Differences between Soccer Shoes and Cleats

If you haven't played soccer or know someone who does, including your children, you may not have realized that there's a difference between a soccer cleat and soccer shoes. Most of us watch professional soccer and know that it can be played indoors and outdoors, but the turf makes all the difference.

Indoor soccer shoes don't have cleats on the sole, unlike outdoor cleats.. While indoor soccer cleats do have a rubber tread and sometimes rubber stubs to facilitate quick turns and stops, they are more lightweight than a typical soccer cleat. Indoor soccer shoes looks similar to a running shoe in fabric choice and design, but they are far more durable than running shoes.

Good indoor soccer shoes might run around $80 but the cost is well worth the comfort and feel of a good, brand name shoe. In other countries, soccer shoes are called football boots. American soccer shoes and cleats can be made of many different types of fabric, from synthetic uppers to more pricy options. The best way to determine which kind of soccer shoes to purchase should be based on one thing, and that's comfort. You'll pay a little extra for such comfort in soccer shoes, but it's worth it when you're the one wearing the equipment.

For causal players, a synthetic upper form for soccer shoes is adequate, but for those who take the sport even more seriously and want an edge, opting for more expensive styles and fabrics offers a myriad of choices. Have you ever considered kangaroo upper leather for your soccer shoes? What about the new high-tech synthetic designs? When playing indoors on Astro-Turf, rubber studs are needed for indoor soccer shoes, and these also vary in size and design. Many professional soccer players, Craig Johnston among them, prefers rubber uppers that are ribbed, claiming that the design allows for greater precision and control over passes and shots. Celebrities will endorse many different kinds of soccer shoes, but try not to allow yourself to be swayed by them if you're not able to afford it.

When purchasing soccer shoes or cleats, try on soccer shoes with the same thickness of sock that you'll be using during practice and play. Most soccer socks are designed to hold shin guards in place, so you may even want to bring those along when trying on different styles and sizes of soccer shoes, just to make sure everything feels good when worn together. While padding is important, when trying on soccer shoes, one must be able to still feel and touch the soccer ball through the shoe. Comfort and support are the two main key factors when choosing soccer shoes; so don't let your kids just look at colors or styles.

Proper care and maintenance of soccer shoes will give most owners at least a season of play out of them, more if your feet have stopped growing. As with anything, shop around for deals and sales. Finding the right pair of soccer shoes will make all the difference in the world come game time.

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Soccer DVD Options for You and Your Child

Soccer Uniform Basics

Differences between Soccer Shoes and Cleats

Fun Soccer Ball Facts

Buying a Soccer Jersey

Tips for buying Soccer Cleats