Many of us know our young soccer players' feet grow quickly. This makes outfitting the family (kiddies, teens and grown-up kids) with new soccer shoes-a bit expensive. We are not just talking once a year, but it many cases every season (Fall to Indoor to Spring to Fall).
I strongly suggest parents refuse to buy into the brand name marketing trap-our kids must have the most expensive soccer cleats available. After all, you're paying the extra costs of the big name companies to private label and market their brands. Do you really think they are manufacturing their own shoes? Come on, it's a global economy and I'm telling you they are all having their soccer shoes made by sweatshops in India and China.
In addition, parents should understand they will never get the value out of an expensive soccer shoe in a single season. Don't worry Moms and Dads; there is another alternative for your younger players. Look for alternate brands other than the big name ones!!! There are plenty of attractive, affordable soccer shoes for young players-these soccer cleats are just not mass marketed!!! And for $19-$22, you can buy brand new soccer shoes for your rapidly growing soccer player-without breaking the bank.
For the teen recreational/select and occasional adult players, consider the newest styles of soccer shoes by Vizari. These soccer cleats are designed for players at the intermediate level in adult sizes only. We also offer high-end soccer shoes for adult players. Select level players choose the "Copa Select" or "Vanguish" soccer cleats. Soccer shoes are made with soft luxurious full grain leather-for serious soccer players in adult sizes only.
Soccer enthusiasts who choose to play indoors or on synthetic surfaces also have affordable options. If you're playing indoors, it's a good idea to purchase a pair of indoor soccer shoes. Often, you can use molded cleats on the turf at many indoor facilities, but to prevent injuries and for the health of your feet; it's wise to buy a pair of flat-soled soccer shoes to use when playing indoor.
Shop carefully for your next pair of soccer shoes and soccer cleats for synthetic turf--there are more affordable prices! You know you want--or need a pair--you're just a few clicks away from having the right soccer shoes for your turf.
Check out [http://eSoccerGear.com] for more soccer coaching resources and soccer equipment for recreational soccer programs.
Showing posts with label Cleats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cleats. Show all posts
Friday, October 15, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
A Firm Step With Soccer Cleats
In modern soccer, performance is a key factor for professionals. This performance depends not only on his mental and physical shape, but also on good footwear. An essential part of the footwear is the soccer cleat, also known as studs. The soccer shoes are specially equipped with cleats that prevent players from slipping and assist in rapid changes of direction.
There are different types of cleats for the different sports, such as rugby cleats, baseball cleats, soccer cleats, cleats for track, etc. Most sports played on grass or dirt require the use of cleats for athlete's stability.
The difficulty to play soccer on different types of ground was recognized early on in the history of soccer. That meant that the sole of the soccer shoes needed to offer proper resistance or ground traction.
At first, metal tacks similar to those of engineers' boots were used. These metal tacks could be dangerous and their use was forbidden by Rule 13 of the FIFA regulations for the safety of the players. Eventually leather soccer cleats (or studs) replaced these tacks.
Soccer cleats are made of different materials and can be fixed or removable. The most common are the plastic cleats. This is so because shoes with plastic soles are simpler to make and usually cheaper than any other. Rubber soccer cleats, though, are usually softer than the plastic ones.
Both plastic and rubber soccer cleats are usually fixed to the sole of the soccer shoe. There are also aluminum soccer cleats, which are usually removable. These soccer cleats can be entirely aluminum or plastic with aluminum tips. Recently new cleat systems were devised to help distribute pressure across the boot. Incorporation of new polymer materials further strengthened the sports shoe as well as providing lightweight footwear.
Each type of soccer cleat is indicated for a different type of ground. Soft grounds usually are more slippery so one generally uses higher aluminum cleats that penetrate more deeply to avoid slipping. For firm grounds the soccer cleats are a bit lower, therefore plastic cleats are indicated.
Soccer cleats made of rubber should be used on hard grounds, as they are better for impact. On harder grounds the soccer cleats need not penetrate too deeply, as the ground isn't as slippery. The soccer cleats are usually higher on the heel and lower on the forefoot, as more weight is put on the heel.
