You're reading

Soccer Cleats : Everything You Need to Know Before Buying

‱

6 minutes reading

Soccer Cleats : Everything You Need to Know Before Buying

6 minutes reading

By Sports Experts - May 7 2025

Share on :

Want to play soccer all summer long? Before you step onto the field, make sure you've got the right cleats on your feet. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, this guide will help you find the right model to match your needs.

1. Choose your soccer cleats based on the field

To start your soccer cleats shopping off to a good start, answer the question: what type of field do you play on? Inappropriate soles can lead to discomfort and injuries. Each model has an abbreviation that indicates the type of field. These letters will help you identify the models suitable for your practice.

MG (Multi Ground)

Dry natural fields and synthetic fields

adidas Goletto IX FG/MG

FG (Firm Ground)

Dry natural grass and newer synthetic grass

Nike Mercurial Superfly 10 Pro

SG (Soft Ground)

Soft, muddy, or wet fields

adidas Copa Mundial

AG (Artificial Ground)

Synthetic grass

adidas F50 Club FG/MG

TF (Turf)

Hard and synthetic surfaces

New Balance 442 v2 Team TF (2E)

IC (Indoor Court/Futsal)

Smooth interior floors or surfaces

adidas Predator Club In Sala

Did you know?

MG (multi-ground) shoes offer optimal versatility thanks to a hybrid stud arrangement. They are perfectly suited for players who alternate between different field without having to change shoes each time.
The futsal cleats, or indoor soccer shoes, are designed without studs to provide optimal grip on smooth surfaces like gymnasiums or wooden floors.

Furthermore, the type of field influences the layout and design of the studs. That's why it is important to thoroughly understand the particularities of the studs before making your choice.

Two types of studs

Types of studs Advantages
Conical (round) Better stability: they allow easier pivoting, which is ideal for players who often change direction.
Chevron Improve acceleration: they provide better grip on the field, allowing for more explosive starts.
Why shouldn't you use football cleats to play soccer?

Since these are two completely different sports, the players' needs are different. Indeed, in football, physical interactions predominate. That is why the studs are more aggressive and longer for extra grip. On the contrary, in soccer, the studs are more numerous and shorter. These are presented in conical (round) or chevron shapes to promote stability and fluidity in movement. In addition, soccer shoes are also lighter than football shoes. Also, soccer shoes are very versatile and are also suitable for other sports like frisbee, spikeball, or casual football games.

2. High-top vs Low-top: Which model to choose?

The choice between a high-top or low-top design depends on your needs for support, agility, and playing style. Use the comparison chart below to understand the differences.

Differences between high-top and low-top

Designs Specifications Advantages
High top Higher cut covering the ankle
  • Optimal ankle support
  • Greater stability
  • Adjustment near the foot for optimal sensations
Low top Low cut below the ankle, lighter feel
  • Greater freedom of movement
  • Better agility
  • Lighter shoe

3. The different styles of soccer shoes

Each style of shoe is designed to fit a specific player type.

Traditional style: for comfort and precise ball touch

Nike Tiempo

adidas Copa

adidas Goletto IX

Lotto Ultra Press

Fast style: for lightness and explosiveness

Nike Mercurial

adidas F50

Puma Ultra

Lotto Pure Speed

Technical style: for better ball control

Nike Phantom

adidas Predator

Puma Future

Lotto Blitz

Did you know?

Some technical shoes, like Puma's Future 8 model, fit the foot perfectly with their lightweight synthetic material, enhancing ball feel for better control.

Expert advice

Forwards often prefer lightweight and speed styles, while midfielders frequently opt for technical shoes. However, this is not a general rule, and the choice of model depends on the desired sensation.

4. Which material should you prioritize for your soccer cleats?

Two options are offered to you: leather and synthetic.

Leather shoes are highly sought after for their durability and natural comfort. With proper maintenance, they can last several years, sometimes up to 10 years. The flexibility of the leather gradually molds to the shape of your foot, providing an authentic feel and excellent ball control.

On the other hand, synthetic models stand out for their lightweight and affordable price. Less difficult to maintain, they are ideal for synthetic fields and players looking for speed and responsiveness.

You're not sure which one to choose? Consider how often you play, the type of surface, and your comfort.

5. How to choose the right size of soccer shoes?

Most of the time, the size of your soccer shoes is the same as your usual size, but that's not all. Here are a few things to consider during your fitting session:

Choose well-fitted shoes that are not too tight. Your heel should stay firmly in place, without slipping. The shoe should not be tight enough to cut off circulation.

Leave a small space at the front. The slight space between your big toe and the end of the shoe prevents repetitive friction, which is responsible for the formation of blisters.

