Any soccer shoe experts here? Specifically Under Armour and Puma...

[Cuda1447]

I'm in the market for some new soccer cleats and I'm trying to make an informed decision. I've narrowed my focus down to two brands, Under Armour and Puma, but I'm really freaking confused on the specific differences between a few different shoes. Perhaps someone here can help me out a bit, I'm having a hard time finding the differences.


Under Armour makes three cleats that I'm interested in. The Blur, Blur II (I assume a newer model?) and the Blur Pro. Outside of the obvious aesthetic differences, they appear to be VERY similar, yet there are some decent price differences between the three of them. Perhaps someone can give me an idea on the differences?


Now with Puma I am looking at the powercat series. They appear to make a 1.10, 1.11 and 1.12, as well as 2.11 and 2.12. The 2 series are significantly cheaper, so I assume they are no where near the same class. Are the 1.10's, .11 and .12 just newer versions of the same type of shoe?


For what its worth, the reason I'm looking at these two particular brands is comfort, durability and stability/traction. I've also heard great things about the kangaroo leather that Puma uses.


Anyone have any insight in these particular shoes?

 

[eits]

go with what feels most comfortable. get both, put them on, shoot on goal for a bit and see which one felt the best. return the ones you don't want.

you really think the cleats will improve your skills any? the worst case scenario, it'll mess up your shot because of how the ball comes off your foot.

 

[Cuda1447]

I don't think its going to improve my skills, but I certainly believe some will be better suited for me. I've had three knee surgeries so I want something that is very comfortable. I also care about the traction/durability/stability of the cleats. I'm positive there are differences between cleats in that regard.

Unfortunately I cannot try them all and return the ones I don't want. I'll most likely be ordering them online.

 

[eits]

can you just go to a local sporting goods store and try them on for feel and fit before you order them?

also, you want a shorter cleat if you've got a history of knee problems. and you're gonna wanna start doing weighted squats and lunges as well as jumping/landing exercises to help strengthen your knees.

 

[Cuda1447]

As far as my knee goes, my biggest concern is the lack of cartilage and the wear and tear it is taking. I figured jumping/landing would be bad for that.

 

[YoungGun21]

the 1.10, 1.11, 1.12 are all different. Also, I don't think it is smart to just limit yourself to two brands (especially when one of them is relatively new to the market). The last 3 pairs of cleats I've had have been Adidas, and I have no complaints at all about comfort. Depending on how often you play soccer, they may not hold up though (true for any cleat, I've had Nike's fall apart halfway through a season!).

Right now I have Predator X's which were the top of the line shoe for Adidas when I got them. Regular priced they were $230+, I didn't pay that though. But they have held up extremely well, and still fit great 2 years later.

Before that I had Adipure II and they were the most comfortable shoe I've ever worn. Felt like clouds all year. Had some quality issues though.

Before that, the legendary Copa Mundials were my boot of choice. Still have them, they are a little worn, but I keep them for backup.

The Nike T90 lasers hold up pretty well, but I've never tried them on. A friend had the Puma precursor to the 1.11 (Konstrukt is what it was called i think), and he said they were both his favorite and his most hated shoes. He sent them back like 3 times before he got a pair he was happy with, but after that he loved them.

I think really though if you have knee trouble no shoe is going to help you.

 

[Cuda1447]

Appreciate the response Younggun, I'm not purposely trying to limit myself I just don't necessarily care about the lightest shoe. I care most for comfort. I realize it won't help me knee, but if its more comfortable while I'm running around, thats a good thing for me.

I have actually looked at some T90's that are on sale right now for about $90. Seems like a decent deal for those. I own some Adidas Predators right now. Good shoe, but they are starting to fall apart and they aren't the most comfortable. Lots of rubbing on them and the tops of my feet feel like they are getting beat up a lot. I'm always injuring my toes and bruising my foot for some reason. So I'm wondering if the material on the top is just very thin.

 

[eits]

As far as my knee goes, my biggest concern is the lack of cartilage and the wear and tear it is taking. I figured jumping/landing would be bad for that.

if you do it incorrectly, yes.

do a youtube search for knee strengthening/rehab/jumping/landing exercises.

 

[Fenixgoon]

adidas copas are pretty solid.

durable as all hell.

 

[edro]

I have really liked my Adidas Adipure cleats. I have had them for 2 years now and they are still holding up well. I play at least 1 day a week through winter and 2 days a week during spring-fall.

The different between grades are usually the upper material, overall weight and higher quality construction.
Some of the $200+ pairs are just super light and actually break down quicker.
When you are a pro, you can afford new free cleats every match.

 

[mcveigh]

adidas copas are pretty solid.

durable as all hell.

QFT

 

[NL5]

Yep, Adidas Copas.

 

[eits]

i, too, have the copa mundials. great shoe.