Get the Soccer Gear You Need to Get Into the Game - The United States is slowly, slowly catching up with the rest of the world in recognizing that soccer is the greatest sport! The 2010 World Cup Games, held in South Africa, brought a new level of awareness and enthusiasm for the game of soccer and has even the "soccer" playing Americans looking forward to 2014, when Brazil will host the Games. Soccer has been popular in kids' leagues for years, and now adults are catching on as well. Whether you are interested in outdoor or indoor soccer, you're going to need the right supplies. From shin guards to soccer cleats, there is a wide range of soccer products on the market; which do you need for a safe, successful game?
What Type of Soccer Gear Do You Need? - Before you hit the field, make sure you have the proper equipment to ensure your safety and to comply with league regulations. Even if you're just playing a friendly backyard game, here are some things you will need:
Soccer Jerseys. You can play soccer in a t-shirt or in your school or league's provided soccer uniforms. If you're providing your own jersey, good luck finding one that isn't based on a country, like Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Germany, and even the USA! It is possible, but you'll have to search specifically for plain jerseys. Stick with the top brands, which include Adidas, Nike, Puma, Umbro, UnderArmor, Joma, and Kelme. Let's take a look at the Adidas Men's Squadra II Short Sleeve Jersey, which is very popular with consumers - and soccer players! The Squandra features a 100 percent polyester build, which keeps sweat wicking away from your body. The lightweight design is perfect for playing in any type of weather. The short-sleeved Squadra comes in a variety of colors so you can buy them for your team; the price is right, too, at $17 to $30. Adidas offers high quality gear at affordable prices. These shirts are unadorned so you can purchase them and have your team's name put on after, which saves money. While you're at it, pick up a pair of Adidas shorts to complete your uniform.
Soccer cleats. Soccer shoes, or cleats, are a much more important component of play than your uniform. These keep your feet on the ground and give you the traction you need to run, make quick turns, and kick without falling or slipping. This is important for any terrain, especially if it is wet. Soccer shoes usually have molded cleats, and leagues typically have rules as to the construction and type of cleat, so check before you buy. They can be made from leather or synthetic materials. Leather is more expensive and less durable; it provides better feel for the ball, but synthetics hold up much better. Look for a shoe that fits snugly at first (they stretch to fit your foot). 3Luxe, a consumer site that reviews countless products and chooses the top 3 in several categories, named the Nike Mercurial Vapor FG as the best soccer shoe. These Nikes feature an upper made from innovative Teijin synthetic material, which conforms and adjusts to your foot. This maximizes comfort and gives you excellent support. The midsole offers a carbon composite internal chassis, which sounds more like something your car would have! But this allows energy to be transferred into the cleats for more control and power. There is a 2-piece plate that has "direct inject" studs for unparalleled traction. This shoe is worn by professional athletes and is the best of the best. It is about $100. While this is relatively cheap for a pro soccer shoe, it may be too much for a casual player or kid. If you want a quality shoe on a budget, look at Puma, Adidas, Reebok, and lower priced Nikes.
Shin guards. Soccer is a very fast sport. Unlike American football players, soccer players cannot be weighed down by cumbersome pads. Shin guards are the only protection against errant balls or feet. LiveStrong recommends the Under Armor Attack, Adidas Predator Replique, and Nike Tiempo as the best shin protection. Let's take a look at the Under Armor pair. These are lightweight, which is crucial, and feature a flexible, though hard shell, strategic venting, and great EVA padding for comfort. The Attack is also a favorite of Buzzillions consumers, who liked the easy slip-on style and the moisture-wicking fabric fitting around and iunder the heel. The Attacks are $15 to $17.
Socks. You'll need big socks to fit over the shin guards, and you can turn to the same brands for these: Nike, Adidas, and Puma offer a range of choices.
Goal-keeping equipment. SoccerCleats101 recommends the Adidas Formation Edge Socks. These are anatomically shaped (so you'll have to put the right one on the right foot and the left one on the left foot!). The mesh construction and ClimaLite wicks sweat and keeps your foot cool, and cushioning helps with shock absorption. The sock is contoured and compressed in the ankle and arch for great stability and control. The Adidas soccer socks are $14 to $25. The extra features really help you stay on your toes.
Soccer balls. These are arguably the most important part of any soccer game! The type of ball you choose depends on the age of the player; for kids under 8, a size 3 is appropriate; kids 8 to 12 need a size 4, and 12 and up need a 5. There are game balls, practice balls, and indoor balls, which vary in the materials. Wilson makes a good game ball; its Ultra/NFHS Soccer Ball is made for outdoor use and is an official game ball. It is made of TPU with a Butyl bladder. The number 5 ball has a classic 32 panel construction. You're ready for the next game for $25.
When you have the right gear, you will find out why soccer is the world's favorite game; fast-paced and physical, this is a game of speed and skill that appeals to the need for excitement and movement in everybody.
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BUYING GUIDES
. You can play soccer in a t-shirt or in your school or league's provided soccer uniforms. If you're providing your own jersey, good luck finding one that isn't based on a country, like Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Germany, and even the USA! It is possible, but you'll have to search specifically for plain jerseys. Stick with the top brands, which include Adidas, Nike, Puma, Umbro, UnderArmor, Joma, and Kelme. Let's take a look at the Adidas Men's Squadra II Short Sleeve Jersey, which is very popular with consumers - and soccer players! The Squandra features a 100 percent polyester build, which keeps sweat wicking away from your body. The lightweight design is perfect for playing in any type of weather. The short-sleeved Squadra comes in a variety of colors so you can buy them for your team; the price is right, too, at $17 to $30. Adidas offers high quality gear at affordable prices. These shirts are unadorned so you can purchase them and have your team's name put on after, which saves money. While you're at it, pick up a pair of Adidas shorts to complete your uniform.