| Soccer is the world's most popular game | | | | also makes them the ideal entry level |
| for many reasons. Aside from the fun and | | | | shoe for most players. |
| competition it provides, soccer's appeal | | | | Detachable cleats are the preferred |
| also stems from the fact that only a | | | | choice of advanced and highly skilled |
| single piece of equipment is needed in | | | | players. The cleats are studs on the |
| order to play, and that is the soccer | | | | bottom of the shoe and they can be |
| ball. However, if you want to be serious | | | | unscrewed and removed quite easily. This |
| about the game, and you want to maximize | | | | allows the player to not only replace |
| your potential as well as protect your | | | | cleats that have become worn over time, |
| ever-important feet, then it is | | | | but more importantly, the player can |
| imperative that you invest in a pair of | | | | tailor their shoes to perform best on |
| quality soccer cleats that will suit | | | | different kinds of playing surfaces and |
| your skills and abilities. | | | | in different conditions. By changing the |
| In fact, most youth soccer programs and | | | | length and type of cleat they use, a |
| organized leagues require that | | | | player can use the same shoe to play on |
| appropriate soccer cleats be purchased | | | | firm turf or soft grass, dry and fast or |
| before you will be allowed to compete. | | | | wet and soggy. It is this versatility |
| In order to purchase the appropriate | | | | that makes detachable soccer cleats a |
| soccer cleats you must make an | | | | must-have shoe for the serious player. |
| assessment of both your needs and means. | | | | Rounding out the types in soccer |
| There are really three variables in play | | | | footwear are indoor shoes and turf |
| when making a decision on soccer cleats: | | | | shoes, however, neither of these shoes |
| your skill level, the surface on which | | | | are truly cleats in the literal sense. |
| you will be playing, and the amount of | | | | Lacking the peg-like cleats of the |
| money you are willing to spend. Those | | | | molded and detachable models, these |
| factors will help you narrow the field | | | | soccer shoes are more like sneakers in |
| of choices, allowing you to make a | | | | appearance and are designed for indoor |
| purchase that will suit your needs. | | | | surfaces, or outdoor Astroturf. |
| There are four basic types of soccer | | | | When you are ready to purchase your |
| cleats: molded cleats, detachable | | | | soccer cleats make sure to have your |
| cleats, turf shoes, and indoor shoes. | | | | foot properly measured in order to give |
| Molded cleats are the most basic and | | | | you the best possible fit. Remember that |
| inexpensive kind of soccer shoe, so they | | | | the materials used to construct the boot |
| are an ideal choice for beginning and | | | | portion of the shoe are important and |
| intermediately skilled players. Molded | | | | factors greatly into the price. Real |
| cleats get their name from the fact that | | | | leather is expensive and comfortable, |
| the cleats themselves are part of the | | | | but can be easily damaged and becomes |
| sole of the shoe, i.e. they are molded | | | | heavy when playing in wet conditions. |
| as one piece. The actual cleat is built | | | | Synthetic leather is less expensive and |
| in a size and shape that will allow it | | | | less durable, but it is the preferred |
| to perform well on nearly any kind of | | | | material if you are playing on wet |
| outdoor playing surface. The cleats | | | | fields. No matter what you choose the |
| cannot be removed, and when they wear | | | | important thing is that you are arming |
| out the entire shoe must be replaced. | | | | yourself with footwear that will allow |
| However, the low initial cost of molded | | | | you to enjoy your time playing soccer to |
| cleats makes them easy to replace, and | | | | the fullest. |