Football Cleats

Proper footwear is an absolute must on the football pitch. After all, you wouldn't dance a waltz in your workbooks or play tennis in your Louis Vuitton courts -- so why would you play football in anything else but a football boot? Football boots will help you keep your grip on slippery or uneven turf.

The most important characteristic of a football boot is its sole. Different types of soles are used on different playing surfaces -- longer, sharper cleats for wet mud, smaller cleats for dryer fields, and no cleats at all for indoor football. Here's how the four basic kinds stack up.

Moulded Cleats  Football boots with moulded cleats are good for both beginner and intermediate footballers. Versatile; can be used on most field types and in various conditions. The cleats come in different patterns but the cleats themselves are always made of non-detachable plastic.	Detachable Cleats  Detachable cleats are for the intermediate to advanced footballer playing on soft turf or a wide variety of surfaces. Primarily made of plastic but have screw-in metal cleats which can be removed or changed.	Turf Shoes  These are non-stud shoes with specialized rubber soles. Geared towards playing indoor football or on artificial turf.	Indoor Shoes  These are also football boots without cleats that are especially good for indoor use Not meant for any outdoor playing. Adidas Sambas  are a popular model, both on the pitch and on the street.

Other Features

• Round stud cleats are best for all weather conditions, while oblong moulded cleats enhance speed and forward momentum on dry turf.
• Look for heavy-duty leather uppers and a solid construction across the toe area for the best impact when kicking.
• Off-set lacing will give you better contact with the ball than centred laces.
• Kangaroo leather tongues give a great feel, but many people, including Beckham himself, no longer endorse using baby kangas for shoes.
• Look for good laces that will hold up to extreme weather.

Sizing

When possible, trying on boots before buying them is always a good idea. Always try on football boots with appropriate socks. If you have been wearing the same brand and size for a while, you can probably buy them online with no problems. Even so, different styles within brands can differ in fit. Remember that you want something that fits snugly and that gives your arches good support. Even kids who are growing need a pair of boots that that fit properly, so expect to buy new ones on a regular basis to fit growing feet. Buying boots that are too big and "leaving them room to grow" is not the best idea; that extra room could cause them to get blisters, or worse, a sprained or broken ankle.

The F50.6 TUNIT Kit

Adidas has introduced the F50.6 TUNIT ClimaCool Kit,  which is a 3-pair set of cleats that offers all three cleat types (soft, firm, and hard ground) in one. With this kit help you adjust your cleat to the ground and weather you will be playing on. If it is too hot, use the ClimaCool upper and your foot will feel comfortable. It is a great chance to own the newest soccer footwear with TUNIT technology available.

Adidas F50.6 TUNIT Premium ClimaCool Set Kit
	The kit includes the following parts: Three pairs of exchangeable, laced cover uppers. One with ClimaCool for cool comfort and lightweight fit (white). Two standard, coloured uppers (black and royal). Two pair of exchangeable chassis: comfort chassis and lightweight chassis. Three sets of studs, for soft ground, firm ground, and hard ground. Stud Key

Football Boot Brands

• Adidas 
• Hummel 
• Legend 
• Lotto 
• Nike 
• Nomis 
• Puma 
• Reebok 
• Umbro 

Related Guides and Products

Jerseys	Shinguards	Footballs	Socks	Magazines

External Links

• Footy-Boots -- a blog devoted to everything related to football boots; includes sections on caring for and breaking in boots and a number of reviews.
• MasterSport -- buying tips for football boots.