Tips and Tools

Indoor - For indoor or dry artificial surfaces. Often referred to as flats. These shoes generally have a non-marking rubber sole.

Make sure you buy soccer cleats. Cleats made for other sports, such as baseball or football cleats, are illigal for soccer.

Difference between Men's and Women's shoe sizes - Women's shoes are made on a narrower last. Women can wear men's shoes by converting their size to men's by subtracting 1.5 from their numeric size. For example, if you are a size 8 in women's, you would subtract 1.5 from that and try a 6½ in men's sizes.

Cleat Sizing - Soccer shoes are sized like regular shoes, but most are more narrow because they are designed to be snug for better feel and control of the ball. For children especially, make sure there is a one-finger distance between the toes and the end of the shoe. It is important that the shoes are not too big. There should be no more than a thumb's width of space between the toes and the front of the shoes. Don't buy them with next season in mind. Cleats that are roomy can cause injuries and blisters.

Make sure the soccer shoes are maintained. After playing, remove all mud and wipe them clean with warm water. Always let the soccer shoes dry naturally. To help absorb the water and keep the shape of the shoes, stuff newspaper or paper towel inside. After the shoes are dry a light polish can be added. This will bring them back to their best.

Measure all the way around the widest part of your palm, without including your thumb. Round up to the next highest inch. Add 1 to the measurement. The total will be your glove size. (If the circumference of your hand is 6.5 inches, round up to 7 inches, add one, and your glove size is 8). Measure both hands. If they are different, base the glove size on the larger measurement.