Soccer shoes- "nice to have" or necessary??

[ChunkyNicksChunkyMom]

Nick is starting soccer soon and special shoes are optional. My sweet friend sent me a pair in perfect condition but they are too small. I don't want to deprive him of equipment he needs but if these shoes are just a "nice to have" I would much rather put the money into another pair of reg shoes. Soccer moms- what do you think??

[TonFirst]

I'd go with the cleats. They're not super-expensive (I've never paid more than $20), and my experience has been that because they're (1) only worn a couple of times a week, and only for an hour or so at a time, (2) they're washable I've been able to wash my son's (he outgrows them quickly so only gets a season out of each pair of cleats) and pack them away for my daughter when it's her turn to start soccer.

You may want to try craigslist or a sports consignment store (like Play It Again Sports), too.

[jenmcadams]

How old is Nick? For the younger kids (5 and under), it's pretty common not to have cleats...they don't run as hard and don't seem to need the extra grip to make quick cuts, turns, etc. Another consideration is the type of fields he'll play on. With typical grass fields, cleats definitely help for kids who are into the game, but regular tennis shoes are fine for almost all kids on astro-turf or indoor fields.

The one thing you want to make sure don't skip are the shin guards...we like the ones that go around the ankles too. The shin guards should come up to within about 3 finger widths of the knee cap (no higher). We also found that buying socks way bigger/longer than normal helps b/c you can put the sock on, then the shin guards and fold the socks down over the shin guards. Both of my kids hate having the shin guards directly on their skin

HTH

[kijip]

If he is playing on grass, cleats are important for safety and to help him run well. I have paid between $10-18 for T's cleats at Big 5 each year brand new. There is no need for $$$ ones. I think this last year, I paid $15. Not a big enough expense to make skipping them worth it.

[nellonello]

I would recommend going with cleats.

[niccig]

I saw some at Marshals, but they didn't have DS's size - I think they were $16. We got DS a pair through our soccer league's deal with a sports store, cleats, shin guards and ball. If he plays next year, I'll look at Marshal's and hopefully he'll fit those.

[leslieu]

Originally Posted by nellonello

I would recommend going with cleats.

especially on wet grass.
DS1 was playing in the morning and the grass was always wet.

HTH

[bnme]

Go with cleats if he playing on grass. They get very messy, especially if the grass is wet or even damp. I also think it helps prevent slips. I just bought a pair at Dick's for $20. If you are even thinking about t-ball you'd want them for sure. The dirt gets EVERYWHERE.

[ChunkyNicksChunkyMom]

Thanks all, he is 4 but is playing on real grass so I will find some, his foot is sooo wide it makes it harder! And Jen thanks for the tip on the socks!

[Corie]

Originally Posted by ChunkyNicksChunkyMom

Thanks all, he is 4 but is playing on real grass so I will find some, his foot is sooo wide it makes it harder! And Jen thanks for the tip on the socks!

This is our problem too, Susan!
I had a really hard time finding wide soccer cleats for my daughter last
year. I eventually ordered a pair of New Balance wide soccer cleats online
and they were over $45. But I believe that New Balance has discontinued
their soccer cleats.