How to Buy Cleats

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Cleats are used in soccer, baseball, football and other sports that play on dirt or grass. Cleats are worn by players to maintain traction and keep their balance on slippery surfaces, such as grass and mud. There are several ways to make your cleats purchase go smoothly. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Go to a sporting goods store. This is the best place to find the largest selection of cleats. Dick's Sporting Goods and The Sports Authority both carry cleats.
Step 2

Find the right type of cleats for your sport. Most cleats will be separated by sport. You will find cleats labeled as baseball, football or soccer cleats.
Step 3

Look at the spike size. To help determine the appropriateness of the cleats, check to see the length of the spikes. Sports, like football, which require more traction will have longer spikes.
Step 4

Check the material of the spikes on the cleats. If you are buying for a youth sport, you should be aware that metal cleats are usually prohibited in youth outfits.
Step 5

Try on the cleats. They should fit comfortably and not bind the foot. If you buy cleats made of leather, expect some shrinkage.
Step 6

Choose a pair that feels light on your feet. You don't want to be weighed down while playing your sport.

Tips & Warnings

Some players buy two pairs of cleats. They purchase one pair to use when the field is dry and another when the field is wet.
You don't want cleats that provide too much traction. This increases the likelihood of knee and ankle injuries.

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