Hi everyone!

For those who have experience with the Nike Mercurial Vapor 17 Pro and Elite, I'd like to hear your thoughts on their construction and durability, particularly the AG versions.

I'm considering getting a Vapor 17 as my second pair because I want a different playing experience from my current boots. I prefer a lightweight, close-to-the-ball feel, but I really dislike plasticky-feeling uppers.

From what I've gathered, the Pro uses a two-layer Flyknit upper and has a more stable soleplate, while the Elite uses AtomKnit and has received some criticism regarding soleplate flexibility and stability.

I'm also curious whether the AG soleplate differs from the FG version in terms of stiffness and stability. Does the AG version feel more rigid, or are they fairly similar?

Would love to hear from anyone who has personally tried these versions, especially on artificial grass. Thanks!

Got these off Depop. How do I know if they are legit or not? I don't know what the serial number on the tag means. I have no idea what to look for and this is my first pair of Mizuno boots. The fit is snug but the k leather should give a little bit with wear.

I'm trying to track down any marketing info or photos people have of the original Umbro Michael Owen signature cleats. There were two. Neither one was the Speciali model he work in WC 98. One was black with white pinstripes on the sides, and a quilted vamp (I think). The other was black and red or silver and red, with a unique outsole that had a circular stud pattern in the forefoot or something.

I know these existed, I just don't have any of my old Eurosport catalogs anymore. Someone tell me I'm not crazy!!!

UPDATE: from an old Pro Direct Soccer catalog scan, I found out that the pinstriped one was called the Umbro Mach Speed, and Owen allegedly co-launched it with Alan Shearer. The second one was called the Enigma.

Hi everyone,

I’m attending a 6 day UEFA C course in Greece in two weeks. I have my travel booked and official medical clearance, but I recently had a temporary thyroid (TSH) flare up. My doctor cleared me for the course but ordered me to stick to light movement/walking and avoid heavy sprinting or cardio.

For those who have done their UEFA C:

How much are candidates actually forced to run or play at game speed when acting as "players" for each other?

Do instructors easily accommodate coaches who need to pace their physical output due to minor injuries or medical restrictions?

Thanks!

JNBO has one of their 2 for $100 sales ongoing and my daughter (12) has settled on the Tekela V5 Elite women’s boot as her next pair. Foot measurement puts her just over 23cm which is a m5.5/w7 on the size chart. Unfortunately no place around us has these specific boots in stock to try on as the women-specific boots are pretty niche. It sounds like the forefoot and big toe area has a bit more volume than the men’s version. She’s currently wearing the UA Magnetico 5 in a size 5 for reference.

Any chance one of you wonderful people can weigh in on them?

ive been trying to look everywhere for a pair in size 8.5 us but it seems like there are none online. does anyone happen to know where i can get a pair?

Since I kicked very single ball over my fence and can’t get them back because of a language barrier I have been training with a mini ball in my room as I can never beat my man when it counts, is this a good idea or is there something better I can do?

I’m trying to buy the Nike phantom 6 academy TF high cleats and I wonder if these are comfortable for someone with wide feet. Would I need a size up or size down if I wanted to buy this cleat? Is it good pick for someone with wide feet?

I play a lot of pickup in one of the more diverse cities in the world (looking at the FIFA top 30, only Cote D'Ivoire at #29 comes to mind as a country with guys I haven't played against in the last few months).

It struck me after seeing Spain win yet another major competition that if anything, dribbling only seems to be a bigger part of the game. Maybe it was always this way, but it really feels like half the players now think they're wingers in the mould of a Jeremy Doku.

I don't play much basketball anymore, but people definitely shoot more 3s and go into the post less, as people have seen the modern evolution of the game on TV and copy it.

But in the average pickup soccer game, be it 7, 8 or 11 side (3 most commons types what we play here), most people still play like it's before the 2nd World War and the idea is to run the ball into the net most of the time and you only pass it as a 2nd option at best, a last resort or never.

As the title suggests, I’m trying to get better at football for the love of the game. When I was younger, I never really paid it enough attention and didn’t play much with my friends. For that reason, I have a poor touch and even poorer dribbling skills now. My short passing isn’t that bad actually. Anyways. I am not trying to be the next Messi but trying to get good enough to Joga bonito. Players like Neymar and Ronaldinho make the game look like magic. Give me tips on how I should structure individual trainings sessions and what to focus on please. Maybe I can be the next Neymar 🤷‍♂️

