How to Find the Perfect Pair of Soccer Cleats

Though buying soccer cleats nowadays may set you back the cost of a TV the revolutionary shoe technology shoe companies are employing is simply astounding.

From Puma v.106 uppers that look like actual grass clippings to the Adidas TUNIT system in which one can actually design their own shoe starting with the studs, outsole, insole and ending with the upper itself as well as the lightweight Nike Mercurial, purchasing the right cleat is not only a Herculean task but also one rife with peril. I know this firsthand since I purchased some cleats from an Italian manufacturer about 10 years ago (rhymes with Pantera) thinking they were "it."
Two days later during a game I took a corner kick and instead of taking the kick the heel of the cleat blew out, I tore some ligaments in my right ankle, and yet the ball remained.

So before you go here are some helpful hints to buying your soccer cleats. May your journey be more fruitful and less painful than mine and may you score goals aplenty.

THE BIG NAMES
Adidas
JUST TUNIT
The German shoemaker's TUNIT system is getting the same hoopla that came with the advent of the Reebok PUMP OR Nike Air, though the TUNIT is for soccer players. Adidas wants you to design the boot of your dreams. And to help out they are going as far as allowing consumers to create it from scratch. You can mix and match different components of the shoe, such as the upper, chassis, sole and cleats. For example the uppers come in five different colors in the Start Set, but when you get to the special World Cup line you're looking at about 40 different uppers. Confused yet?

For those more interested in getting on the field as opposed to just getting what they wanted, the F50.6 TUNIT Start set comes with everything you need, including upper, the Comfort Chassis, stud set and replaceable soft ground studs for about $170.
If you're going for the ultimate personal shoe experience, the F50.6 TUNIT standard upper is the place to start ($80) and comes in six color variations. For another $60 you will need the purchase the Comfort Chassis, or the sole of the shoe. There are three different types of chassis, the Comfort; the Lightweight/ClimaCool and the Orthotic, the latter of which is for players with foot problems. The F50.6 Stud Set will run you about $15 and there are also three different sets from which you can choose. If you want to replace your studs, you'll need the F50.6 TUNIT Stud Key ($5) to make you feel as though you are dealing with a computer company known for monopolizing.

But we're not done with the TUNIT system. Just when you thought you had heard it all, you were wrong. There is currently on the market a Limited Edition F50.6 TUNIT Premium ClimaCool set ($350), which includes three standard uppers, two chassis and three sets of studs.

And then there are the 2006 World Cup uppers. You can take your chassis, studs and add on the upper of any of 32 participating World Cup nations, all personalized and all in Limited Edition. ($80 per nation) I was a bit disappointed that some countries don't actually have unique information on their upper, including several African nations (probably due to their participation with Puma during Germany'06) but it was nice to see all 32 represented and I'll probably buy some, just to say I could wear Trinidad and Tobago or the best looking upper of all, Argentina.

FLY IN YOUR F50S
For those who just want to play and forget about the TUNIT, there are the F50.6 series that have the same design yet don't cost you any more than $80 on the high end. And the Predator series is back yet again, with the upper echelon boots costing about $200. The series brags it can actually cause the ball to swerve when hit and can maximize control. This is true but I would recommend the more advanced players to purchase this series. As a youth soccer coach I would never recommend asking children to buy these. The Predator series go anywhere from $35 for juniors past $200 for the serious player, the low end called the Absolado. Predators also are different from the TUNIT in that they all feature molded studs.

BACK TO THE 70S
Another new series is one the Germans borrowed from the old, more specifically 1974, the last time the Cup was held on German soil. The 7406 series is lots less than either the high-end TUNIT or Predator series, however, they look strikingly similar to the Telstar, a brand made popular overseas in the 1970s. These shoes are also made from calfskin, which is why I wouldn't recommend these for anything more than a novice to intermediate player. Calfskin does not conform to your foot, though it will keep longer than a kangaroo leather boot. And for the stubborn player like myself, Adidas still makes the Copa Mundial series, a good kangaroo leather shoe with molded studs that conforms to your foot while giving your play the most. (In three styles, $90) It probably doesn't hurt that I was born in the 70s, either. For others who play a lot on tall grass surfaces, there is the World Cup ($125), which features replaceable studs.

