Essential Tips For Fitting Soccer Cleats

Soccer cleats are notoriously tight and narrow. This combined with a flexible, unsupportive upper can cause foot and ankle injuries secondary to shoe structure, independent of foot structure or alignment. Due to the variability of model and styles, I educate my patients on how to match cleats to their foot depth and width as well as length in determining proper fit. I also recommend they purchase soccer cleats with as wide of a waist as possible (see photo at left) to support the midfoot properly and reduce excessive pronation. When patients need functional support, a low-profile custom orthotic or non-custom Superfeet Delux Dress-Fit insole can be beneficial (https://www.superfeet.com/en-us/insoles-and-sandals/delux-mens-3-4 ). Since most patients purchase soccer shoes online, it is important to order several different pair to try on to ensure the best fit. With soccer cleats, as with other shoes, it is important for patients to evaluate what is best for their particular foot type as opposed to purchasing a cleat simply because their coach or teammate recommends a particular brand or model. If shopping online, shipping costs and return policies are important considerations. Online retailers should also provide a multi-view experience so patients can better evaluate the width, depth and waist of the shoes. Sites that I frequently recommend to patients to purchase soccer cleats include: www.soccerpro.com , www.eastbay.com and www.zappos.com .