How To: Choose soccer cleats

Learn how to choose soccer cleats. If you're a soccer player, you know how important a good pair of cleats are. They're everything.

You Will Need

* A sports store
* Soccer socks

Step 1. Go to sporting goods store

Go to a sporting goods or soccer store.

Step 2. Pick out a few pairs of cleats

Pick out a few pairs of cleats that fit both your budget and your league's regulations.

Many leagues only allow molded cleats, while some high schools and colleges allow detachable cleats of varying lengths.

Step 3. Put on your soccer socks

Put on your soccer socks.

Step 4. Try them on

Try on the different models and brands you picked out.

Step 5. See how they feel

See how they feel. Are they too small? Too narrow? Does the heel slip? You may have to move up or down in size, or to a different model.

Step 6. Look at its features

When you find a pair that fit, look at its features. Do you like the tongue strap? Is it real or faux leather? Are they good for the surface—grass or turf—that you'll be playing on?

Step 7. Wear them around the store

Spend some time in the store wearing the cleats to make sure they're comfortable. If they don't feel good in the store, they won't feel good on the pitch.

Step 8. Buy your new cleats

Once you're sure, buy your new cleats and break them in at practice.

FACT: In 1526, King Henry VIII ordered a pair of royal soccer cleats, which were made of hand-stitched leather and cost four shillings.