Why are there so many different kinds of cleats? Do they do this to confuse us? Do they find joy in giving us so many options that we can't even think straight? So what does all this mean when you are going to buy a shoe? Here's a little insight on what we offer and how it can benefit you.
Nike
Sometimes I think Nike creates items just to see if the consumers are crazy enough to buy them. I mean, some of those color combinations are a little out of this world. But there's more to it than just color. Some of the new Nike shoes have hybrid cleats. They are sort of a mix between blades and traditional studs. They give you the best of both worlds by providing the traction of a blade while still letting you have the feel you're used to. In addition to different style of cleats, Nike is the predominant brand for synthetic shoes. The Vapor line is very popular. What's nice about this shoe for our climate is that it is much more water resistant than leather shoes. You will not find your feet getting soggy. There is something to keep in mind if you want to buy these shoes. They are not going to stretch like a leather cleat, because hey guess what, they aren't leather. They need to have a good feel on your foot from the beginning. Nikes are typically narrow, but the Total 90 line tends to run a bit wider so if you love Nike and have a wide foot, this might be a good option. Nike also has an array of indoor and turf shoes to pick from. Most have the same kind of fit as the cleats. The C-T1s are a nice option if you are looking for a bit more traction down at Magnuson or SoDo, but still have the versatility to play on outdoor turf fields.
Adidas
Old reliable. I still remember the first pair of Copas I had from when I was very little. It was also my last pair, as my foot became too wide for Adidas, but the leather on these things was amazing. It formed right to my foot (which happened to be falling over the sole, but I didn't care because they felt so good). Adidas has a couple different models of shoes, all of which are made with the Adidas integrity that we are used to from the old days. Most of their cleats that we carry are blades, which is good for all the turf fields that are being installed. Similar to Nikes, Adidas usually run a little narrower, but the F50 line provides a bit more room for a bigger foot. The Adicore is a great shoe that is offered in both turf and molded options. Last year's model had a bit of a funny tongue that seemed to bother people's ankles, so they have gone back to the standard cut.
Puma
For all you skinny-footed people out there, Puma must have been created for you. Pumas generally run about a half size smaller than any other brand and they definitely aren't on the wide side. One exception is the Puma King indoor shoe. It seems to be able to accommodate a bigger foot. Pumas have probably the widest range in quality of shoes. At the lower end, some of the shoes almost seem like plastic, while some of the higher end shoes are kangaroo leather. There are also shoes that have less structure and seem to be almost like putting on a pair of socks. They provide a great feel on the ball, as there is little material between your foot and the ball.
Picking a shoe is never easy, so make sure you know what each has to offer before making a final decision. Remember, every shoe is different so it's best to stop in and try them on. You might fall in love with a shoe you never thought you could.
