Goalie cleats...any recs?

[OldGoalie]

Any goalies have any recommendations on detachable cleats they like for the position? In particular, I mean for playing on softer ground, not turf.

I've heard it said that football cleats are not so great because the single toe cleat in front can cause your feet to snag when trying to move to the ball on a save. I used to play with the Nike Landsharks which didn't have a defined single toe cleat, but never found they had a ton of traction.

[moondog]

I like the single toe cleat. Football shoes are good--I never played football, but I use hi-top Zoom Airs. I like to use the biggest shoes possible, since I wear a 16, my feet end up making a lot of (close range) saves, and I like having my ankles protected. I also like the support of hi-tops--I don't use the top lace, so I get the protection of hi-top with the mobility of a 3/4 top.
But anyone who complains about the single to cleat probably doesn't have the right mechanics. You're supposed to be on the balls of your feet, on your tippy toes, ready to pounce on the upcoming shot. I don't see how a single-toe-cleat would restrict you in any way...

[OldGoalie]

Thanks moondog. I too like the hi-top/3/4 shoe for ankle protection (and to support my oft-rolled ankles) so I like football shoes over soccer ones. And I realize the importance of being on the balls of the feet, but I had read somewhere (Goalieman's site, I think) that the single toe cleat can snag on a downward movement. I personally have never experienced it, but then I haven't really used detachable football cleats before in goal. Good to know that it shouldn't be an issue.

Are these the Nikes you are referring to?
http://www.eastbay.com/catalog/productdetail.cfm?TID=8032-39130510420139100915320-0&module=productDetail&action=view&sku=08359141&model_nbr=51306&supercat=home&id=54434&mvp=sport&sport=all

By the way, I also noticed from your profile you are pursuing a Master's from NWU. In what area? I did my MBA at Kellogg in 2000.

[spenny]

you can always go with rugby boots, they have 6 studs in the forefoot and 2 in the back. high tops as well. i never liked the single stud in front, either for playing goal or for playing in the field

[OldGoalie]

you can always go with rugby boots, they have 6 studs in the forefoot and 2 in the back. high tops as well. i never liked the single stud in front, either for playing goal or for playing in the field

Thanks spenny. What didn't you like about the single stud?

Also, got any particular models you'd recommend?

[moondog]

Those shoes look decent, but I actually use OLD Zoom Airs--I think they're called "Baracudas."
Eastbay is a good idea, too--You should be able to get a great deal through the "Final Score" Clearances they have.
I get great shoes through ebay, and I never have to spend more than $50 for a pair.

Lighter shoes mean quicker feet, but personally, I like the foot and ankle protection the hi-top and 3/4 shoes offer.

When I am playing defense, midfield, or attack, I will wear the low-top, "wide reciever" Nike shoes, whcih are lighter and more mobile, absolutely...

[moondog]

BTW, I put Northwestern on hold for graduate school after my (former) girlfriend died. After I teach in China, London, and Dublin, respectively, I will attend either Duke, UVA, or Syracuse for grad. school. I will specialize in journalism, and I will attempt to walk on for the 2-3 years I will be a graduate student.

[lilaxgurl23]

I would also reccomend some type of 3/4 high cleat. Football or rugby, detachable or molded. I used molded last year but I have to replace them this year so I got detachable. I like the extra support high cleats offer, as well for the fact they provide protection aroudn the ankle. Getting hit there for some reason actually hurts, but with a shoe there you really don't feel it. They're easy to move around in too so it's not like they're taking away from mobility if you're the kind of guy that likes to get out of the crease. I would reccomend Ebay or Eastbay. Both great places, I actually just picked up 4 pairs of detachable cleats for 45 buck new on Ebay, what a steal. So I won't be needing any more anytime soon, but Eastbay is a reliable site too and they have a lot of the Nike cleats if you're looking into those.

[somrandomguy]

Right now, I'm using cheap Adidas soccer cleats. However, I'm thinking of trying out my running shoes/cross-trainers next practice. I realize the grip on the ground isn't quite as good, but I feel like I move quicker in them.

[Trilax03]

i'm a goalie and use the warrior burn cleats and burn turf shoes...or my old adidas soccer cleats work well...sometimes i'll just stick w. sneakers tho

[OldGoalie]

BTW, I put Northwestern on hold for graduate school after my (former) girlfriend died. After I teach in China, London, and Dublin, respectively, I will attend either Duke, UVA, or Syracuse for grad. school. I will specialize in journalism, and I will attempt to walk on for the 2-3 years I will be a graduate student.

Wow. Sorry to hear about your G/F. Good luck with the moves and grad school!

[OldGoalie]

Here's some feedback I got directly from Jon Weston ("Goalieman"):

"I use screw in Nike 3/4 height football cleats and take the center cleat out -- they are great. I think that there is not enough ramp in the {Warrior} Burn {cleats} to help you play on the balls of your feet."

Looks like I'll try to track down some Nikes...maybe the Barracudas - those look pretty sweet. Thanks all for the recs.

[spenny]

jon's big on playing on the balls of your feet. he also likes you to be a little duck toed, it pushes you in the direction you want to go when you pick your foot.

here's the ones i use:
http://www.ballsout.com/reebok.htm

of course, wild horses couldnt get me back in the cage, i dont get enough practice to play keeper anymore.

[OldGoalie]

Those look pretty sweet spenny. Any a very intimidating name too. How very British!

[pcgoalie]

i use nike football cleats with inch long detachable metal cleats in goal. hey have really good ankle support which is good because i have incredibly weak ankles.