Nike
NIKE SUPREMACY
With a name like Zoom Total 90 Supremacy FG, the Oregon-based shoemaker has again attempted to create the lightest shoe on the planet. For about $175, you too can move your feet around in microfiber uppers with laces just slightly off-center. It also comes with a heel counter on the outside of the shoe, which is designed for stabilizing the foot and another stabilizer inside the upper. Nike's signature Zoom Air unit for cushioning is also present in the heel. On the sole a plate designed for firm, natural surfaces does the trick-if you want to play on the hard ground. Again, though, Nike has not found a way to put studs on a firm-ground sole that are replaceable. On the upside, you can wear your country's stickers on your shoe for just $5! Comes in three colors, black/metallic gold, white/black/red and royal/white/silver.

HITTING THE MERCURIAL
The other signature shoe is the afore-mentioned Mercurial, the definitive show closer. If you watched the World Cup, it was likely that two-thirds of the players were wearing the Mercurial Vapor II FG. Designed from the same microfiber upper as the Zoom Total 90, the Vapor II FG runs you about $200 but there seem to be few complaints from players who wear the shoe. About half of my kids on my youth team wear Mercurials and for juniors the price is about half the adult retail. The kids say it leads to less strain on the ankle and heel areas of the foot and their power on the ball seems to be distributed evenly. The cleats are direct injected, however, meaning when the studs are gone, it's time to buy new shoes. For those who need the same help on soft ground, there is the Mercurial Vapor II SG. And for those looking to be fashion plates, may we suggest the Mercurial Vapor 365, created from synthetic upper as opposed to the lightweight microfiber but a fine looking shoe for club hopping, according to my players. ($75)

FOR BARGAIN HUNTERS
For about $100 less, the Zoom Total 90 series may be for you. While you can still slap your country's stickers on the shoes you don't have to fork out hundreds to do it. The Supreme FG ($85) comes with the same lightweight microfiber upper as the more expensive shoes, however, it does not come with two heel supports. But for a novice player this is a good boot. With Nike's Zoom Air, conical studs and spinal structural bars. In the $50 range the Total 90 series has a new line called the Shift, in four variations. They have synthetic uppers and the same off-center lacing system. There is also the Supreme TF for artificial turf surfaces at a similar price and the Junior Zoom for kids at about $75. For slightly less there are the Tiempo, ranging from four styles and various colors though steady at $60.

Puma
ROARING BACK IN A BIG WAY
The other German shoemaker has made a comeback in a huge and rather austere way. Known primarily for its King series, they have come up with several different new lines. The first is the v-Konstrukt line, made with kangaroo leather upper and direct-injected studs in the sole of the boot. They run anywhere from $50 for the lower end v-Kon series, hit about $100 for the v-Kat and get as high as $185 if you want the kangaroo upper and DuoCELL technology in the heel of the boot. The second line is called the v series, which are v1.06, v3.06 or v5.06. The most expensive of the trio is the v1.06, which have leatherlike uppers (they are made actually with Schoeller Contec, a fiber) and come fleece padded as well as with DuoCELL technology. Because they are not leather uppers, they also can come designed like grass (yes the uppers actually look like grass clippings). That really puts the emphasis on experience, which seems to be a running theme for soccer cleat manufacturers nowadays. No word yet on whether Puma will outdo itself with the Dirt line, in which the uppers actually look like dirt. The other plus to this shoe is that there is side-integrated lacing. ($180, $90 for training shoes)

The v.306 line is v.106's cousin, also with synthetic leather, though there is no grass upper option for the consumer. For use on firm ground or turf. ($80 firm ground, $65 turf) The v.506 line is the cheaper option of the three with the nuances of the v.306 at a lower price. It features a polyurethane outer coating and molded studs. ($35)

