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How to choose soccer cleats?

At Decathlon, you'll find soccer shoes for grass, artificial turf, futsal, and even street soccer! A shoe for everyone... Which soccer shoe will you choose?

In soccer, every move counts. That's why the quality of your soccer cleats makes all the difference! Designed to let you run with ease, stop with control and grip the ground effectively, your shoes are the most important piece of soccer equipment you’ll own.

To help you stay comfortable and perform at your best, Decathlon breaks down how to pick the right soccer cleats based on your foot size, the type of field you play on, and your experience level

Choosing your soccer shoes: The essentials

Before buying soccer cleats, it’s important to consider a few key factors:

Breathability: Your cleats should allow for proper air circulation to keep your feet dry and cool throughout the match.
Cushioning: Good padding helps with comfort and protects against impacts.
Durability and material quality: Depending on how often and intensely you play, you’ll want cleats that can handle the wear and tear.
Type of field: You need to figure out if you should get cleats for firm grounds vs. soft ground. Because each playing surface requires suitable shoes to ensure stability and avoid injury. We’ll explain the difference to you below!

When you try on new cleats, check these features along with your overall comfort level. Need help with finding the right fit? Check out our cleat fitting tips below.

Choosing the right type of cleat studs

Moulded studs

Permanently attached to the sole, these are great for dry or slightly damp natural grass fields (firm ground). Their design offers a good balance between grip and ease of movement.
Screw-in studs

Made of metal and interchangeable, these are ideal for muddy or slippery natural fields. They provide excellent grip in slippery conditions. If it has rained heavily and the terrain is very wet or marshy, we recommend using longer studs.
Artificial turf studs

Specifically made for synthetic turf, these give you a solid grip and comfort without damaging the surface. Artificial ground soccer shoes have many small, short studs.

The different materials used for studs

The material of the stud affects traction, durability, and comfort levels during matches and training sessions. Depending on your preferences, your level of experience, and the pitch you use, you can choose between:

Plastic (TPU or PU): Light and durable, it is commonly used for moulded and multi-surface cleats.
Rubber: Appreciated for its flexibility, it is often used for synthetic pitches or training cleats.
Metal: Found on screw-in studs, they offer maximum grip on muddy pitches.

As for the upper part of the cleat, not sure whether to go with leather or synthetic uppers? Leather cleats are soft, flexible, and mould to the shape of your foot over time for a more personalized, comfortable fit. Synthetic cleats, on the other hand, are lighter, resist moisture better, and are easier to care for. The best choice depends on your comfort preferences and playing conditions.

Comment choisir ses chaussures de football ?

What size soccer cleats should I choose?

Finding the right size soccer cleats is key to playing your best and avoiding injuries on the field. When shopping for a new pair, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure they feel right and perform well.

First, know that good support is essential. Look for a snug fit around the heel. This helps prevent blisters and gives you better control on the ball. A snug fit also allows you to make sudden stops, fast turns and controlled runs with ease.

Next, check that the cleats aren’t too tight or too loose. You’ll want a little wiggle room at the toes to avoid pressure points and keep blood flowing comfortably. Good arch support is also important, as it helps reduce fatigue and keeps your feet feeling good after practices and games.

How do you choose soccer shoes for kids?

Parents are sometimes tempted to go one size up to avoid having to change their shoes every six months. However, this increases the risk of injury, so instead you should go for a snug but not a tight fit, with a little room at the toes. This lets them play with comfort and control without sacrificing safety.

What are the best soccer cleats for wide feet?

If you have wider feet, we recommend that you look for cleats with a little more room in the forefoot. Leather cleats or those with soft, flexible uppers will mould better to your foot and offer more comfort.

Choose shoes that match your level of play

Choosing cleats suited to your experience level will help you stay comfortable and confident on the field.

Soccer cleats for beginners: If you’re new to the sport or play occasionally, look for models that offer a good balance of support and comfort. Moulded cleats are a solid, all-around choice.
Lightweight soccer cleats: More experienced players who want speed and agility usually go for lighter cleats made with thin, high-performance materials. These help with quick sprints and sharper ball control.
High-top vs. low-top cleats: High-tops provide more ankle support—ideal for players who want extra stability. Low-cuts offer greater freedom of movement and are better for fast, agile play.

Soccer socks matter too. Look for soccer socks that work with your cleats and give you the right balance of comfort, compression, and support.

Now you know how to choose the right soccer cleats! With the right fit, the right stud type, and a model suited to your level of play, you’ll be ready to give it your all on the field. Stop by the Decathlon nearest you and come try on our different models and chat with our in-store advisors.

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