Soccer Cleats - Page 5

Why Wear Soccer Cleats?

Soccer Cleats are made for the pitch, from long practices to matches, for youth players and adults. The soleplate decides how a pair grips the field you play on most, so choose it alongside the rest of your soccer gear.

What Can You Find in Soccer Cleat Styles?

The range covers men, women and kids, from brands like Nike, adidas and PUMA, and some styles add a sock-like cuff around the ankle. The main split is the soleplate, since each surface calls for its own:

• FG (firm ground): Molded studs spread out over the bottom of the sole, made for natural grass in normal conditions.
• SG (soft ground): Longer studs, sometimes screw-in, for wet or soft fields.
• AG (artificial grass): Smaller, circular studs built for artificial grass pitches.
• TF (turf): Small rubber studs or bumps built into the outsole for flat artificial turf and hard, dry fields.
• IC (indoor court): A flat rubber sole for gym floors, futsal and indoor courts.

On grass, a molded cleat plate does the work: it is a stiff plate with studs underfoot that dig into the grass or dirt for grip when you push off. Turf shoes swap long studs for short, dense rubber ones that grip where long cleats would catch.

How to Pick the Right Soccer Cleat

Start with the surface you play on most, then weigh position, material and comfort, and make sure the pair is made for soccer, since football cleats, baseball cleats and softball cleats are built for the moves of other sports.

• Surface: Match the soleplate to the field you play on most, from natural grass to turf or an indoor court, and follow the surface rating the brand lists for each pair.
• Position: A striker looking for speed and acceleration, a midfielder after control and passing, and a defender who needs stability and support all want something slightly different underfoot.
• Material: Many pairs use synthetic uppers, which bring durability, breathability and a close feel, while some models use leather uppers instead.
• Comfort: Trying the pair on is the best way to judge comfort. Look for low-profile padding inside and a comfortable insole.

How Should Soccer Cleats Fit?

A soccer cleat should fit snugly without crowding the toes. Keep about a quarter to a half inch of space at the toe, so the toes are not pressed against the end of the shoe. Sizing can vary from one model to the next, so check the Hibbett size chart before you order; Nike's fit guide says most soccer cleats fit true to size. The same rule applies to kids' and youth pairs, and trying them on with game socks shows the real fit.

Key Terms for Soccer Soleplates

• FG (firm ground) - A molded-stud soleplate made for natural grass in normal conditions.
• AG (artificial grass) - Shorter, more numerous circular studs made for artificial grass.
• TF (turf) - A rubber outsole with small studs or bumps for flat artificial turf and hard, dry ground.
• IC (indoor court) - A flat rubber sole with no studs, made for gym floors, futsal and indoor courts.

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