The other German shoemaker even got Pele to put his name on a series, with one of the more expensive shoes to come out in quite a while from Puma (the Pele King, $225, featuring imported kangaroo leather and microfiber ankle support, in gold/black). There is also a street series for those enthusiasts for about $65. Then there is the King series, still tops in the line though the v series is catching up. The price of Kings hasn't varied much in years (still about $125, though cheaper for turf studs and half that for junior players) and has the kangaroo leather upper and ground control chassis in various styles and colors.

The Cellerator series has also been around for a long time (about $150) and features kangaroo leather uppers on the high end and microfiber uppers for $80. The studs are direct injected and are used primarily for firm ground. Finally for those on a budget there is the Vencida series, which come in any style or for any playing surface and are probably the most versatile Puma boot on the market at the moment. They also are inexpensive (about $55) so though they are full-grain leather you can get them in royal blue, red or any other color you desire.

SECOND STRING
Diadora
Once upon a time this Italian shoe company was a big name here and abroad. Now their brand is primarily on Italian clubs like Roma and second-tier European sides, but the quality of a Diadora boot remains. Francesco Totti endorses their newest boot, the Maximus RTX 14. For those unfamiliar, the Italian superstar forward helped them to the 2006 World Cup title and his boot is the typical waterproof kangaroo leather upper Diadora is known for (in white or blue). While the RTX 14 is similar to Puma with its covered lacing system, there are other telltale signs this is a Diadora boot, particularly when it comes to comfort. The double inserts and spring studs are other signs that this shoe can handle firm ground. The Maximus also come in styles for turf and indoor surfaces, though the upper is different (microfiber instead of kangaroo leather, a lower price of $55). They also have Maximus running shoes made from full-grain leather upper ($95) as well as a lower-priced version of the $200 shoe, the Maximus M RTX 14, made from microfiber upper though it has less in terms of comfort. For about $55 there is the Maximus SU again made from microfiber upper and has the lacing system exposed. For juniors there is the RTX 14 JR with features similar to the Maximus M.

For those who prefer the old way, the Brasil Elite series comes in several different colors (Navy/Silver, Black/Red for the RTX 12 boot, or Black/White and White/Royal in the MD PU shoe) and run about $115. Both shoes are kangaroo leather upper with Cambrelle lining to prevent too much stretching in the boot. Molded studs are also present in both models.

Hummel
With top-class boots made from high-quality Pittards leather, the European company has slowly climbed the arduous ladder of shoemakers. Its top shoe, the 8.2 Concept FG is for advanced players at $200, but is both a simple shoe engineered for comfort with its light leather/microfiber combination for its upper and an asymmetrical lacing system. It is also designed for play on firm ground. In green/white or white/silver/dark silver. Another boot, the Villa Platinum FG also rings in at $200 but again has the Pittards leather upper and a simple lightweight design.

For less adventurous players may we suggest the 8.2 Premier FG made from synthetic leather but with the same sockliner, lacing system and comfort as its more expensive 8.2 counterpart. ($80) For $175 you can get the 6.2 Concept FG in microfiber upper and in gold, of all colors. It has the same sockliner as the more expensive 8.2 series and like the $119 4.2 Concept FG, is made for use on firm ground only.

Lotto
The Italian shoemaker and apparel giant also chose the biggest stage on Earth to unveil its newest line, the Zhero Gravity. Billed as the only laceless shoe, it is also one the most expensive boots on the planet ($325). Though it may well lay claim to having total contact with the foot as it is wrapped like a glove and patent-protected, the price will likely scare away all but the most savvy and serious consumer. While it is similar to the Nike Mercurial with its microfiber upper, it differs with its interchangeable insoles and four replaceable studs (seven studs on the boot are not replaceable, however). Billed as a shoe that can adapt to your game, the Zhero Gravity seems to have that part covered.