Injuries related to the wrong use of the soccer cleats are quite common. These injuries are usually on the knees and ankles. The most common knee injuries caused by wrong choice of the cleats are those to the ligaments. With the use a high set of aluminum soccer cleats on firm or hard ground the injuries are most likely to occur. The ankle injuries are usually sprains. The wrong use soccer cleats can also cause blistering to the feet, giving them an uncomfortable feeling.
Many professional players still prefer the shoe with traditional soccer cleats arrangement, which provide no more protection to the player than the boots of yesteryear.
Changes to shoe design appear to be in response to demand from parents keen to reduce the number of injuries associated with the modern game. The use of the right soccer cleats according to the ground that the game is going to be played is a key factor to prevent blistering and injuries that can be serious.
Soccer players should set an example and use the right type of soccer cleats and also the manufacturers should instruct the client for the better use of the soccer cleats.
Get all the latest in Soccer know how from the one and only true source at http://www.SoccerDetails.com Be sure to check our soccer cleats page.
There are different types of cleats for the different sports, such as rugby cleats, baseball cleats, soccer cleats, cleats for track, etc. Most sports played on grass or dirt require the use of cleats for athlete's stability.
The difficulty to play soccer on different types of ground was recognized early on in the history of soccer. That meant that the sole of the soccer shoes needed to offer proper resistance or ground traction.
At first, metal tacks similar to those of engineers' boots were used. These metal tacks could be dangerous and their use was forbidden by Rule 13 of the FIFA regulations for the safety of the players. Eventually leather soccer cleats (or studs) replaced these tacks.
Soccer cleats are made of different materials and can be fixed or removable. The most common are the plastic cleats. This is so because shoes with plastic soles are simpler to make and usually cheaper than any other. Rubber soccer cleats, though, are usually softer than the plastic ones.
Both plastic and rubber soccer cleats are usually fixed to the sole of the soccer shoe. There are also aluminum soccer cleats, which are usually removable. These soccer cleats can be entirely aluminum or plastic with aluminum tips. Recently new cleat systems were devised to help distribute pressure across the boot. Incorporation of new polymer materials further strengthened the sports shoe as well as providing lightweight footwear.
Each type of soccer cleat is indicated for a different type of ground. Soft grounds usually are more slippery so one generally uses higher aluminum cleats that penetrate more deeply to avoid slipping. For firm grounds the soccer cleats are a bit lower, therefore plastic cleats are indicated.
Soccer cleats made of rubber should be used on hard grounds, as they are better for impact. On harder grounds the soccer cleats need not penetrate too deeply, as the ground isn't as slippery. The soccer cleats are usually higher on the heel and lower on the forefoot, as more weight is put on the heel.
Injuries related to the wrong use of the soccer cleats are quite common. These injuries are usually on the knees and ankles. The most common knee injuries caused by wrong choice of the cleats are those to the ligaments. With the use a high set of aluminum soccer cleats on firm or hard ground the injuries are most likely to occur. The ankle injuries are usually sprains. The wrong use soccer cleats can also cause blistering to the feet, giving them an uncomfortable feeling.
Many professional players still prefer the shoe with traditional soccer cleats arrangement, which provide no more protection to the player than the boots of yesteryear.
Changes to shoe design appear to be in response to demand from parents keen to reduce the number of injuries associated with the modern game. The use of the right soccer cleats according to the ground that the game is going to be played is a key factor to prevent blistering and injuries that can be serious.
Soccer players should set an example and use the right type of soccer cleats and also the manufacturers should instruct the client for the better use of the soccer cleats.
Get all the latest in Soccer know how from the one and only true source at http://www.SoccerDetails.com Be sure to check our soccer cleats page.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Kid's Shin Guards Can Be As Essential As Your Child's Soccer Cleats
Youth soccer has become one of the most popular child sports in many parts of the world. It's fun to play, easy to learn, safe, and great exercise for kids. It is also a sport that children can learn to love forever, especially given that soccer is so popular around the world, and is a sport that many adults love as well. If you child has an interest in soccer, most would recommend you fully encourage and support their participation in this great sport.
Playing soccer like most sports requires proper equipment. Another benefit from soccer is that it does not require a whole lot of gear and material (in fact, in many parts of the world kids play literally with their bare feet and whatever clothes they wore to school). However most parents will likely be faced with buying the minimum set of kids soccer gear, including kids soccer cleats, kids soccer socks, and kids shin guards.
