11 replies to this topic

[Jowel]

Hi guys. I need some advice. Hopefully someone can give me some wisdom.

I've just taken up running and am loving it! I run at least 3 days a week for 35mins. I'm loosing kilos and getting heaps fit!

I bought a good pair of running shoes a few weeks back (New balance 1016) and they've been great for me. They cost me over $200 so they're pretty precious and I don't want to wreck them.

This has got me thinking about whether I should use my new running shoes for a casual game of soccer in the local park with my friends. What I'd be doing is sprinting around, changing directions rapidly, kicking the ball etc. It wouldn't be an intense game. Just a casual kick around with some hard running in parts.

Here are my questions/worries:
- Are my new runners are able to withstand those sorts of stresses. Will they fall apart? Are they suited to a casual game of soccer?
- Is it dangerous to use runners for playing a casual game of soccer. Am I more likely to get injured?
- Is it better to us any old pair of sneakers to play casual soccer, not necessarily a shoe which fits my foot type? Can I get away with wearing anything?
- What exactly are 'cross-trainers'? And is this a more appropriate shoe to use? What are the important aspects I should look out for in the pair if I choose to get some?

Please help. I look forward to hearing from someone!

Jowel

Edited by Jowel, 23 July 2007 - 11:07 AM.

[Sparkie]

Running shoes have little support for lateral motion, so sports that have lots of changes in direction (soccer, basketball) put you at risk of ankle injuries. I suffered a very bad ankle injury playing basketball in running shoes. I would recommend getting the right shoes for the sport, or at least cross-trainers.

[Rachel49]

On top of the above mentioned, running shoes don't offer much protection around the toes. It's gotta hurt kicking the ball if you ask me!

[Colin]

If you are not concerned about injury, you should at least worry about thye wallet.

That is a proven way to ruin a $200 shoe.

If you don't like or require studs, then buy a pair of 'indoor' (futsal) shoes, they are usually a lot cheaper- you can get a good brand under $50 at soem shops, they last long and you can probably wear them around house etc.

[Duffman]

Yep, as all above - keep the 1061s for running. If you are playing a sport 2 or more times a week its a good idea to invest in specific shoes. If you stay in the runners you will likely get a mesh blowout and inversion ankle sprain.
Find a cheap pair of studded footy boots or, if this is a litte too serious, and likely to subject you to ridicule from your mates, look for a pair of touch footy shoes. Most cross trainers have court soles for use in the gym or court sports and will have no traction on grass. Touch shoes look like cross trainers and you should be able to find a cheap pair with decent tread and a structured leather upper to do the job.

DM

Edited by Duffman, 23 July 2007 - 05:17 PM.

[Jowel]

Thanks for this advice guys!

My main question then is this: If I get a pair of cheap casual sneakers to boot the ball around and do random sprinting etc, do I need to pay a lot of attention in getting a shoe which fits my foot type?

Ie, I'm a neutral runner with slight roll-out of my ankle. For running I bought a pair of running shoes to suit my foot type. But, is this an important aspect to take into account when I'm looking for a pair pf shoes to simply boot the ball around and run around with my mates?

Cheers - please help...

[DECIM8]

Being a "rolling out" category runner it enhances your chances of twisting your ankle during lateral movement sports such as soccer, I would suggest you look at the neutral cross trainer if you decide to get a second shoe.

Look for one with a deep tread if you playing on grass or a court sole if you are playing indoor, you may even like to look at a gum rubber sole for indoor. (indoor specific)

With a "rolling out" catergory foot type you also often limit your pronation which is critical to reducing stress traveling into joints and bones so I would suggest a high level of cushoning in the shoes.

Suggestions (offhand just taking into account what you have said - subject to further investigation)

Brooks Liberty - Semi curved, neutral cross trainer to enhance pronation at mid stance - medium cushioning.

New Balance 1008 - Semi curved (heading to straight) higher cushioning level but a wider fit for a wide foot (if this is you?!)

Hope that helps

[Buncha]

Where soccer boots.

