Soccer Equipment Buying Guide

As with any other sports equipment, the quality of soccer equipment varies greatly from product to product. You can spend a lot or a little; it all depends on how serious you are about being the best. If you mainly get your soccer fix by playing in pick-up games here and there, there's no reason to splurge, but if you plan on making it to the pros and participating in the World Cup, you'll probably want to invest in some good, quality soccer gear.

You don't need too much to play soccer. All you really need is a pair of soccer shoes and a soccer ball. Of course, if you want to play smart, you'll get yourself some shin guards and some good soccer clothing, too. Here is some information to help you get the right stuff.

Soccer shoes

In a game that is played with your feet, shoes are probably the most important equipment you'll get. Your soccer shoes should fit like a glove -- not a bulky work glove, mind you, but a nice, slim-fitting driving glove. Since you control the soccer ball with your feet, your shoe should hug your foot's curves. It shouldn't be too snug, however, or else you will be in pain as you run, trap, and pass. On the other hand, if a soccer shoe is too loose-fitting, you won't have the precision control you need when the ball comes your way.

There are two basic types of soccer shoes (or boots, if you're in England). For play on natural grass, you'll need soccer cleats. For indoor play, you'll need an indoor soccer shoe. You can also get a combination turf/indoor shoe. The differences are mainly in the soles.

Soccer cleats

Cleats help you have sure-footing for quick direction changes, fast starts and sudden stops. Their shape is ideal for properly kicking a soccer ball. Soccer cleats are available in two basic designs: molded cleats and detachable cleats.

The studs of molded cleats are part of the sole. They are made of hard plastic or rubber and cannot be removed. These soccer cleats are perfect for beginners and children, as they are made for a variety of fields and conditions.

Detachable cleats have removable, replaceable studs. Advanced soccer players often wear these cleats because they can vary the length of their studs depending on the length of the grass and the weather conditions. Studs for these soccer cleats are usually made of hard plastic (sometimes with dull metal tips) and screw onto the bottom of the shoe. Because the studs are often longer and harder than those on molded cleats, many little-league and youth soccer associations ban detachable cleats. Check league rules before you purchase detachable soccer cleats for your child.

Indoor and turf soccer shoes

Indoor soccer shoes are basically low-cut sneakers with flat rubber soles made to grip the hard playing surfaces of indoor courts. The soles on indoor soccer shoes are quite a bit thinner than those on basketball or tennis shoes so you can get under the ball with your feet.

Turf shoes are very similar to indoor shoes, but their soles will usually have more dramatic texturing (almost like mini-cleats) for traction on turf. You may want a hybrid indoor/turf soccer shoe if you play on a variety of surfaces.

Leather soccer shoes vs. synthetic soccer shoes

Leather soccer shoes are the best. However, they are also more expensive than synthetic leather cleats. Soccer cleats with full-grain leather uppers are the most comfortable and durable, and the best leather for soccer shoes is generally Kangaroo leather. Whatever type of leather you get, the softer it is the better control you'll have. Softer leathers won't be quite as durable, however, and leather soccer cleats in general won't hold up very well if you wear them several times in the rain or snow.

Synthetic soccer shoes are great for beginners and casual soccer players because they are so affordable. Now, synthetic soccer shoes aren't necessarily cheap soccer cleats. They will last a long time, too, though a nice leather shoe will last a little bit longer. Synthetic shoes are usually easier to clean, and they dry faster than would a leather shoe. If you live and play in a place that receives a lot of rain, synthetic soccer cleats are the way to go.

Soccer clothing

Just in case you didn't know, you spend a lot of time running when you're playing soccer. That means you sweat a lot, and soccer clothing is made to wick away moisture from the body and keep you cool while you run.

Soccer jerseys

Most soccer jerseys and soccer shorts are made from some kind of polyester. Polyester soccer jerseys are light-weight and cool. You'll want a short-sleeved soccer jersey for summer practices and a long-sleeved soccer jersey for cooler days. Soccer shirts should be loose enough to let you move freely but not so loose that they get hung up on other players when you're fighting for the ball. For practice, pick up a few cheap soccer jerseys.