Much emphasis is put on buying the right child soccer cleats (soccer shoes). After all, soccer is played with the feet, and thus the right shoes are important. You want your child to have the right soccer shoes that are comfortable, durable, and give them proper support and attraction based on the surface they will be playing on. Soccer cleats of various types usually have studs on the bottom so your child will have traction on a grass field or turf field (special kids indoor soccer shoes are made for those playing indoor soccer).
Playing soccer like most sports requires proper equipment. Another benefit from soccer is that it does not require a whole lot of gear and material (in fact, in many parts of the world kids play literally with their bare feet and whatever clothes they wore to school). However most parents will likely be faced with buying the minimum set of kids soccer gear, including kids soccer cleats, kids soccer socks, and kids shin guards.
Much emphasis is put on buying the right child soccer cleats (soccer shoes). After all, soccer is played with the feet, and thus the right shoes are important. You want your child to have the right soccer shoes that are comfortable, durable, and give them proper support and attraction based on the surface they will be playing on. Soccer cleats of various types usually have studs on the bottom so your child will have traction on a grass field or turf field (special kids indoor soccer shoes are made for those playing indoor soccer).
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Selecting Soccer Cleats - Nightmare or Lack of Knowledge?
What kind of soccer cleats should you buy?
There are so many choices. And all this marketing nonsense out there. Exactly. There is no simple answer to this question. How to buy proper soccer cleats could be very challenging but it does not have to become a nightmare. With the adequate knowledge you can easily choose the right soccer shoes for yourself or your child, if that's the case.
So, let's see what should you look for while buying soccer cleats?
Besides the price, you want to make sure they are comfortable.
But how would you know if they give you enough comfort, before you play in them at least few times?
You won't.
But you can increase your chances of buying comfortable soccer cleats by considering the following factors:
1. Manufacturer.
2. True Leather or Synthetic.
3. Studs Type.
4. Size.
Let's talk about these factors a little bit more.
Manufacturer
Adidas and Nike are the 2 most popular. For a good reason. They are probably the best on the market.
While Adidas has manufactured soccer shoes "forever", Nike has made great strides over the last few years. Both companies make equally good quality soccer shoes.
I personally never played in Nike's shoes, so I can't tell you about this brand from my experience. My sons played soccer using both brands. After trying them for a while, the younger son sticks to Nike while Pat (older) uses Adidas shoes only. They both are very happy with their selections.
Do you know why?
Their feet are build differently. Pat has a much wider foot than his brother. Adidas makes its cleats bigger in width than Nike.
Basically if you have:
· Wide foot - look for a pair of Adidas Soccer Cleats.
· Skinny foot - look for a pair of Nike Soccer Cleats.
It wouldn't be fair not to mention 2 other brands, almost as good as the above two:
Diadora and Puma.
Other brands like: Umbro, Kelme, Mitre, Lotto - only if you really can't afford the brands mentioned above or if you just simply like these brands.
True Leather or Synthetic
Upper portion of every soccer shoe is made out of either true leather or synthetic material.
What is better?
True leather...in my opinion. And I recommend it to everybody who is serious about playing soccer.
True leather gives you an uncompromising feel of the ball. It molds to your feet producing great comfort. It also lasts longer than synthetic materials. And it is healthier for your feet.
Synthetic materials don't let the feet "breathe" building up of sweat, potential blisters and feet problem in the near future.
But...(of course there is a "but")
...True leather cleats cost more.
There are few different types of leather used to manufacture soccer cleats.
The least expensive is full grain. Sometimes full grain leather soccer shoes could cost only slightly more than "artificial". Spending $10-20 more on much better shoes would be really worth it.
The best leather out on the market is K-Leather (Kangaroo). Though more expensive but it is softer, lighter and still durable.
If your feet are not growing like the speed of sound and your budget is not too tight, definitely consider buying soccer cleats made from K-Leather.
There is another "but" or an exception to my "non-synthetic soccer shoes" rule: soccer cleats made of high quality synthetic material.
These soccer shoes are manufactured with special microfiber technology that upgrades synthetic material, usually a PU (polyurethane). It makes the PU very soft, and strong, giving it similar feel to a natural material. Top Super-Microfiber material can be just as expensive as some leather!
