Is it the Boot or is it me?

[RadeonDJ]

Hi, this is my first post to BigSoccer.com. I've been lurking around the forums for a couple of months since I've gotten back into soccer, after a few years in absence from the sport. I mainly started playing indoor with friends and such, and gradually moved outdoors. Upon joining my first recreational team I purchased my first pair of boots with little to no knowledge of what to buy.

I bought a pair of Nike Tiempo Mystics in the White/Anthracite/Metallic Silver as they were the cheapest all leather boots for sale at my local Academy. They've worked brilliantly through all of my pick-up play with friends, practices, and games. The only issue I have with them so far, is it seems that the instep of the right boot is under going some serious ware despite the few months I've been in possession of them.

I've only had the cleats for about 4 months. So I'm curious, is it because of lack of care for the boots? I clean them after every practice, I do not however, use leather protector afterward, just leather cleaning wipes. Or is this type of thing avoided simply by making sure that I make cleaner contact with the ball?

I've read other threads on boot care and I did not see a post directly related to this type of issue.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/1008/soccercleatfix1cz7.jpg

[Jeff20Mid]

Looks like plain-old wear and tear to me.
Think about it, you strike the ball with your shoe so many times during play.
Shouldn't there be some sort of wear on the boot?

[theatre_of_dreamz]

i dont think its u
that happens to my absolutes as well
just normal wear n tear i guess

[appleCORR7]

It does look like general wear and tear. The mark at the front is probably where you drag your foot along the ground when you shoot and the mark ontop is probably where you hit the ball. I tend to get a mark there on my boots from keeping the ball up.

What you have to remember though is that the mystics aren't the best quality boot. So thats probably why they haven't lasted as long. Especially if you wear them on a regular basis. Also the boots are white. So wear and tear will show up more. You could get some sneaker whitener though and cover the scuffs up.

Don't be too worried about it though. It just shows that you use the boots and thats what you brought them for. To play in!

appleCORR

(PS) Welcome to bigsoccer!

[RadeonDJ]

thanks for the quick reply, as well as the warm welcome :)
I guess I'll look for some leather whitener for the time being.

A question though about the higher end leathers, mainly kangaroo leather, how well does it wear in comparison to calf-leather. I understand it is softer, thus allowing a more realistic touch, but is it also more durable?

[Devil500]

thanks for the quick reply, as well as the warm welcome :)
I guess I'll look for some leather whitener for the time being.

A question though about the higher end leathers, mainly kangaroo leather, how well does it wear in comparison to calf-leather. I understand it is softer, thus allowing a more realistic touch, but is it also more durable?

Depends on if its soft or harder..Like the Ronaldihnio line of boots they have a much harder feel as do the Nike Legends. Boots like the Predators and V1's are a lot softer thus a bit more fragile. The nike Legends are similar to the boot you have so you could just go with those.

[appleCORR7]

It is more durable provided that you care for it. Which you said you have been. So if you do decide on a more expensive pair of boots. Just make sure that you keep doing what you have been and cleaning them after each wear.

appleCORR

[Devil500]

It is more durable provided that you care for it. Which you said you have been. So if you do decide on a more expensive pair of boots. Just make sure that you keep doing what you have been and cleaning them after each wear.

appleCORR

Yeah thats the only thing that synthetic turf helps out with no need to clean. :p