The name of the footwear used for playing soccer is commonly referred to as cleats, or in Europe, boots. However, if you are speaking of indoor soccer, it is quite proper to refer to your cleats as shoes, especially since they don’t actually have the spikes usually associated with cleats. Indoor soccer shoes should have a non-marking rubber sole, meaning even hard use on a gym floor or other surface will not leave it worse for the wear. Many players who frequent both grassy and indoor fields refer to their indoor shoes as flats, and their traditional grass field shoes as cleats. Flat soccer shoes are also appropriate on dry artificial surfaces, even when outdoors. Before we consider the different types of uppers available on soccer shoes, a brief explanation of what is meant by the term upper will help you in your decision process.
Quite easily put, the upper is that section of the shoe which will come in constant contact with ball. Uppers can be comprised of an assortment of natural leathers and synthetic blends of leathers. You can realize the best ‘feel’ or touch on the ball with the most expensive leather, which is Kangaroo, however, along with the high price, there are a couple of other downfalls to consider. Soccer shoes made with Kangaroo leather uppers will not last very long, and along with the sacrifice for durability, they will also require a treatment, or special coating, to help prevent water retention. That being said, though, virtually anyone who has played in Kangaroo leather will tell you it is the softest, most lightweight boot you will ever own, and the cost and other sacrifices are well worth the price for the tremendous touch on the ball.
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