Believe it or not, you might be like millions of players out there that have cleats with no protection! What does that mean?!

Don't worry, we got you!

Recently, synthetic plastics like 'fly-knit' material used to create faster/lighter boots have come under fire for not offering the player's foot enough "protection"

In the below video, we address this topic and why, in the end, it really doesn't matter that much...

Cleats have innovated tremendously over the years to be lighter, more comfortable, have better lock down, to be more responsive when changing directions, and even to no longer have laces.

One of the main innovations has been synthetic leather and carbon fiber that have allowed designers to make strong shoes that weigh very little while offering specific outsole textures for ball control

Ultimately, this sacrifice of weight and adopting a thinner material means your foot is more sensitive to contact as compared to traditional leather.

This may be an issue you want to consider if

1) Your opponent has metal cleats. In europe, and pro leagues around the world, players may opt for metal studs when playing on soft ground. Getting your foot stepped on or cleated by metal studs will hurt regardless of footwear, but potentially more in synthetic boots. In the United States, youth soccer does not permit such shoes and many adult/pro matches are played on turf anyway

2) You get stepped on all the time? If you're unlucky, unreactive, or just have bad timing - perhaps you get cleated all the time - in that case, wear leather shoes and probably bigger shinguards ;)

3) You're afraid of physical contact If you're worried about getting stepped on, that will be the issue with your game - if it's that concerning, get leather cleats. If you're comfortable with soccer being a real contact sport, you'll tough it out in the shoes you feel you perform best in :)

shop here for new cleats - with or without 'protection' lol http://www.soccerzoneusa.com