Which Soccer Cleats Should You Choose : The Ultimate Guide for Every Player
“Which soccer cleats should I choose?” You keep asking yourself this question, right?
As the foundation of a soccer player’s balance and ball control, cleats directly affect your performance and protect the soles of your feet.
The problem ?
There’s an overwhelming variety of cleats available.
When it’s time to choose, you might feel lost — like a kid in a theme park, not knowing where to start.
You know it’s important: you need to make the right choice. Otherwise, you’ll deal with constant slipping, technical mistakes, and even a higher risk of injuries.
Knowing what’s at stake, Looking for Soccer decided to guide you, step-by-step.
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about soccer cleats. You’ll discover the types of cleats on the market, what factors to consider when picking your pair, and how to maintain them.
By the time you finish reading, choosing the perfect cleats will be second nature…
The Different Types of Soccer Cleats on the Market
Which Cleats to Choose: Bladed Cleats
A popular model. Made of plastic or rubber, bladed cleats are wider than traditional molded or screw-in cleats.
The advantage? Better traction, better grip.
They give you greater stability, especially on artificial turf.
However, if you’re playing on a muddy field or in rough weather conditions, you should go for a different type.
Why? Bladed cleats don’t dig into the soil as well, leading to less traction on soft surfaces.
Also, because of their design, they can sometimes be banned in certain leagues (due to the risk of injuring other players).
Which Cleats to Choose: Screw-in Cleats
The trusted go-to for players on soft ground — meaning natural, wet, or muddy grass fields.
Why?
Because screw-in cleats, which vary in length, dig deep into the ground, helping you keep your balance.
Choosing the right length is crucial.
Avoid using screw-in cleats on hard ground. You’ll feel uncomfortable, and worse, you’ll increase your risk of injury.
Also, like bladed cleats, their metal tips can be dangerous for opponents.
Which Cleats to Choose: Molded Cleats
Made of plastic or rubber, molded cleats are permanently attached to the sole. You can’t replace them.
In other words, once they’re worn out, you’ll need to buy a new pair of shoes.
Still, molded cleats are super versatile — lightweight and comfortable.
You can wear them on almost any type of surface.
They’re especially great on hard ground.
On those fields, you’ll feel fully in control — like a fighter pilot in the cockpit.
How to Choose Your Cleats
As you can tell, the type of field and the weather conditions play a huge role in picking your cleats.
Playing on hard ground with clear skies? Molded cleats are your best bet — the top choice for dry fields.
Is it pouring rain? Grab your screw-in cleats for soft, muddy ground.
Playing on artificial turf? Bladed cleats will meet your needs perfectly.
Other important factors include: the cleat design, your playing style, and how the shoes feel when you wear them.
Cleat Material
When it comes to material, you have two main options: real leather and synthetic leather.
Wearing real leather is like riding in a Rolls Royce — unbeatable comfort and amazing ball control.
The downside? Leather is more fragile.
Synthetic cleats, on the other hand, are more durable but offer a slightly different feel.
Your Playing Style and Position
Every position has different needs.
For example, modern forwards often prioritize speed. Lightweight, conical molded cleats are usually the best fit for them.
Defenders deal with more physical contact, so they usually go for tougher cleats — like screw-in or bladed ones.
How the Cleats Feel
This is a major factor. You need to feel completely comfortable in your cleats. Playing 90 minutes in the wrong shoes is like crossing the desert wearing ice skates: pure misery.
How to Take Care of Your Soccer Cleats
For a soccer player, cleats are as essential as a compass is for a navigator.
They give you solid footing, boost your technical skills, and improve your movement and control on the field.
So, take good care of them. Otherwise, you could become the weak link in your team.
That’s not a situation you want: either your coach shows their frustration (and considers benching you), or opponents start targeting you.
To avoid that, here’s a simple five-step cleat care guide:
- After each match, clean your cleats with cold water (use a brush if needed).
- Let your shoes and insoles dry naturally in the open air.
- If you have leather cleats, treat them with a leather care product.
- Check the wear and tear on your cleats regularly.
- Store them in a cool, dry place.
Following these five tips will help your cleats last longer.
But there are two more things to keep in mind:
First, if you play a lot, you might need a second pair.
Second, eventually, buying a new pair will be a must.
There you go. Now you know what to look for when choosing your cleats.
As you can see, it’s not something to take lightly — your performance depends on it.
Just got a new pair? Why not test them out during a soccer camp? If you’re interested, feel free to reach out by contact us and ask your questions !
We hand-pick the best soccer camps for you — in the U.S. and abroad.
