Soccer Cleats - To Stud Or Not To Stud

Soccer boots, only correctly called cleats when theycertain they are fully prepared for the additional
have the ground gripping teeth on the bottom of themaintenance these boots will typically require. The
shoe, have always been fodder for debate, amongsimple cleaning of them is much the same as other
those who believe the screw in stud to be better thanmolded boots, however, the screw in studs, or cleats,
the molded teeth for traction or reliability. Many of theis where the care of these soccer boots makes a real
modern changes to soccer boots has come moredifference in the performance they will afford the
from concerned parents, demanding the safestplayer.
footwear for their young players, than it has fromThe studs are available in plastic or metal, and it may
professional players, as might be believed.be wise to determine which is allowed on your field,
There are basically three different types of soccerparticularly if it is for youth play, prior to making your
boots available, those being molded cleats, screw inchoice. It is possible that the sanctioning body at your
studs, and these called 'astros' which are designedplaying fields may not allow screw in studs at all.
especially for use on astro turf. A good molded cleat isAfter you have made the decision to purchase soccer
probably the best beginner boot, if play is to be oncleats with screw in studs, and have determined that
grass. They are easy to care for, and hitting themthe playing fields in your area do allow them, go to a
against each other or a wall will knock off mostsporting goods store that knows soccer, and has
muddy, grassy build-up. Other than that, a rinse withsales associates who will take the time to ensure your
warm water, and allowing them to thoroughly dryplayer gets a good, snug fit. This would be true even in
before wearing again will provide for about all the carethe molded cleats, of course. Make certain the studs
these durable cleats will need.are screwed in tightly, and always carry extra studs in
If finances allow, it is wise to have two pairs of thesethe soccer bag.
soccer cleats for your young player, to insure one isInspecting the studs as the cleats are cleaned and put
thoroughly dry before re-wearing it. In the case ofaway after a match will prove wise, and help prevent
tournaments, where 3 or more games are played in aa lost stud during a game. Never continue to play with
singe weekend, it is a great relief for those harda missing stud, it is harmful to the overall stability of the
working feet to have fresh boots to put on. It is wiseplayer, and can easily distort the hole so a new stud
to note here that soccer slides, or sandals, are a verymay not fit properly when replacing it is finally
important item in the soccer bag. If the cleats are wornattempted. At first break in the game, replace the
on hard surfaces for any length, the cleats will wear ormissing stud.
break off much quicker than normal field use wouldAstros are easy to care for, and can be used on
cause.grassy or hard surfaces. Basic cleaning is similar to the
When your player is ready to try screw in studs makemolded cleats.