Soccer Cleats: Part 1 of 4 – Overview
Soccer Cleats: Part 2 of 4 – Fit
Soccer Cleats: Part 3 of 4 – Female Fit
Soccer Cleats: Part 4 of 4 – Traction and Studs
          Traction
          Studs
          When Should I See a Podiatrist?

Traction

The purpose of cleats is to offer traction when on soft surfaces such as grass, mud, or field turf and to enhance athletic performance in those conditions.  The cleats or protrusions on the bottom of the shoe are also be called studs.  Studs come in different shapes, sizes, materials, patterns, and types.  They will vary based not just on the sport but also the surface it is played on, and the position being played.  The right combination of surface and cleat type can improve performance in field sports. 

Soccer cleats are the most versatile of sport cleats. Soccer cleats do not have, and are not allowed to have, a stud/spike at the center of the toe. Among other differences, such as ankle support and upper construction, American football, baseball, and lacrosse cleats typically have a toe cleat and can NOT be worn in soccer. They are against the rules. You may get away with using soccer cleats in other sports such as rugby if the cleats are round, American football, flag football, baseball, softball, and lacrosse. People will sometimes wear soccer cleats during other sports based on the position being played, if they are in a bind, or for financial reasons. BUT soccer cleats are NOT ideal for all sports!!

Improper cleat selection can result in “stick and twist” (also known as rotational traction) injuries. These include knees injuries such as ACL tears and strains, meniscus tears. They also include ankle injuries such as ankle sprains, high ankle sprains, ankle fractures, and fifth metatarsal (jones) fractures.

Soccer consists of sprinting, stopping, cutting, and pivoting actions where the shoe and its interface with the foot (fit) and ground (traction) should be optimized. Athletes often worry about slipping on the field but forget that too much traction can be more problematic. Aim for the sweet spot.

Choose cleats for the field, NOT the logo, brand, or price tag! The proper cleat beats out brand, logo, and color every single time. Match the cleat to the field. Firm ground, soft ground, mud, artificial turf, and court surfaces all require different traction. More traction is not always better. Multi-surface soles are a compromise, and not optimized for any surface.

Studs

Rounded or conical studs provide a smoother rotational release from the ground. This lowers rotational torque on the ankle and the knee. Rounded and conical studs are often preferred by youth players and midfielders.

Bladed studs provide better linear traction for straight line acceleration and cuts. These are often preferred by forwards / strikers and wingers.

Blended studs incorporate characteristics of both conical and bladed studs in an effort to balance rotational freedom and agility with linear acceleration.

Aggressive, long, or sharp studs are rarely a good choice for young players.

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
Soccer Cleats: Part 2 of 4 – Fit
Soccer Cleats: Part 3 of 4 – Female Fit
Soccer Cleats: Part 4 of 4 – Traction and Studs
          Traction
          Studs
          When Should I See a Podiatrist?