3 Step Buyer’s Guide to Buying New Soccer Shoes this 2021
Are your soccer cleats worn out or did the slide tackle rip apart? Did you outgrow your favorite pair of soccer cleats? Is it time for you to buy a new pair of soccer shoes? If so, then do not rush it! This time around, take some time to do some research and invest just a little more to buy the new pair of shoes that will accompany you during your practice and game season.
Investing the right amount and picking out the right shoes will increase your performance and the shoes will last a little longer than your current pair. So, before you order the new pair of soccer shoes, know your fit! What do your feet look like? Is the arch high or is it flat? Is your foot spread wide or narrow? Do you know one of your feet is a little larger than the other?
So, go for the size that fits the larger foot! To make it a little easier for you, we made a three-step guide to help you buy a new pair of soccer shoes this 2021.
Step 1: Pick the Right Cleat
There are two main types of cleats: molded and detachable. Each of them has its share of pros and cons. If your budget is limited, go for molded shoes as they are inexpensive, need less maintenance, and are specially designed for a specific playing surface type. The studs are usually made of rubber, hard plastic, or metal and the only downside is that they are not as versatile and when the molded studs wear down, you will need to buy a new pair of shoes.
But in the case of detachable studs, you don’t need to buy a new pair as replacing the studs will be more than enough. Additionally, you can change the length of the studs or replace them whenever you need to make them more versatile, and hence, they are costlier than the molded ones.
Step 2: Choose the Right Upper
There are three types of upper – low, mid, and high with the low-cut uppers tailored for agility and speed while the high cuts are designed for support and stability and the mid-cuts are for all-around players providing support for speed.
If you are a player who relies on speedy movements, you need low-cut shoes that won’t restrict your movements and are lightweight. Mid cuts like Nike mercurial superfly 6 elite FG are perfect for wingers, midfielders, and forwards as they offer needed support without restricting movements while the high cuts are the best for goalkeepers as they provide full support, stability and protection.
Step 3: Get the Right Fit
Always prioritize comfort over fashion! Shoes that are right for your teammate who is a goalkeeper won’t be right for you if you are a winger as you need shoes that can keep up with your speed and agility. Make sure that the shoe size is a finger’s width bigger and try running, stretching, and jumping when trying out shoes.
Pro Tip: If your budget is tight, once you have decided which shoes to buy, order them online as you will find them on sale on the internet.