Soccer Chief

October 2, 2023

Types of Soccer Cleats and Shoes - Comfort, Materials, and More!

Types of Soccer Cleats

When playing soccer it is essential to have the right tools and equipment to play the game properly. The number one tool at your disposal is your feet. For your feet to be at their best you need the best soccer cleat possible. Let’s take a look at different types of soccer cleats to help you decide which are the best soccer cleats for your individual situation.

Now on to our types of soccer cleats crash course!

Soccer Shoe Materials: Leather vs Synthetic

There are six main material types used for soccer shoes. Which material you pick for your soccer shoe is a personal choice. Leather vs synthetic boots have pros and cons and you will have to weigh those based on your preferences.

Here is a quick overview:

Kangaroo Leather

Kangaroo Leather Cleats

Although kangaroo leather soccer cleats are becoming less common, there are still a few companies who make cleats with kangaroo leather. This material is soft and durable and will quickly mold to your feet.

Kangaroo Leather Cleats
soccer leather cleats

Natural Leather

soccer leather cleats

Leather from cows and goats are used to make natural leather shoes. They are comfortable and easily mold to your feet overtime making them a popular choice. In addition, natural leather cleats are probably the best soccer cleats for wide feet because they do offer added comfort and foot molding in comparison to synthetic shoes.

Synthetic Leather

synthetic leather soccer cleats

This material is popular with shoe companies because synthetic leather is just as comfortable as natural leather but can be improved upon in terms of durability and waterproofing. Keeping your feet dry is essential on wet pitches and synthetic soccer cleats will do just that.

synthetic leather soccer cleats
synthetic soccer cleats

Synthetic

synthetic soccer cleats

Probably the most commonly used soccer cleat these days are synthetic soccer cleats. These cleats are often light, thin and waterproof. The downside with these shoes is they can be a little stiff and do not mold to your feet as well as the first three material types.

Types of Soccer Shoes and Playing Surfaces

Not all playing surfaces are created equal. Depending on the surface you are playing on you may need a different type of soccer shoe and cleat in order to have the proper footing. Cleats can improve your footing are there are two main types of cleat studs: conical studs and soccer blades. Here is a breakdown of what stud is best for which playing surface:

soccer grass

Natural Grass

soccer grass

Firm ground shoes are the best for natural grass and will feature your common molded cleat with either conical studs or soccer blades. If the natural grass surface is a soft or wet one a cleat with a mixture of short removable conical studs that have metal tips.

Turf/Artificial Grass

artificial turf

The best turf soccer shoes are probably hybrid shoes that can be used on a hard or soft surface. There are a lot of different turf types out there and some are more forgiving than others. These hybrid shoes will have a mixture of studs (conical and blades as well as other shapes) and are a good value for a player who plays on a variety of different outdoor surfaces.

artificial turf
indoor soccer

Indoor

indoor soccer

Shoes for indoor soccer are a different animal and have no cleats or studs. They have a soft rubber outsole which is flat and can be used for futsal as well. They most resemble your traditional everyday sneaker.

Bonus: Choosing the Right Kids Soccer Cleats

Parents always want to know how to select the proper soccer cleat for their kid. Here are a few tips:

kids soccer cleats

Our tips when choosing cleats for boys and girls:

kids soccer cleats

Fit and Size are Key
Make sure you select a shoe that will fit properly but also has enough room so if your child’s foot grows a little you don’t have to buy new cleats during the season.

Leather is King
Leather or synthetic leather shoes work the best as they are more durable and comfortable as mentioned above. They will also allow for a little wiggle room than in comparison to synthetic shoes allowing for child’s foot to grow.

Spend Smart
Don’t invest in a top of a line type of soccer cleat. A recreational shoe will do just fine as your child learns the game.

Summary: Choosing the Right Type of Soccer Cleat for you

No one can tell you what the most comfortable soccer boots are. This is an individual choice that takes some trial and error as you try out different boots over time. This guide can help you know what to look for next time you are at a sporting goods store or shopping online for a new pair of soccer cleats. There are many types of soccer cleats out there and now you can make an informed decision.

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