Soccer Cleats: Part 1 of 4 – Overview
Cleats ARE NOT regular shoes!!!!
Why is a Good Cleat Fit Important?
When Should I See a Podiatrist?
Soccer Cleats: Part 2 of 4 – Fit
Soccer Cleats: Part 3 of 4 – Female Fit
Soccer Cleats: Part 4 of 4 – Traction and Studs
Cleats ARE NOT regular shoes!!!!
Cleats are meant for practice and game conditions and really should only be used on the field. We have all seen a youth athletic team go to a restaurant after a weekend game and half the team is wearing their cleats into the restaurant. This is not recommended for several reasons. This is unhealthy for feet as there is no midsole to protect the feet from the pressure points of the studs. When walking on a hard surface, instead of sinking into the grass, the studs are being jammed into the person’s foot. It is also bad for the cleats themselves as walking on hard pavement will wear down and damage the studs. Lastly, it is also bad for the flooring in the restaurant!
Athletes playing cleat sports, such as soccer, should arrive at the field wearing different shoes (sneakers, slides, crocs, etc..), switch to their cleats before going out on the field, and then switch out of their cleats immediately after the end of the game or practice.
Why is a Good Cleat Fit Important?
Choosing the right footwear promotes comfort, safety, and healthy movement; allowing athletes to move naturally, balance well, and play confidently. Conversely poor footgear increases risk of foot pain, repetitive stress, overuse injuries, blisters, and ankle and knee injuries – all of which can shorten a season. Developing bones and joints are more sensitive to repetitive stress than adults.
Enhanced Performance: Soccer cleats that fit well allow players to move more freely. They enable quick changes in direction, sharp turns, and precise ball control. A good fit, snug and not too tight or too loose, ensures the foot is secure within the cleat, providing a stable base for optimal performance.
Injury Prevention: Poorly fitting cleats can lead to blisters, black toes, calluses, and other foot and lower extremity pain. Moreover, shoes that are too tight or too loose may contribute to ankle sprains or other musculoskeletal issues. A proper fit can reduce the risk of injuries which keeps players on the field. Developing bones and joints are more sensitive to repetitive stress than adults.
When Should I See a Podiatrist?
You know your body, and you know when something does not feel right. The big question is, when should you actually get it checked out? You should see a sports foot and ankle specialist and podiatrist for an evaluation if:
• You have had a significant injury.
• It has been a week or two after an injury and it is not calming down or improving, or if it is getting worse. These are clear signs it is time for an evaluation.
• You are dealing with ongoing swelling, limited movement, or pain which is affecting how you walk, run, or play.
• A joint feels unstable, or like it might give out. Do not try to push through it.
• Over the counter inserts or standard custom orthotics are not fitting well, are not comfortable, or are not providing adequate support and protection in the shoe, consider having us manufacture a custom orthotic 3D printed to fit your foot exactly. This service will require 3D modeling of your feet.
• Over the counter inserts or standard custom orthotics are not fitting well in your shoe, consider having us manufacture a custom orthotic 3D printed to fit inside your shoe exactly. This service will require 3D modeling of your feet and leaving the shoe with us during the manufacturing process.
• You would like to have your feet evaluated and discuss preventative care to help you achieve and stay at your goal performance level.
At Chugach Sports Foot and Ankle, we work with athletes and active individuals of all levels who want to return to activity and prevent injury. Schedule an appointment today and let us help get you back in the game!
Soccer Cleats: Part 1 of 4 – Overview
Cleats ARE NOT regular shoes!!!!
Why is a Good Cleat Fit Important?
When Should I See a Podiatrist?
Soccer Cleats: Part 2 of 4 – Fit
Soccer Cleats: Part 3 of 4 – Female Fit
Soccer Cleats: Part 4 of 4 – Traction and Studs
