As indoor season fast approaches you are faced with the big decision of what type of boot you should be wearing. There are two main deciding factors when choosing a soccer boot. First off, what type of field will you be playing on and what type of boot does my facility allow? Secondly, how much touch will my boot be seeing during games?
Firm Ground
The first type of boot you can choose is your typical firm ground cleat. This means that the out sole or bottom of the boot is made of molded studs, typically circular or bladed, that are designed to give the player maximum traction on most natural firm pitches. They are the most widely used boot and are not always allowed on artificial fields so make sure to check with the facility you will be playing at.
Indoor
These boots are widely versatile. They can be worn for play on gym floors or dry artificial fields as well as worn as everyday shoes. They feature a flat, non-marking rubber bottom to give the player a little extra grip on flat surfaces. These shoes are great for small sided futsal games.
Turf
Turf boots are often used for indoor and outdoor play. They work great on firm natural or artificial surfaces. They're out sole features durable rubber studs that are strategically placed to offer the best traction for players. They work great as indoor shoes as well as a back up pair to your outdoor boots.
After you figure out what kind of out sole you need its time to start thinking about how much touch you will need on the ball. The upper of a boot can make a huge difference in your quality of play. The upper is the part of the boot that will be making the most contact with the ball. Uppers are usually made of real leather or synthetic leather. Both provide a different touch and feel to your game. Also, many boots are treated with certain chemicals or coatings to ensure proper friction between your foot and the ball as well as provide the ability to control where the ball is placed.
The first big question to ask yourself is leather or synthetic?
Leather
Leather boots can come in two types of leather. When deciding on which type keep in mind that soft leather provides the best touch but will not last the longest. Also, most soft, natural leathers absorb water when playing on a moist pitch which in turn can effect your game.
The softest, most expensive and most widely sought after leather for a soccer boot is Kangaroo leather. Kangaroo leather will stretch and mold to your foot better than any of the other options. It will also provide you with the best touch and fit. However, because they are so light and soft, they do not last as long as other boots and cost a lot more.
Calf skin and full grain leather boots fall in second behind Kangaroo. Calf skinned boots typically last longer due to that fact that they are a bit heavier which allows them to with stand more. They usually cost about mid-range and unfortunately will not stretch much to accommodate your feet.
Synthetic
Synthetic soccer boots are all made a little bit differently. They tend to weigh less than their leather competitors and will usually last a bit longer, but it comes at a price. Because synthetic shoes are meant to be lighter on your feet, they tend to be stiff and take longer to break in. Synthetic boots do not always offer the best touch, especially in rainy games. Synthetic boots, like leather boots, come in different price installments. The most expensive synthetic boot will be the lightest and thinnest, where as the least expensive will be a little heavier and seemingly harder to break in, sometimes causing discomfort.
It is a big decision when choosing a new boot for indoor and outdoor season. The best way to choose is to try on different styles and types to see which one fits your foot the best. Keep in mind that all brands and styles will feel differently because each boot is designed with a purpose in mind, whether it is for touch, speed, accuracy or defence.
