Cristiano Ronaldo endorses Nike, Lionel Messi represents Adidas, Neymar partners with Puma, and Bukayo Saka has a deal with New Balance. These athletes don’t just choose these cleats for the endorsement deal; they also consider the benefits they bring to their game and the overall comfort while playing.

Each soccer cleat brand offers unique advantages to an athlete. They differ in their design and performance on the field, just like no two running shoes are identical. Orlin & Cohen’s licensed physical therapist, Nina Ribeiro, PTA, explains everything you need to know to choose the best soccer cleats.

What to Consider When Choosing Soccer Cleats

As the player’s position and feet may require them to wear a different make and model from their teammate, how do you know which soccer cleat is best for you? Which cleats will enhance your performance, provide comfort, and reduce your risk of injury? Here are some key features to consider when looking for the right cleat for you.

Toe Box

Be sure to purchase cleats that are not too tight around your toes. Tight cleats can increase your risk of blisters, corns, and calluses. These painful conditions can affect your performance and even sideline you from the game. To avoid having your cleats too tight around your big toe, consider ordering a half size up for comfort, if necessary.

Cushion

If you’re a forward rather than a defender, don’t forget – you’ll need different cleats. The cushioning is positioned differently in each type of cleat. When choosing your cleats, look for ones with cushioning or thicker material in the striking area to prevent foot bruising, depending on your kicking style, strength, and position played.

Studs

Choosing the right stud is also crucial. The number of studs, the material (aluminum vs. rubber vs. plastic), and the length (6mm vs. 16mm) all play a factor in injury prevention of the ankle and knee. With ACL tears becoming increasingly prominent in the game, choosing the right stud and cleat is becoming increasingly important. Metal is used by professional athletes when the grass is muddy or wet. But most will fit into the rubber or plastic stud types with shorter lengths due to the increase in turf fields to prevent noncontact injuries.

Did you recently suffer an injury on the field? Our board-certified and fellowship-trained team provides the latest in state-of-the-art treatment of sports injuries.

Cleats for Grass

It is best to use firm or hard ground cleats, which have plastic studs that are approximately 10mm long with between 11 and 14 spikes. The plastic sole of these cleats has been proven to reduce the risk of injuries by providing good traction on the pitch.

Cleats for Turf

When playing on artificial grass, use cleats for turf with over 50 rubber studs approximately 6mm long. The conforming sole has been proven to reduce injuries related to repetitive impacts, thus lowering the chance of knee, ankle, and foot injuries.

How to Break in Soccer Cleats

Properly breaking in cleats is vital to ensuring optimal performance on the pitch. Wearing them during practice is a common way to do this, but this can lead to foot pain, soreness, and blisters.

So, how can you avoid this lengthy process of breaking in cleats? Soak them in water and then wear them while they are wet. This allows the leather to stretch and mold to your foot so it fits comfortably. Doing this will also decrease your chances of getting blisters during practice and games.

The most important factor is choosing comfortable cleats that reduce the risk of injury. If you have flat feet and need extra arch support, bring your orthotic inserts to ensure they fit correctly when trying on cleats. Consider the type of field you’ll be playing on and choose cleats with appropriate stud patterns that suit the field. Make an informed decision that prioritizes both your performance and your health.

Orlin & Cohen’s specialists know that choosing the right soccer cleats can significantly impact your performance and reduce the risk of injury. If you have a sports-related injury or need a personalized physical therapy plan, book an appointment with our team today. The right cleats, along with the right care, will help you play your best game.