Soccer Cleats

Molded Soccer Cleats

Molded cleats are almost always made of rubber or plastic and either attached to the shoe or molded into the sole. Because they cannot be removed from the shoe, it's vital to pick the kind of soccer cleat that works for the kinds of conditions you face most often in your games as well as the most comfortable fit.

There are three primary categories of soccer cleats: hard ground (HG), firm ground (FG), and soft ground (SG). Within these categories, soccer cleats vary by weight, materials, cut, durability, and looks.

Prices for molded cleats range from $40 for cheaper versions to around $200, depending on materials, quality, and brand name. The fit should be snug but not painful; it should never push your toes over one another or pinch at any point.

Detachable Cleats

Detachable soccer cleats carry many advantages over molded cleats. Because the studs are removable, you can choose the shoe that works best for you and then think about the studs. You can also customize your shoe, so to speak, for any kind of condition. This is especially important for traveling teams, as it allows you to adapt your shoe to any kind of field or weather conditions that you are likely to encounter.

Detachable cleats also usually made of rubber or plastic and sometimes come with metal tips. These usually screw on and some require a special wrench.

Makers

Some of the most popular manufacturers are:

• Adidas, a German maker known for its rapid technological innovations, invented the first screw cleats in the 1954 FIFA World Cup and many analysts credit West Germany's victory to this.
• Diadora is an Italian-based company known for its attention to ball control features.
• Hummel, best known in its native Denmark but increasing in the eyes of international audiences, has recently released a new smart-foam technology for a “customized” fit.
• Joma is one of the most popular brands in Spain and Latin America.
• Lotto, an Italian firm, is most famous for its Zhero Gravity, a laceless design that supposedly cost approximately $1 million to develop.
• Nike, the iconic United States company, has one of the widest varieties of soccer cleats available.
• Reebok was acquired in January 2006, by Adidas. It is particularly popular in Australia and England.
• Umbro, based in Manchester, England, is the official manufacturer for the Football Association Challenge Cup (FA Cup).

Taking Care of Cleats

To keep your soccer cleats from wearing down excessively, use them only on the field. Be especially careful not to wear them on concrete. It's okay if the cleats wear down to some extent, but be very careful of uneven wear. This can affect your balance and make you more vulnerable to sprains and falls.

After play, loosen the laces and brush the cleats clean, ideally with a natural brush. If you have detachable cleats, give them a very light lubrication. If they are wet, put in newspaper to help them keep their shape and let them dry at room temperature. Use oil to keep leather shoes supple.