of them is much the same as
those who believe the screw in stud to be betterother molded boots, however, the screw in studs, or
than the molded teeth for traction or reliability. Manycleats, is where the care of these soccer boots
of the modern changes to soccer boots has comemakes a real difference in the performance they will
more from concerned parents, demanding the safestafford the player.
footwear for their young players, than it has fromThe studs are available in plastic or metal, and it may
professional players, as might be believed.be wise to determine which is allowed on your field,
There are basically three different types of soccerparticularly if it is for youth play, prior to making your
boots available, those being molded cleats, screw inchoice. It is possible that the sanctioning body at your
studs, and these called 'astros' which are designedplaying fields may not allow screw in studs at all.
especially for use on astro turf. A good molded cleatAfter you have made the decision to purchase
is probably the best beginner boot, if play is to be onsoccer cleats with screw in studs, and have
grass. They are easy to care for, and hitting themdetermined that the playing fields in your area do
against each other or a wall will knock off mostallow them, go to a sporting goods store that knows
muddy, grassy build-up. Other than that, a rinse withsoccer, and has sales associates who will take the
warm water, and allowing them to thoroughly drytime to ensure your player gets a good, snug fit. This
before wearing again will provide for about all thewould be true even in the molded cleats, of course.
care these durable cleats will need.Make certain the studs are screwed in tightly, and
If finances allow, it is wise to have two pairs ofalways carry extra studs in the soccer bag.
these soccer cleats for your young player, to insureInspecting the studs as the cleats are cleaned and
one is thoroughly dry before re-wearing it. In theput away after a match will prove wise, and help
case of tournaments, where 3 or more games areprevent a lost stud during a game. Never continue to
played in a singe weekend, it is a great relief forplay with a missing stud, it is harmful to the overall
those hard working feet to have fresh boots to putstability of the player, and can easily distort the hole
on. It is wise to note here that soccer slides, orso a new stud may not fit properly when replacing it
sandals, are a very important item in the soccer bag.is finally attempted. At first break in the game,
If the cleats are worn on hard surfaces for anyreplace the missing stud.
length, the cleats will wear or break off much quickerAstros are easy to care for, and can be used on
than normal field use would cause.grassy or hard surfaces. Basic cleaning is similar to the
When your player is ready to try screw in studsmolded cleats.