| The name of the footwear used for playing soccer is | | | | Next in cost comes Pittards leather, which is currently |
| commonly referred to as cleats, or in Europe, boots. | | | | only available from Puma in soccer shoes. This is a |
| However, if you are speaking of indoor soccer, it is | | | | specially treated calfskin leather, which goes through |
| quite proper to refer to your cleats as shoes, | | | | a patented process to gain a water-resistant quality, |
| especially since they don't actually have the spikes | | | | also causing it to dry faster. These boots will maintain |
| usually associated with cleats. | | | | their softness longer than untreated calfskin, and also |
| Indoor soccer shoes should have a non-marking | | | | stretch less, therefore affording the player a truer fit |
| rubber sole, meaning even hard use on a gym floor | | | | for a longer period. These boots are not as |
| or other surface will not leave it worse for the wear. | | | | expensive as Kangaroo leather, and do offer many |
| Many players who frequent both grassy and indoor | | | | fine qualities the Kangaroos lack. |
| fields refer to their indoor shoes as flats, and their | | | | Calfskin leather is the old stand by choice for soccer |
| traditional grass field shoes as cleats. Flat soccer | | | | shoe uppers, for good reasons. It is the least |
| shoes are also appropriate on dry artificial surfaces, | | | | expensive of the natural leathers, and yet offers |
| even when outdoors. | | | | great durability, and much less stretching than the |
| Before we consider the different types of uppers | | | | Kangaroo. You do sacrifice some of the intricate |
| available on soccer shoes, a brief explanation of what | | | | touch on the ball that is so beautiful with the |
| is meant by the term upper will help you in your | | | | Kangaroo, since the calfskin uppers are heavier, |
| decision process. Quite easily put, the upper is that | | | | however, for a beginning to mid-range player these |
| section of the shoe which will come in constant | | | | should see the season out with no complaints. |
| contact with ball. Uppers can be comprised of an | | | | Whatever type of shoe you ultimately choose, good |
| assortment of natural leathers and synthetic blends | | | | fit is of the prime importance. Go to a sports store, |
| of leathers. | | | | with knowledgeable associates to assist you in |
| You can realize the best 'feel' or touch on the ball | | | | choosing the correct style and size. Having your |
| with the most expensive leather, which is Kangaroo, | | | | soccer socks with you for the fitting will prove |
| however, along with the high price, there are a | | | | invaluable. The boots need to fit closely in the heel |
| couple of other downfalls to consider. Soccer shoes | | | | and the toe, and do bear in mind that good leather |
| made with Kangaroo leather uppers will not last very | | | | shoes will stretch a bit. As a coach, I always advised |
| long, and along with the sacrifice for durability, they | | | | my players to wear their new boots around the |
| will also require a treatment, or special coating, to | | | | house the week before using them in a match. This |
| help prevent water retention. That being said, | | | | enables a bit of the breaking in to begin, prior to the |
| though, virtually anyone who has played in Kangaroo | | | | tough use they will see on the field. |
| leather will tell you it is the softest, most lightweight | | | | The last shoe every player should own is a good pair |
| boot you will ever own, and the cost and other | | | | of soccer sandals. These rubber slides often offer a |
| sacrifices are well worth the price for the | | | | bit of nubbing on the insole, a great cooling comfort |
| tremendous touch on the ball. | | | | to weary feet. |