For $150 you can fit yourself into the Plus and Flash boots in the Zhero series, which feature the same microfiber upper as the Zhero Gravity but have a lacing system. The newest version of the Zhero is the Leggenda, which are kangaroo leather uppers with molded studs designed to play on firm, natural ground. For about $50 there is the Zhero Flash which have synthetic leather uppers and molded studs.

Kelme
The Spanish soccer company is huge in their monarchy, however, its popularity has yet to reach to the U.S. No matter; their newest boot, the Kelme Master Infinito comes with kangaroo leather upper and a lacing system that looks similar to the Adidas Predator series, albeit with a different name. They call it Contact-Grip and though the design is probably more subtle than the outlandish Adidas compadre, you can't help but notice the similarities. The other difference is that the shoe claims to improve directional passing. The boot also features a Flot system and poron inserts for playing in comfort. Its use is for firm, natural surfaces. For $160; in four colors.

The other Kelme boot of note is the Trueno M, which gives you the feel of kangaroo leather on your feet without the bells and whistles of the Master Infinito. In fact I would say this boot is probably closer to the Puma King and like the King comes in three different colors, including royal blue. The only thing to remember when you put on a kangaroo leather boot is that the shelf life is less than a microfiber shoe. Use on hard ground only. $100 And finally we come to the Godfather of Kelme shoes, The Don. With a black-red nappa leather upper, the boot is a reasonably priced option at $55 and in three styles can be used on either hard ground, turf, or indoors.

Reebok
No shoe discussion can be complete without first talking about the England shoemaker and apparel giant. With its name on countless sports teams and even stadiums, Reebok is a bit below its lofty naming rights in terms of boots. But the Strikezone Pro FG is a boot that looks good. Two of its versions are microfiber (white and silver) while the black is all kangaroo. All three shoes have a hidden lacing system (behind the tongue) for enhanced touch on the ball. The upper seems to give the player more room to play the ball as there are fewer layers of leather. It also claims to give the player a sock-like feel and the boot is for firm ground only. $120, in three colors. Another less expensive version of the shoe is the Pro Rage and Prime Rage series, both of which feature similar traits to the Strikezone though in the case of the Prime Rage the feel is all synthetic. All three boots claim to give the player an increased playing surface on the foot, however. An older but nonetheless popular version of a Reebok boot is the Total Control series, which is one of only a select few boots to carry a team logo. The Chivas series (named after Mexican club CD Chivas Guadalajara) is on the feet of about one-third of my players. The other notable difference in the boot is that it has a kangaroo leather upper and its price is about $70. It's also for firm ground only.

Umbro
The other English shoemaker has a steady reputation on the other side of the Atlantic for both footwear and apparel and its signature boot is no exception. Made known when England star Michael Owen first endorsed the line the X series, or namely its X Boot II KTK FG features soft ceramic kangaroo leather on its upper and uses a fold-over tongue to mask its side lacing system along with Velcro fasteners to hold the tongue in place while playing. Among the more attractive boots in the whole arsenal of soccer cleats, the X also claims to have temperature control. This much is known; it's a fine-looking boot though its price is high. Its for firm ground only. $200. In three colors. Its cheaper cousin, the X300 KTK FG has a microfiber upper though it has less of the features than its more expensive counterpart. $90, in three colors. And the X500 KTK FG is synthetic leather through and through with and even cheaper price tag at $45.

Summary
Whether or not you choose a boot for its soft, supple feel, such as kangaroo leather will do or you just want the light, compact distribution of a microfiber upper, the choice you make in purchasing your soccer cleats is one that will stay with you for a long time (well, about one year if you're buying cleats in the kangaroo variety). Through your research and your preference it's hoped this guide will steer your playing tastes in the proper direction and provide you with some options. With more than 10 companies and hundreds of soccer cleats, the choice you make is vital to your success on the field. If you can't make the choice, let a salesperson help.