Soccer Shoes Buying Guide
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Soccer is a game where the most important piece of equipment is your footwear. A good pair of cleats, or boots is essential. We will try to help you in better understanding the types of shoes and surfaces they are best matched.

      Firm Ground  
  When referring to soccer shoes, soccer cleats or soccer boots most commonly you would be speaking of firm ground soccer shoes. Firm Ground Soccer Shoes are the most versatile cleat type to be used on natural surfaces. The outsole of a firm ground shoe can also be referred to as a molded bottom, traxion bottom or bladed bottom. These outsole types are generally made of either a  PU (Polyurethane) or TPU (Thermoplastic Urethane). These synthetic materials allow the studs to be comfortable but also penetrate the ground for superior traxion. Again, firm ground soccer shoes are the most versatile stud pattern and the most commonly used soccer shoes.

 

      Hard/Multi Ground  
  Hard ground soccer shoes were created for use on hard surfaces such as clay or artificial turf. Hard ground cleats can be used for many other surfaces and situations. Other surfaces include fields that have received a lot of use, fields that are not well manicured, and areas which the soil under the grass does not allow for a longer stud to penetrate. Hard ground studs are shorter, wider and has more studs on the bottom which provides for even distribution of weight across the outsole. This can help with foot, heel, ankle, knee, or back problems.

 

      Sizing  
  AuthenticSoccer.com has created a way for you to more accurately determine your size. Using your foot measurement in centimeters you can find the corresponding size (i.e. Men, Women, UK) in our sizing chart. All shoes fit differently so the size on the chart will not fit the same as the shoe. Use the chart size and the specific sizing listed for that product to determine your size. Based on this feature and the recommendations below you will be able to find a perfect fit.

Length
Soccer shoes are sized like any other shoe, but most soccer shoes a designed to fit tighter then regular sneakers. It is recommended that you use your standard shoe size as a starting point to determine size. Soccer boots are made of materials to ensure proper ball feel. To obtain this soccer shoes should fit "snug." Your soccer boot should fit as close to the end of your foot as possible without touching your toes for performance and comfort. A 1/8 to 1/4 inch gap is ideal for synthetic shoes and a bit closer for leather shoes. As a basic rule of thumb, every 1/2 size will yield about 0.5cm of length. Remember, you do everything with your feet so you do not want anything to get in the way of your ability.

Width
Width is always an area of concern due to soccer cleats more narrow design. Your soccer shoes should fit the foot snugly and your foot should not slide around inside the shoe during play. Soccer shoes do not come in multiple widths but there are models that are more wide than others. Each product page will help you determine in the approximate width of the shoe. Also, leather shoes will stretch to accommodate the width of your foot.

Material
Material of the shoe can completely change the way a shoe feels on your foot. All leathers will generally stretch after a few uses, kangaroo, calf, and full grain leathers are the most common.. High-quality shoes will actually mold to the shape of your foot therefore you will want these to fit snugly in width when they are new, out of the box.

Proper Fit
When you receive your new soccer boots, try them on indoors to check for correct fit. Your shoes should fit snugly without discomfort or pressure points. Your toes should reach all the way to the front of the shoe, but should not touch against the end. Again. Look for a gap or 1/4 to 1/2 inch. If a player is still growing, we recommend buying soccer shoes a little large and filling in the excess space by wearing an additional pair of socks.