Football and Soccer Cleats - What’s there to Question?

The summer is waning and kids will soon be back in school and participating in autumn sports if they aren't already. That means new shoes for individual sports that are designed to protect feet from injury and maximize playing potential. Most schools don’t provide the shoes, which leaves young athletes and parents wandering the aisle of the sporting goods store, trying to buy what’s right and getting the best deal for their money. So we're here to help with a couple of tips for buying cleats.

Shopping for Football Cleats

There are so many choices and things to consider it’s difficult to know where to begin. Let the position dictate the profile height of the shoe, and you will probably cut your choices by fifty percent.  Football shoes come in high-top, low-top and mid cut shoes. If you play on the line, you will probably want a high-top shoe that offers added protection to ankles in the instances of fast lateral movements. Mid-cut shoes are preferred by players who have to run, but may need a little extra support. You’ll most likely see mid-cut shoes on quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers. Some will also wear low-top because of the weight of the shoe.

Considerations before purchasing football cleats:

• What fits your budget
• Leather or synthetic material
• Molded or detachable cleats
• Profile
• Breathability
• Cushioning and arch support

Shopping for Soccer Cleats

When it comes to buying soccer cleats, know what kind of surface you will be playing on. The field condition and material is important to shoe decision because the softer the ground, the longer the cleat should be in order to provide good traction. Also, ask your coach or someone in the league who can tell you if there are any restrictions. These two pieces of information are important and may help you from making a costly mistake. There is a likelihood that surfaces may vary so you may want to select shoes that have removable cleats and simply replacing them can accommodate a variety of playing surfaces or field conditions. Most natural surfaces are considered firm surfaces so it’s possible you would want to choose molded cleats. Cleats that are molded to the bottom of the shoe work fine for a variety of natural surfaces. Your game performance will only be maximized by a comfortable shoe, so make sure your shoes fit properly.

Before you plunk down your hard earned cash, consider the following options so you can purchase the shoe that best meets your needs:

• Full grain leather
• Kangaroo leather
• Removable cleats
• Molded cleats
• Internal cushioning and arch support
• Number and shape of cleats
• Color and style options

Your first consideration has to be foot safety no matter what your athletic endeavor. Occasionally, in the arena of competitive sports, accidents happen. In that case, call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886. His goal is to get you back in play. He’s just the guy to have on your team.

References:

http://www.galttech.com/research/sports/best-football-cleats.php
http://worldsoccer.about.com/od/equipment/Equipment.htm

Related articles

• Back to School and Right into Fall Sports
• How to Cycle With Cleats
• Something Funny- Baseball vs Soccer Cleats

University of Michigan and Podiatrists

For those of you who know Dr. Bowman, you know he is an avid Michigan Wolverines fan.  He actually went to the University of Michigan where he graduated with honors to get a Bachelor of Science degree in 1979.  So it raises the question, what is the connection with U of M and podiatry?

While the University of Michigan does not offer a program on podiatry, they do offer Bachelor of Science degrees for those looking to get into biology, which includes podiatry.  The history of the University speaks for itself, showing that those who graduate from this University have a great chance to succeed in the fields of study they wish to pursue.  Dr. Bowman knew this and this fueled his decision to go to the U of M and get his undergrad degree. 

Through the University, Dr. Bowman got the foundation he needed so that he could start building his education in podiatry.  Even though U of M didn't have a podiatry program, Dr. Bowman wouldn’t trade the education he got through UM for anything.  It’s what allowed him to become a great podiatrist. 

For people who are looking to get into the medical field, whether that be a foot doctor, a brain surgeon or a pharmacist, you should look into the University of Michigan.  The professors, the wolverine culture and not to mention the connectedness of the alumni are all great at the University of Michigan.  So if you’re looking for a University that can give you an excellent education, a great student culture and hundreds of connections to further for your graduate work, UM is the place to go. 

If you would like to know more about Dr. Bowman’s experience with the U of M, or if you are dealing with foot or ankle pain, contact Houston Foot Specialists.  Either way, Dr. Bowman would love to help you however he can.

Related articles

• University of Michigan Wolverines announce spring game for April 14, 2012 (annarborspecialevents.wordpress.com)
• Tackling The 10 Myths Of Barefoot Running: Article on Podiatry Today (runblogger.com)
• University of Michigan Men's Basketball Schedule - Special Hotel Rates (annarborspecialevents.wordpress.com)