I started join in casual soccer a bit over four years ago. My first indoor game I was a mess after 10 minutes so I took up running. I am a keen mountain runner now. I;m over 40 with not much soccer skill but I love that at the end of the game the young guys are crawling and I'm zooming past. So keep both up and have fun. So lots of side, knee and ankle stretching and get well warmed up for football.

As to shoes you must get soccer boots. It is all about lateral movement and support when striking the ball. I recommend you get one that is for artificial surfaces. These tend to have moulded rubber grip rather than hard studs. A lot softer on a runner's feet that normal boots, particular on hard ground if it dries out in summet. Here is a link to an example.

http://rebelsport.com.au/?action=view&...70&cat=1927

If playing indoor you need specialist indoor soccer shoes. The big thing with them is that they are designed to twist and turn. They have a very low base so your sole is as low as possible, low grip so your foot doesn't stick to the ground, and under the front of the foot a circle in the tred to give a pivot point on which to turn and change direction.

http://sportsgoods.search.ebay.com.au/indo...W0QQsacatZ83634

The other must is shinguards. I always wear them. You must get the long ones that strap under your foot and have ankle padding. As a casual game you are unlikely to get a whack in the shins, however you are very likely to put your foot in for a tackle or dislodge the ball and just be a fraction slow and the kicker's foot clips your ankle. Without a guard it just needs a flick for some real pain and a few days out of running.

http://rebelsport.com.au/?action=view&...25&cat=2708

[Duffman]

Jowel, on Jul 23 2007, 08:10 AM, said:

Thanks for this advice guys!

My main question then is this: If I get a pair of cheap casual sneakers to boot the ball around and do random sprinting etc, do I need to pay a lot of attention in getting a shoe which fits my foot type?

Ie, I'm a neutral runner with slight roll-out of my ankle. For running I bought a pair of running shoes to suit my foot type. But, is this an important aspect to take into account when I'm looking for a pair pf shoes to simply boot the ball around and run around with my mates?

Cheers - please help...

If I went down to the park with some mates for a once a month cas game of soccer, I would take the chance and wear an old pair of joggers.
Because you are playing more often, there is more risk so you should look at getting specific shoes.
Cross trainers are designed with cushioned midsoles and flat, hard wearing court tread for people that want to go to the gym, run and play tennis. Footy boots and touch shoes however have firmer, more responsive midsoles to give better feedback on soft, un-even ground. They also have the best tread for rapid changes in direction on grass to stop ice skating injuries.
It is important to make sure your shoes are a good fit and are comfortable. Cushioning and over pronation are not a big issue in 90 minute games played on your toes on the grass so dont worry too much about getting caught up in the jargon.

DM

(Do The Athletes Foot sell touch football shoes? )

Edited by Duffman, 24 July 2007 - 04:44 PM.

[loubee]

Duffman, on Jul 24 2007, 02:35 PM, said:

Because you are playing more often, there is more risk so you should look at getting specific shoes.
Cross trainers are designed with cushioned midsoles and flat, hard wearing court tread for people that want to go to the gym, run and play tennis. Footy boots and touch shoes however have firmer, more responsive midsoles to give better feedback on soft, un-even ground. They also have the best tread for rapid changes in direction on grass to stop ice skating injuries.

Ditto the above, I play touch once a week and use puma grass cats that I bought for $30. I put some decent insoles in for a bit of extra support. Go to rebel (or your cheaper sports stores) and check out what they have on sale, this time of year is pretty good as they run out alot of winter models. Definitely don't waste your 1061's

[DRFC]

Hi,

Buncha advises to always wear shin pads that have the fabric round the ankle. I would agree with shin pads but would not go for the one's that go around the ankle.

My son was playing recently and a team mate who was wearing a pair that went around the ankle, broke his ankle in a tackle and the job of the paramedics was made a lot harder by the need to try to cut the shin pad fabric away from the area.

My son having seen this insisted on getting pads that simply strap around the calf with velcro.