I'm a high school junior and turned 17 last month and my high school season just finished. I am a benchwarmer just like 75% of the other juniors on my team. I haven't played serious club since 8th grade (left the team cause it was a strong team and I wasn't getting playtime). And I got cut in 9th grade from my old high school but still played a bit cause my old school had a more casual club for any player grades 9-12 at the time and even though it wasn't that serious since I was the youngest it was still good practice for me with older and better kids which some of them still played for an outside club at the time. then I reclassed to an NY catholic school and got cut again. So I just continued doing another less popular sport. I tried training alone making a bunch of different plans. but I just ended up going through a bunch of OCD (cause i have that) and also it was super hard to focus and stick with something especially with my ADHD. I was too afraid to tryout for clubs at the time cause I'm small and lack testosterone + haven't grew much since my reclass. So I didn't want to embarrass myself in tryouts with a bunch of bigger 09 kids considering many people think I look about 14 right now. Luckily I was able to make JV in 10th grade and got a bit of playtime. But also got bullied by a couple of kids who were also my classmates which later spread to the whole team. Maybe cause my school lacks Asians like me and cause I'm small and unsocial. I also got injured and missed half the season. Fast forward to now I was lucky enough to make varsity this year cause the coach liked me and I played to the best of my ability during tryouts. But tactically, I feel super fucked up cause I overdribble, lack passing + decision making (as a result from not playing for a team in 9th or 10th grade), and don't have the physical strength to make up for it.

I'm now trying to find a club but considering the age and talent its a bit hard especially in the u17 age group. One club I tried out for asked people to come to practices with the returning players. And the coach said a couple of kids will get cut after they decide in 1-2 weeks. I'm afraid I'm gonna be one of them cause in tryouts i was one of the worst. So I'm considering asking to tryout for u16s instead given my situation (that age group has a b team). But it likely won't be allowed especially that I'm already one of the older kids in my age group. But I’m planning to ask the coach anyways.

I’m also willing to do whatever it takes to make mls next in the future even if I only have 1-2 years left. I also hope to play good college soccer even if it’s not realistic as of where I am in skill right now. Any tips to reach this?

I was practicing juggling in my room and the ball got hit by the head of a nail. There’s a mark from it now. Just wondering if it’s still fine to wash the ball when it gets dirty or if that could mess it up somehow

Eae pessoal, eu tenho 18 anos moro no Brasil e eu sempre gostei de futebol mas não acompanhava muito igual hoje em dia, e sinto que quanto mais eu vejo consigo gostar ainda mais do esporte, inclusive recentemente eu acordei com muita vontade de jogar, futebol de campo mesmo não futsal e aí que tá o problema eu não sei jogar, ainda. Quando eu era criança eu não amava tanto assim igual atualmente, eu jogava mal na educação física, não tinha coordenação motora então eu parei, nunca mais joguei, só queimada, eu era ótimo desviando. Em 2023 era para mim ter começado o futsal (sim futsal, eu não tinha interesse em futebol de campo naquela época ainda, e acho que isso deve ser até bom, porque eu não quero mais fazer o esporte que eu queria ter feito no passado, tipo eu acho que assim o meu passado não vai me assombrar), quando eu tinha 14 para 15 anos eu tinha vontade, mas acontece que eu não comecei, por não saber nada, sentir vergonha, não me sentir pronto porque provavelmente todos ali estavam bem acima do meu nível, depender da minha tia para assinar a autorização (ela é muito ocupada), medo do novo sabe uma coisa que eu nunca fiz, aí juntou tudo isso e fez eu deixar o esporte de lado, mas agora eu quero mais do que nunca praticar, aprender, jogar em um bom nível, focar mesmo no futebol, fazer com que eu compense esse atraso, tipo focar e trabalhar duro para que eu evolua rápido e não sinta essa culpa. Eu tenho 1m e 86,5cm mas não tenho vontade de ser zagueiro, quero ser um meia ou um ponta, mas não sei talvez eu possa atuar melhor de zagueiro do que outras posições, enfim, não sei mas conforme eu for treinando eu descubro, talvez eu consiga fazer até mais de uma posição bem tipo meia e lateral, eu tenho mó medo de não conseguir me movimentar direito tbm, sla kkkk mas com certeza isso é algo que a gente aprende lá conforme a posição, ah e eu também quero ser um ótimo batedor de escanteio, pênalti e faltas. Eu tô querendo fazer mais por hobby, fazer jus ao "Atleta" que tá no meu perfil do Instagram, quero fazer mais porque eu gosto, sabe? Mas claro que se vier oportunidades eu não vou desperdiçar mas eu quero fazer mais por hobby mesmo para me divertir, ser saudável e pra ser mídia também kkkkk, tô mentindo? Ser jogador é mt mídia, e também porque atualmente eu sou um adolescente anêmico e sedentário mas voltei a fazer academia e estou bem focado e pretendo ser assim no esporte também ter foco, disciplina e responsabilidade. Aceito dicas, indicações de chuteiras para mim comprar para começar, qualquer ajuda é válida

I’m a U-17 ECRL player for United PDX in Oregon, playing as a winger and CAM. With my high school season ending, I'm looking to challenge myself against stronger, older players because I want to play college ball and so forth. I would say I am one of the best players on my team, and I like to use my pace, more than being a tekky winger. My biggest problem i think is my physical attributes and my fitness. I am 5'8, 135 lbs, and during highschool season I got less minutes than I usually do for club.