Try them on with your shin guards in case you wear an ankle protector. Shin guards and ankle protection exert slight pressure on the lower calf, which can influence how the shoe fits around the ankle.

In-store or online, our team of experts is here to help you make the right choice!

6. How do women's soccer shoes differ from others?

Women's soccer shoes are not just a smaller version of men's shoes. They are designed on a specific mold that reflects the female morphology: a higher arch, a wider toe area, and a narrower heel.

The layout of the studs also differs: it is adapted to the movements and supports specific to the female body for optimal grip and less pressure on the joints.

In summary, choosing a women's model provides greater comfort and lowers the risk of injury.

Discover the new women's models from Nike, Puma, and adidas that blend performance and style. The adidas F50 League Mid FG/MG model stands out by its insole specifically designed for women, offering increased stability of movements within the shoe and optimal arch support. Do you want to improve ball control? It's the Nike Phantom Luna II Academy FG/MG model you need! Designed for women, the NikeSkin coating covers the enlarged strike zone for clean and precise strikes. Furthermore, the Puma Future 8 Play FG/AG shoes feature a sole equipped with SpeedSystem technology that provides optimal grip on outdoor and artificial fields.

7. Price ranges: What budget should be planned for an adult?

Price ranges Indicative prices Characteristics
Entry-Level $50-100 Affordable, basic, appropriate comfort for little use
Mid-Range $100-200 Good balance between comfort, durability, and performance
High-End $200 and more Superior materials, advanced technologies, lightweight
Expert advice

A regular player will benefit from investing in a quality shoe to avoid injuries and certain discomforts.

8. How to choose soccer shoes for children

Choosing soccer shoes for children requires special attention to ensure comfort, safety, and durability throughout the season! Here are a few things not to forget:

Trying it on with the soccer equipment.
The child must wear their soccer socks and shin guards during the fitting to accurately simulate real game conditions.

Firm but comfortable fit.
The shoe should fit the foot well without pressure points. A slight space (about half an inch) between the big toe and the end of the shoe is recommended to avoid blisters while leaving a little room for growth.

Test the movements.
Have your child walk, jump, and run in the store. He should not feel his foot sliding inside nor experience discomfort at the back of the heel.

Check the flexibility of the sole.
a sole that is too rigid is going to restrict the natural movements of the foot. A good children's shoe should bend easily at the front, where the toes flex.

Encourage lightness.
Lightweight shoes allow children to move with more ease and endurance.

Include the child in the choice.
Aesthetics matter too! If the child likes their shoes, they will be more motivated to play and take care of them.

Expert advice

Even though children change size quickly, you should NEVER buy shoes that are too big with the intention of keeping them longer. This harms the development of posture and increases the risk of falls or injuries.

9. Soccer shoes care : Tips to extend their lifespan

After each game, clean your shoes with a cloth to remove mud and dirt. Never put your soccer shoes in the washing machine, as it could damage them. Let them air dry and avoid heat sources, especially if your shoes are made of leather. When you leave the field, remember to change your shoes to preserve the studs. After each use, you can air them out to prevent bad odors.

Choosing the right pair of soccer shoes will allow you to play with satisfaction all season long.

Whether you are a beginner or experienced player, Sports Experts is the perfect place to find shoes that suit your needs.

Discover our extensive inventory of soccer shoes suitable for everyone. Do you need soccer balls, shin guards, or soccer clothing? Hover over all our soccer equipment!

Partnerships

Depuis prĂšs de 10 ans, Sports Experts est fier partenaire de Soccer QuĂ©bec, la fĂ©dĂ©ration sportive qui encadre la pratique du soccer au QuĂ©bec. C’est l’une des 13 fĂ©dĂ©rations provinciales et territoriales membres de l’Association canadienne de soccer, affiliĂ©e Ă  la FIFA.

Chez Sports Experts, notre mission depuis les bientĂŽt 60 ans est d’accompagner les passionnĂ©s de sports dans leurs aventures sportives. En s’engageant auprĂšs de partenaires comme Soccer QuĂ©bec, nous encourageons les jeunes Ă  dĂ©couvrir le plaisir de bouger et de se rĂ©aliser tout en favorisant l'Ă©volution d’athlĂštes de haut niveau.

Sports Experts est prĂ©sentateur de la Coupe du QuĂ©bec, une compĂ©tition qui regroupe des Ă©quipes de diffĂ©rentes catĂ©gories et d’un peu partout Ă  travers la province. L’édition 2025 a dĂ©butĂ© le 18 mai dernier et la finale se tiendra Ă  Bois-de-Boulogne, Laval, les 6 et 7 septembre.