Nowadays almost all-leading sport's footwear manufacturers use microfiber materials. For example, Nike makes their top quality cleats from super lightweight synthetic material called KNG-100 (Air Zoom Total 90) and Nike-Skin (Mercurial Vapor). Even Adidas, for the first time, used microfiber for its newest creation Adidas Predator Absolute (there is a Kangaroo leather model as well).
So, my "non-synthetic cleats rule" applies only to a regular (cheap) synthetic material like PU or PVC (polyvinylchloride).
Studs Type
Molded Studs
There are practically two different molded soccer cleats on the market.
The traditional - contains a sole that has round studs (usually between ten to fifteen).
The X-Grip (or Bladed shape) - slimmer than round studs, strategically placed in different angles to offer a player a better footing.
Soccer shoes with molded round studs (traditional) are more universal. What I mean is that, this type of soccer cleats are good for hard and firm surfaces as well as for soft grounds. However, they are not really reliable for extreme circumstances like: very hard and dry fields (turf shoes will be the ultimate choice here) or very soft and wet surface (screw-ins).
The X-Grip design is manufactured for specific field conditions. In this case, with different length and angles of studs, we have to choose between soccer cleats made specifically for either hard (HG), firm (FG) or soft (SG) ground. Your choice then should be based on the type of fields you play soccer on the most.
If you play on all kinds of surfaces, I would recommend-traditional round studs.
But if you really want to stick to new style, then buy X-Grip for firm pitch (FG).
Of course, the best scenario would be to have two pairs of soccer cleats for different field conditions. But who can afford it? Not to many of us.
Replaceable (screw-ins) cleats are very optional.
Most young soccer players do not need them. With the poor quality of most youth fields, screw-ins just wouldn't get enough use to warrant purchase.
Unless, you play a lot on great, soft fields and have extra cash (screw-ins can not be the only soccer cleats you have). Also some leagues do not allow this type of equipment.
Size
It is very important that the soccer cleats you buy must fit perfectly. This means as snug as possible, tight to the foot (sorry parents, you can't have growing room in soccer cleats). Close-fitting shoes facilitate the best touch (the feel for the ball).
Soccer shoes I usually get, for my older son (16 years old) and myself, are ½ size smaller. This is, because leather expands after a while and then molds to the foot. For my 10 year old, since synthetic does not stretch and cleats in junior size are not that expensive, I buy his exact shoe size.
Soccer Cleats - More Tips and Recommendations
About the Author:
Adrian Gumowski has been involved in soccer for thirty years. As a former player and now as a parent of two youth soccer players Adrian shares his knowledge on Youth Soccer Equipment and other soccer related topics at my-youth-soccer-guide.com.
There are so many choices. And all this marketing nonsense out there. Exactly. There is no simple answer to this question. How to buy proper soccer cleats could be very challenging but it does not have to become a nightmare. With the adequate knowledge you can easily choose the right soccer shoes for yourself or your child, if that's the case.
So, let's see what should you look for while buying soccer cleats?
Besides the price, you want to make sure they are comfortable.
But how would you know if they give you enough comfort, before you play in them at least few times?
You won't.
But you can increase your chances of buying comfortable soccer cleats by considering the following factors:
1. Manufacturer.
2. True Leather or Synthetic.
3. Studs Type.
4. Size.
Let's talk about these factors a little bit more.
Manufacturer
Adidas and Nike are the 2 most popular. For a good reason. They are probably the best on the market.
While Adidas has manufactured soccer shoes "forever", Nike has made great strides over the last few years. Both companies make equally good quality soccer shoes.
I personally never played in Nike's shoes, so I can't tell you about this brand from my experience. My sons played soccer using both brands. After trying them for a while, the younger son sticks to Nike while Pat (older) uses Adidas shoes only. They both are very happy with their selections.
Do you know why?
Their feet are build differently. Pat has a much wider foot than his brother. Adidas makes its cleats bigger in width than Nike.
Basically if you have:
· Wide foot - look for a pair of Adidas Soccer Cleats.
· Skinny foot - look for a pair of Nike Soccer Cleats.