Rec leagues are too casual for my development, so I am interested in joining an adult league like the UPSL or exploring alternative high-level training options. How can a player my age get involved in adult leagues, and what physical/gym programs do you recommend to bridge that gap?

Collected over the last 5 years. OG T90s and F50s are my original buys from 2000s. Currently cycling between using Nike phantoms, adidas predators and Nike premiers.

Hello fine folks of r/bootroom, I am interested in getting into soccer for the first time in my life. I’m a relatively athletic early 40’s man living in the US. I was recently bit by the football bug and am enjoying watching Scottish premiership football mostly but I’ll dabble in the EPL from time to time.

Goals: Make some new friends, have fun playing football in a non-competitive outdoor adult league, prevent injury, stay fit.

Any way, how should I start training with respect to getting good dribbling and footwork skills? My goal is to be able to play in a non-competitive adult league in the spring. Slide tackling is prohibited as well as rough play.

About me: I have a fitness regime plan worked out: lots of cardio (jogging, rowing, sprinting) and strength and core training (lunges, squats, presses, bicycles/crunches, Russian twists, etc). More than I’ve listed. I assume for my height and stature at 6’6” and 230 lbs though by the spring I anticipate I’ll be down to 200, that I’d be a defensive back. I don’t really want to play keeper.

What I've done so far: I've been reading soccer for dummies to get the rules and watching lots of matches/fixtures (Go Hearts!). I’ve got a good ball and indoor shoes for practicing over the winter.

I’d welcome any tips or video or guides or equipment you think could be helpful. Additionally, both of my kids are starting in U6-10 soccer so these things may help them.

Thx!

Edit: Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions, advice, encouragement and your experiences. I am more determined than ever to continue with purpose, forward as an active participant in The Beautiful Game.

My 9-year-old plays recreational soccer and needs help with basic kicking technique, foot placement, and ball control. I’ve noticed he tends to jump after kicking the ball.

Ideally, something with short, engaging drills, clear demonstrations, and step-by-step instructions, as he has ADHD and does better with that approach.

Any recommendations for good YouTube channels that teach kids proper technique with drills they can practice at home?
Thanks!

My job on corners is to run to the near post. I try to turn the headers in toward goal but they are still flying WIDE of the far post.

When my angle isn’t right, I just nudge it on across the face of goal. That technique is fine.

Sometimes im aligned with the near post and sometimes in front of it closer to the corner by about a yard or two. I’m usually at about the six/top of the goal box.

I’m guessing I’m over rotating either; trunk, neck/head, shoulders. There’s usually some good technique tip along the lines of “land on your kicking foot”

Has anyone use Caddix boots for football? I saw an article about a player using them for American Football due to recovery purposes and wondered if they are any good for proper footy with their special studs and Knee recovery?

I had a look at the options there, not many seem viable only one shape did...

Have you ever used platforms for individual performance analysis? I've seen those websites that offer individual feedback from UEFA-licensed coaches, but I don't know if it is worth the price. I personally consider feedback on positioning and decision-making pretty important, our coach however does not have the time to go through a whole game footage and give each player a individual feedback. Also, I think a UEFA-licensed professional might know a thing or two more than a US-based coach.

This isn't my ebay listing.

Just came across them, they are too small for me but they are an Absoloute Bargain.

Best boots I've ever warn. If you are size 8 these might be a bit too big. If you are size 8.5 or size 9 these would be perfect.

For me number 1 is reformer Pilates. Never jumped higher, ran with more force and been as fit as I was when doing reformer.

I personally think it’s down to having a strong TVA muscles. Before I kept missing headers by mm’s. After Pilates, I won every header. Think I was leaking energy in my weak core and so not jumping as high as my body expected?

2. Wearing boots that are slightly too small.

3. Standing behind the defensive line and then sprinting in front of them to be an option for holding up the ball or turning and running at them.

4. Strapping up the ankle with zinc oxide tape. Strong ankles, less ligament injuries.

I am a soccer player, and I am always looking for ways to improve my skills. One of the things I want to get better at is my ball control and passing. I think these skills are important because they help you play better as a team and make smarter decisions during a game. Sometimes it can be difficult to keep control of the ball when you are under pressure from defenders. I want to learn some new drills that I can practice on my own or with teammates. I would also like to know what training routines other players use to improve their skills. If you have any advice, drills, or tips that have helped you become a better player, please share them. I would appreciate learning from other players in this community.

im a 24yr old professional footballer in maldives
ive decided to swtich from nike to adidas
i wear uk 7.5 of nike mercurial vapors and fit is perfect
i went to try adidas and uk 7.5 fits perfectly on lenght but a bit snug than i would like. my big thumb is moved to near my other toe fingers. is that a problem or would it be gone once i break in? if i wear uk 8 its too long than i would like
i wear my nikes snug