Soccer shoes, also known as cleats, are shoes worn by soccer players. People playing soccer on pavement or small patches of grass may wear some form of athletic shoes, but for those playing organized or professional soccer on a soccer field, cleats are often mandatory. Cleats have tiny studs that protrude from the sole of the shoe, helping to provide additional traction. These shoes are also sometimes referred to as football boots.
Why They Help Performance
The main purpose of cleats is to provide traction. This is extremely beneficial when playing a sport like soccer that involves a lot of starting, stopping, and quick cuts while running. It also helps during poor weather conditions. Soccer players typically play in a wide variety of weather, including rain, which can make the field slick and slippery. Cleats help players keep their footing even in the worst weather.
What are They Made of?
Soccer cleats are made from a variety of materials. The upper part of the cleat is usually made from leather. The cleats on the bottom of the sole can be made from either plastic or metal. Additional materials include lining and laces, and cotton insoles.
Washing and Care Instructions
Keeping your soccer cleats clean is essential to extending their lifespan. Soccer cleats are expensive, so by washing them and caring for them, you can preserve your shoes and extend their lifetime. Before you start, you’ll need several important items, including a scrubbing brush, soapy water, a stud cleaning tool, and paper towels. Use the stud cleaning tool to get all the dirt from in between the studs on the bottom of the cleat. Use a toothbrush to scrub off dirt from the upper material of the cleat. This should be enough to get your cleat entirely clean. For stubborn dirt, you can soak your shoe in a bucket of warm water with detergent, and then rinse in cool water until all the detergent is gone. Let the cleat air dry. Never put it into the dryer. To keep them smell fresh, place a bounce sheet inside your cleats after every practice and game. You can use a cleaning product such as Lysol to help neutralize odor. Keeping a can of Lysol in your soccer bag is also extremely handy.
Who Makes Them?
One of the most popular manufactures of soccer cleats is Nike. Adidas also manufactures soccer cleats, including the Adidas Predator LZ, which Sneaker Report rated as the greatest soccer cleat ever invented. Adidas and Nike dominate the top ten list of best soccer cleats of all-time, with Puma as the only other brand to be mentioned.
Price Range
Soccer cleats can be found for relatively cheap prices, starting at approximately $40. More expensive pairs sell for around $300, but this depends entirely on the brand and model number. Cleats made for kids and women tend to be much cheaper than cleats made for men. You may be able to find inexpensive cleats from online retailers, such as Amazon or eBay, although you should be careful to calculate the cost of shipping and handling. It is also recommended that you try on the cleats before purchasing them to ensure that they are comfortable, which is another benefit of purchasing them in person.
