Soccer cleats are available in many different materials and each has its own positive and negative points. Choosing the best possible cleats is certain to help improve your all-round playing performance and potential. The most common types of soccer cleats include those made in real leather and the alternatives using synthetic material.
Here is an overview of the different materials:
Leather
The soccer cleats in real leather are seen as the most comfortable and give the best possible fit. This material can easily conform or stretch to match the unique shape of the individual player’s foot over time. However, this stretching quality can be a negative on occasion, especially if it starts to over stretch which means it is necessary to invest in a new pair of cleats.
Leather is a thicker material compared to the synthetic alternatives, so it has the ability to give greater protection to the feet. Plus, with this type of cleat conforming to the shape of the foot it is certain to help with ball control.
However, the leather material does have a few minor issues. For one, leather is quite absorbent which means the cleats will be more difficult to clean and become heavier, while in use in the wet playing conditions.
Hybrid leather is a useful solution to help those players that often play in the wet condition. This type of cleat is made with a treated leather and synthetic quarter to improve the all-round water resistance.
A particular type of leather that is very light and supple is kangaroo leather. It is still able to maintain the strength of traditional leather, but this is a soft material that gives superior performance with a soft touch and great ball control.
Synthetic
Cleats in synthetic materials have seen a lot of improvement in recent times that has left them quite similar to the alternatives in leather. It is a material that gives greater options with designs and also holds color well. Plus, this is the preferred type of cleat for wet conditions because it is more able to resist water penetration. The modern cleats are starting to become thinner and lighter to help maintain the feel and control of the ball.
However, it is essential to look for cleats made with a high-quality material. The low-cost options can be quite heavy and feel less comfortable to wear. Also, it is beneficial to wear the cleats in a breathable material.