It wouldn't be fair not to mention 2 other brands, almost as good as the above two:
Diadora and Puma.
Other brands like: Umbro, Kelme, Mitre, Lotto - only if you really can't afford the brands mentioned above or if you just simply like these brands.
True Leather or Synthetic
Upper portion of every soccer shoe is made out of either true leather or synthetic material.
What is better?
True leather...in my opinion. And I recommend it to everybody who is serious about playing soccer.
True leather gives you an uncompromising feel of the ball. It molds to your feet producing great comfort. It also lasts longer than synthetic materials. And it is healthier for your feet.
Synthetic materials don't let the feet "breathe" building up of sweat, potential blisters and feet problem in the near future.
But...(of course there is a "but")
...True leather cleats cost more.
There are few different types of leather used to manufacture soccer cleats.
The least expensive is full grain. Sometimes full grain leather soccer shoes could cost only slightly more than "artificial". Spending $10-20 more on much better shoes would be really worth it.
The best leather out on the market is K-Leather (Kangaroo). Though more expensive but it is softer, lighter and still durable.
If your feet are not growing like the speed of sound and your budget is not too tight, definitely consider buying soccer cleats made from K-Leather.
There is another "but" or an exception to my "non-synthetic soccer shoes" rule: soccer cleats made of high quality synthetic material.
These soccer shoes are manufactured with special microfiber technology that upgrades synthetic material, usually a PU (polyurethane). It makes the PU very soft, and strong, giving it similar feel to a natural material. Top Super-Microfiber material can be just as expensive as some leather!
Nowadays almost all-leading sport's footwear manufacturers use microfiber materials. For example, Nike makes their top quality cleats from super lightweight synthetic material called KNG-100 (Air Zoom Total 90) and Nike-Skin (Mercurial Vapor). Even Adidas, for the first time, used microfiber for its newest creation Adidas Predator Absolute (there is a Kangaroo leather model as well).
So, my "non-synthetic cleats rule" applies only to a regular (cheap) synthetic material like PU or PVC (polyvinylchloride).
Studs Type
Molded Studs
There are practically two different molded soccer cleats on the market.
The traditional - contains a sole that has round studs (usually between ten to fifteen).
The X-Grip (or Bladed shape) - slimmer than round studs, strategically placed in different angles to offer a player a better footing.
Soccer shoes with molded round studs (traditional) are more universal. What I mean is that, this type of soccer cleats are good for hard and firm surfaces as well as for soft grounds. However, they are not really reliable for extreme circumstances like: very hard and dry fields (turf shoes will be the ultimate choice here) or very soft and wet surface (screw-ins).
The X-Grip design is manufactured for specific field conditions. In this case, with different length and angles of studs, we have to choose between soccer cleats made specifically for either hard (HG), firm (FG) or soft (SG) ground. Your choice then should be based on the type of fields you play soccer on the most.
If you play on all kinds of surfaces, I would recommend-traditional round studs.
But if you really want to stick to new style, then buy X-Grip for firm pitch (FG).
Of course, the best scenario would be to have two pairs of soccer cleats for different field conditions. But who can afford it? Not to many of us.
Replaceable (screw-ins) cleats are very optional.
Most young soccer players do not need them. With the poor quality of most youth fields, screw-ins just wouldn't get enough use to warrant purchase.
Unless, you play a lot on great, soft fields and have extra cash (screw-ins can not be the only soccer cleats you have). Also some leagues do not allow this type of equipment.
Size
It is very important that the soccer cleats you buy must fit perfectly. This means as snug as possible, tight to the foot (sorry parents, you can't have growing room in soccer cleats). Close-fitting shoes facilitate the best touch (the feel for the ball).
Soccer shoes I usually get, for my older son (16 years old) and myself, are ½ size smaller. This is, because leather expands after a while and then molds to the foot. For my 10 year old, since synthetic does not stretch and cleats in junior size are not that expensive, I buy his exact shoe size.
Soccer Cleats - More Tips and Recommendations
About the Author:
Adrian Gumowski has been involved in soccer for thirty years. As a former player and now as a parent of two youth soccer players Adrian shares his knowledge on Youth Soccer Equipment and other soccer related topics at my-youth-soccer-guide.com.
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