Scoring goals can be fun, but there is great importance in choosing the right footwear to increase all important elements of game like stability, dribbling, traction, and accuracy that increase overall performance. A quality soccer shoe is one that allows complete freedom of movement and function. It ought to offer total support and comfort and as a player looking for the best you must be able to understand what cleats are all about and what reactions will mean to your performance when wearing the cleats.
When there is excessive motion of the feet during play, there is risk of blisters and tendonitis. This is, however an issue that most manufacturers have eliminated by making various improvements to the cleat environment. Different features are integrated to offer comfort and control for all kinds of soccer players.
The upper
It acts as protective foot covering and the material used is what will determine the ball feel you have as well as control especially when dribbling down the field. The cleat upper plays a significant role in side to side stability of your feet. This part of the shoe should be leather or synthetic with each coming with its pros and cons. The op portion of cleat upper is the strike zone and it is what contacts the ball. It could feature rubber or silicone areas that help in ball control. In some cleats, the outer areas are padded so they can dampen the impact of hard passes to the feet.
The heel counter
This is the clear structure that cradles the heel back. A good heel counter should not only be bonded strongly to the upper and outsole plate, but should also not bend even after long periods of vigorous use. A bended counter will not be as functional and when buying your cleats you should therefore ensure that it is bound to remain rigid from outside and have good padding too on the inside to keep blistering at bay. It is a part that should offer support and cushioning so you remain stable even when making quick turns, stops and starts. The main function of the heel counter is to absorb shock during running and releasing energy when pulling from turf to propel you. The heel counters can be internal or external with internal heels being more durable but not as protective especially when kicked.
The internal last
It is the footbed construction which has an important role in performance. It is what you will find under arch support or sock liner of your boots. A good quality footbed will offer you support for the arch and foot type too. The construction delivers the optimal blend of flexibility and stability. A footbed that fails to offer adequate support will only increase the risk of problems like plantar fasciitis. You may need to replace it with an insole that is more supportive. The insole offers support, absorbs shod and also holds the foot securely, but only the right materials will be able to offer you this.