DD is moving up to 16U next month. So somebody please learn me about the difference in foot wear.
"Regular" vs Metal cleats
- Thread starter GTRH8R
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- Jul 26, 2010
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Metal is superior in every way so long as the rules permit. A few things to watch for:
- Make sure she has sandals or something to wear, she should put her cleats on at the field, not the parking lot
- Make sure she knows how to slide correctly. If she's sliding with her foot on the ground she'll twist or break her ankle wearing metal cleats. Most kids learn this around 10 but I see "special" kids at 16u all the time who didn't.
-W
- Make sure she has sandals or something to wear, she should put her cleats on at the field, not the parking lot
- Make sure she knows how to slide correctly. If she's sliding with her foot on the ground she'll twist or break her ankle wearing metal cleats. Most kids learn this around 10 but I see "special" kids at 16u all the time who didn't.
-W
- Jun 22, 2008
- 3,438
- 48
With metal, there can be no mistakes. She will need to learn to pick-up her feet, not drag or slide them. It is possible for the metal cleats to do "too" good of a job in keeping traction. It isn't necessarily dangerous, but can be more demanding than the polys.
However, IMO, the most important part is to make sure she starts her slides on the thigh or rump and never lead with the feet.
Metal is the best. It is all we ever had and I started at age 10. Then, when my kids started things had moved to rubber cleats. I think they (rubber) are awful and they feel like toy spikes, instead of the real thing.
One of my favorite sounds is metal spikes on concrete.
One of my favorite sounds is metal spikes on concrete.
Coach-n-Dad
Crazy Daddy
- Oct 31, 2008
- 1,007
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One of my favorite sounds is metal spikes on concrete.
Me too, especially when an entire team walks by on the sidewalk!
Greenmonsters
Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
Metal spikes are great on dirt and grass, but uncomfortable, not the best traction option, and actually may be prohibited on some types of artificial turf. Practice sliding and make sure the technique is good before/when changing to metal from plastic - try it in practice or on your own rather than in a game for the first time. Slide poorly with metal and you pay the price. I've seen (and heard) lots of severely sprained and broken ankles - girls AND boys.
- Nov 29, 2009
- 2,973
- 83
Once she puts on metal cleats she will never want to wear molded spikes again. I know mine didn't until she was done playing ball and played some slow pitch with her friends.
Cannonball
Ex "Expert"
- Feb 25, 2009
- 4,887
- 113
... and that is the truth! My dd is playing college. She didn't wear metal until last fall. It was an adjustment to say the least. I wish she would have worn them earlier. Now, it is all she wants to wear. However, the comment about sandals or some open air footwear is a good one. When the game is over, the first thing my dd wants to do is get those metal cleats off.
She has great sliding technique, so that will not be a problem. I guess dad is headed out to drop some cash on a pair this weekend. The fall bloodletting is beginning now.
The sliding is the most important part. I thought my DD was sliding correctly but when I "cleared" the slideing lane and had her slide, I noticed her front foot was "lagging" and catching the ground before it went up slightly. Spent about an hour and a half (breaks included) to get her to slide properly. Then several more practices. DD loves the spikes as she wears them on her JV team and hates having to wear them in TB (14u).
