| Soccer is the world's most popular game for many | | | | shoe for most players. |
| reasons. Aside from the fun and competition it | | | | Detachable cleats are the preferred choice of |
| provides, soccer's appeal also stems from the fact | | | | advanced and highly skilled players. The cleats are |
| that only a single piece of equipment is needed in | | | | studs on the bottom of the shoe and they can be |
| order to play, and that is the soccer ball. However, if | | | | unscrewed and removed quite easily. This allows the |
| you want to be serious about the game, and you | | | | player to not only replace cleats that have become |
| want to maximize your potential as well as protect | | | | worn over time, but more importantly, the player can |
| your ever-important feet, then it is imperative that | | | | tailor their shoes to perform best on different kinds |
| you invest in a pair of quality soccer cleats that will | | | | of playing surfaces and in different conditions. By |
| suit your skills and abilities. | | | | changing the length and type of cleat they use, a |
| In fact, most youth soccer programs and organized | | | | player can use the same shoe to play on firm turf or |
| leagues require that appropriate soccer cleats be | | | | soft grass, dry and fast or wet and soggy. It is this |
| purchased before you will be allowed to compete. In | | | | versatility that makes detachable soccer cleats a |
| order to purchase the appropriate soccer cleats you | | | | must-have shoe for the serious player. |
| must make an assessment of both your needs and | | | | Rounding out the types in soccer footwear are |
| means. There are really three variables in play when | | | | indoor shoes and turf shoes, however, neither of |
| making a decision on soccer cleats: your skill level, the | | | | these shoes are truly cleats in the literal sense. |
| surface on which you will be playing, and the amount | | | | Lacking the peg-like cleats of the molded and |
| of money you are willing to spend. Those factors will | | | | detachable models, these soccer shoes are more like |
| help you narrow the field of choices, allowing you to | | | | sneakers in appearance and are designed for indoor |
| make a purchase that will suit your needs. | | | | surfaces, or outdoor Astroturf. |
| There are four basic types of soccer cleats: molded | | | | When you are ready to purchase your soccer cleats |
| cleats, detachable cleats, turf shoes, and indoor | | | | make sure to have your foot properly measured in |
| shoes. Molded cleats are the most basic and | | | | order to give you the best possible fit. Remember |
| inexpensive kind of soccer shoe, so they are an ideal | | | | that the materials used to construct the boot portion |
| choice for beginning and intermediately skilled players. | | | | of the shoe are important and factors greatly into |
| Molded cleats get their name from the fact that the | | | | the price. Real leather is expensive and comfortable, |
| cleats themselves are part of the sole of the shoe, | | | | but can be easily damaged and becomes heavy |
| i.e. they are molded as one piece. The actual cleat is | | | | when playing in wet conditions. Synthetic leather is |
| built in a size and shape that will allow it to perform | | | | less expensive and less durable, but it is the |
| well on nearly any kind of outdoor playing surface. | | | | preferred material if you are playing on wet fields. No |
| The cleats cannot be removed, and when they wear | | | | matter what you choose the important thing is that |
| out the entire shoe must be replaced. However, the | | | | you are arming yourself with footwear that will allow |
| low initial cost of molded cleats makes them easy to | | | | you to enjoy your time playing soccer to the fullest. |
| replace, and also makes them the ideal entry level | | | | |