Versatility is goal when buying soccer shoes
When Pat Noonan was just beginning to play soccer as a kid, he wore Adidas Copas, a classic, popular cleat good for playing on firm surfaces.
Today, Noonan, who plays professionally with the New England Revolution, has a sponsorship deal with the footwear company and wears their Tunit model, a shoe that can be easily customized with different soles and cleats depending on the weather and playing surface.
Young soccer players who are returning to local leagues this fall might not need something so elaborate. Or expensive -- the complete Tunit set sells for $350 on Adidas' website.
But the idea of choosing soccer shoes based on the type of field and weather conditions is a useful guideline for shopping. Standard, molded-rubber cleats are good for firm, grassy surfaces, says Noonan, who began playing soccer at age 5 and has been with Major League Soccer since 2003. Longer metal studs, which can often be detached from the sole, help provide grip on wet, soft surfaces. Turf shoes have smaller nubs and are good on artificial surfaces. And indoor shoes have soles that are essentially flat.
Cleats for grassy fields are a standard choice, and can be used on some kinds of artificial grassy surfaces, which are becoming more popular in many communities. For AstroTurf, a flat indoor shoe is a better choice. Standard cleats can actually hurt your feet and legs if you wear them on a harder surface, Noonan says.
``A lot of kids are going to be wearing both," he says while checking out the selection at the Adidas store at the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets.
At Sports Authority in Framingham, Adidas and Nike are the most popular brands, says Brandon Edson, a manager. Adult shoes range up to $195, but the store's most expensive children's model is $35. Noonan says $30 to $75 is a reasonable price for a younger, less experienced player.
The Washington D.C.-based Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association reports that sales of soccer shoes rose 17 percent in 2004. Noonan says shoppers can find a good selection at stores such as Foot Locker and Sports Authority. At Wrentham's Adidas store, he points out less expensive versions of pricier shoes.
Noonan recommends leather shoes with unpadded toes that allow for better control of the ball. Kangaroo leather is a thin, soft leather that forms to the foot and is especially popular for soccer shoes, according to Dick's Sporting Goods. Edson says many children's soccer shoes will be made of vinyl, which also is durable.
Noonan also advises looking for the lightest shoe, and making sure it fits properly.
``I don't like the [extra] room so my foot's sliding in there," he says.
Ultimately, cleats should fit and feel like your most comfortable pair of shoes.
``It just feels like you're wearing slippers out there," Noonan says.
Emily Shartin can be reached at eshartin@globe.com. 