Soccer shorts

Soccer shorts should allow you to move your legs as far forward and back as possible. They don't have to be short shorts, because soccer shorts are designed to allow full leg motion. However, if they are too long they may interfere with your movement. Soccer shorts should fall somewhere between mid-thigh and the top of the knee.

Soccer socks

Soccer socks should be long enough to cover your shin guards. Most soccer socks are made of synthetic fibers or a blend of cotton and synthetics. They need to be fairly elastic in order to stay up, and they should be fairly thick in order to provide some cushioning for your feet.

Goalie equipment

In the game of soccer, goalkeepers are different from the other players on the field. They don't run as much, they dive around a lot and, oh yeah, they can use their hands. That means goalie equipment is a little more specialized. First and foremost are goalkeeper gloves. They should have a tacky surface that helps you grip the soccer ball well when a shot is taken. A smooth latex palm is the best material for soccer goalie gloves. Textured latex may be more durable, but it won't grip as well. Since good latex grips tend to wear out quickly, it is wise to have a pair of goalie gloves for practice and a pair specifically for games.

To make sure you get the right size goalkeeper gloves, measure around the widest part of your palm (excluding the thumb) with a tape measure, much like you would measure your waist for your pant size. Add one inch to this measurement, and you have your glove size. So, say your palm measures 7 inches. Your glove size would be an eight. Most goalies like their gloves to be a little big, so they have a larger surface to grip the soccer ball.

Goalie clothing is also a little bit different than the uniforms other players wear. Since goalkeepers dive to the ground a lot, shorts with padding over the hips and soccer jerseys with padded elbows help protect the wearer from bumps and bruises.

Shin guards

When it comes to team sports gear, you can't overlook the safety equipment. Few things hurt worse than getting kicked in the shins. That's why shin guards are so important to soccer players. The simplest shin guards are strapless and held in place by the socks. These allow for the most movement, but they won't provide any extra support or protection for your ankles.

You'll get more protection with shin guards that you pull on over the ankle and strap around the calf. Many of these shin guards have padding around the ankles and provide more coverage over the shin. They may limit your flexibility, however, making it more difficult to control the ball.

Whatever type of shin guard you decide to get, make sure the surface that faces out away from your shin is hard, lightweight plastic. And make sure the part that touches your shin has enough padding to cushion the blow. If you're willing to spend a little more money, you could even get shin guards that mold to your leg for a more comfortable fit.

Soccer balls

A soccer ball has three basic pieces: the cover, the lining and the bladder. Each affects the "feel" and "control" of the ball.

Cover

The cover is the exterior of the ball that makes contact with your foot, and the best soccer balls usually feature a synthetic cover. Synthetic covers are generally softer and more responsive than others, which are usually polyurethane or PVC. Balls with synthetic covers are also more expensive, and they can get water-logged in wet conditions. Cheap soccer balls usually feature a PVC cover, but they are quite durable and water-resistant. In the middle, with a good feel and decent durability is the polyurethane cover.

Whichever material you get, it will consist of panels stitched or glued together. Most soccer ball covers have 32 panels. Some feature 18- and 26-panel designs. The fewer the panels, the more bend you'll get when you kick. Stitched panels make for a softer ball than do glued panels, and hand-stitched soccer balls are generally considered the highest quality.

Lining

Linings go between the cover and the bladder to provide structure and shape. The best soccer balls usually have four layers of cotton and polyester. Cheap soccer balls will usually have two polyester layers.

Bladder

The bladder holds the air in the soccer ball. High-end balls usually have a latex bladder, which offers a superior feel. Balls with latex bladders will require more frequent inflating than less-expensive soccer balls with butyl bladders, however. As far as valves (the part where you insert the air pump into the bladder) go, butyl valves are most common, but silicone-treated valves will perform better.

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