SOCCER CLEATS ADVICE

Summer Soccer is here and you have to go shopping for a soccer boot. Your child expresses I want, Nike, Umbro, Red Boot, Blades, Adidas Predator, Side laces etc.

Summer Soccer program can be very demanding on kids and so having the right equipment that fit right and feel comfortable to get maximum enjoyment is important. For our Surrey /Vancouver weather please consider some of these facts before running to Walmart, Sportmart and Soccerwest for your next purchase.

FACTS:
Most U6-U9 will be playing their weekend games on Turf and practice on grass or Turf.
Teams will play about 15 weekend games, 25-30 practices on average. That’s a lot of soccer in summer.

BOOTS (CLEATS):
Today soccer shoes(cleat) is a big style business. You can spend expect to spend $35.99 to $99.99 on some high end stuff.

Consider these before buying:

Soccer shoes labeled as Firm ground boots (FG) use moulded or short bladed outsoles which can be used on firm natural grass surfaces that have become too hard for a traditional stud or long blade to sink into. These boots are generally used through the spring/summer months, or end of season

Soccer shoes labelled as Hard ground (HG) boots are for very hard natural surfaces. These outsoles will have a multiple stud configuration which consists of short low rubber studs which are very close together and normally will cover the whole sole; these are non removable. This boot should be worn on fields where there is very limited give in the surface unlike firm natural surfaces which still has a reasonable degree of softness to allow a stud to sink in. With the design of low profile studs, they will not fully penetrate the ground, but the playing surface is still roughly pitted and textured, so the studs find their own grip on the surface of the pitch. These Hard ground boots are also suited for Turf also.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS:
The greater the number of studs the better the stability of the foot over a wider area. This can also reduce the pressure on the foot as the weight is distributed more evenly, especially if the studs or blades are short and are positioned right to the edge of the sole. Whatever your boots, make sure they are maintained. After playing, remove all mud and wipe them clean with warm water. Always let the boots dry naturally, with newspaper stuffed inside to help absorb the water and keep the shape of the boot. Putting them in a furnace room or in dryer will dry them far too quickly, cracking the leather, and making them hard and uncomfortable to wear.

Make sure you feel comfortable in your boots to get maximum enjoyment from the game.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT BUY SOCCER CLEATS TOO BIG TRYING TO GET 12 MONTHS OUT OF IT.

In my opinion this UMBRO DIAMOND BACK HG pictured here offers good value, comfort and performance. Please talk to your coach for specific advice.

UMBRO DIAMOND BACK HG $29.99 – $34.99
Classic design soccer shoe incorporating new diamond design direction
Soft synthetic upper
Moulded rubber conical
Multi - Stud outsole
Superb playability
Visa terry collar liningall Stud