How to Choose Soccer Cleats

a pair of Nike soccer cleats and a soccer ball

This article is part of the What to Know about Soccer Cleats series.

When it comes to soccer, cleats are the most important piece of equipment you’ll invest in. Ultimately, choosing the right soccer cleats comes down to the player’s preference and comfort, but there are a few key features to consider. To help parents and players learn how to choose soccer cleats, our Footwear Experts explain the basics including whether you need soccer cleats or shoes, the importance of the upper, and how a soccer cleat should fit and feel.

Soccer Cleats vs. Soccer Shoes

When buying soccer footwear, you’ll see them grouped between soccer cleats and soccer shoes. Whether you need a soccer cleat or soccer shoe depends on the playing surface—natural grass, artificial grass, turf, or court. Our Footwear Experts highlight the basics:

Firm Ground (FG) Soccer Cleats: These are the most popular type and designed for natural grass.
Multi-Ground (MG) Soccer Cleats: These are designed for natural or artificial grass. Depending on the brand, these can be called flexible ground or artificial ground cleats.
Turf Soccer Shoes: These are designed to play or practice on AstroTurf.
Court Soccer Shoes: These are designed for pavement or court surfaces.

Related Expert Content | The Different Types of Soccer Cleats Explained >

Parts of a Soccer Cleat

Understanding the parts of a soccer cleat helps you find the right pair for your game and playing surface. Each part of a cleat plays a role in comfort, traction, and performance on the field.

Heel Counter: Provides structure and support around the heel for stability and a locked-in feel.
Tongue: Sits underneath the laces to enhance comfort and improve the overall fit.
Upper: Covers the top of the foot and is often made from synthetic or leather materials for durability, touch, and control.
Vamp: The strike zone of the cleat, located across the front of the upper. It affects ball control, touch, and accuracy.
Toe Box: The area around the toes, designed for comfort and control during quick movements and strikes.
Insole: Adds underfoot cushioning and comfort. Many insoles are removable.
Outsole: The entire bottom portion of the cleat that contacts the ground, providing structure and stability.
Studs: Located on the outsole, studs provide the traction needed for various playing surfaces.
Soleplate: The stiff, supportive base of the cleat where the studs are attached.

Upper of Soccer Cleats

The upper of your soccer cleats is important in providing support and a more natural feeling when running the field and dribbling.

Collar Cut

Low-Cut: A low-cut upper offers greater ankle mobility for speed, making them ideal for players who value freedom.
Mid-Cut: A mid-cut upper helps to stabilize your ankle for more support. This style is favored by players who like a snug fit.

Upper Material

The upper of soccer cleats is typically made from leather, synthetic, or knit. Each material offers different benefits to players. The decision of which upper is best for you ultimately comes down to personal preference. Our Footwear Experts summarize the benefits of each type of material below":

	Leather	Synthetic	Knit
DURABLE	✔	✔
LIGHTWEIGHT		✔	✔
WATERPROOF		✔
NATURAL TOUCH	✔		✔
EASY CLEAN		✔

Laced vs. Laceless Soccer Cleats

Aside from the upper height and material, you’ll notice some soccer cleats feature a “laceless” design. A soccer cleat without laces fits more like a sock, which some players find much more comfortable.

Expert Tip | Quick, agile players often prefer laced boots, while strikers may benefit from the clean contact zone of laceless designs.

How Should Soccer Cleats Fit?

Regardless of the type of cleats or upper you prefer, soccer cleats should fit snugly and hug your feet to support lateral movements on the field effectively. With a tight yet comfortable fit, players notice a more natural feel when handling the ball.

Expert Note | Cleats are designed to stretch slightly as you wear and play in them. Keep in mind that your cleats should fit more snugly than a regular pair of shoes.

Finding the right pair of soccer cleats comes down to which surface you’ll be playing on, your personal preferences when it comes to the upper material and cut, and having a snug, secure fit. If you have additional questions about choosing the right pair of soccer cleats, stop into your local SCHEELS to speak with a Footwear Expert.