Last Updated on September 12, 2022 by grubdunkman

This articles covers soccer shoes in Canada for beginner to intermediate players. We have done a complete study on the matter in order to make it easier for you to choose and eventually find the ideal pair of soccer shoes, the one that offers the best price and quality according to your budget. Everything you should know and even have in order to get the best soccer boot is mentioned. A list of some brands consolidates the study and offers in detail the possibilities that are open to you. The budget range is 45-201 CAD.

The key elements to ensure your choice:
Material
Studs
Size and shape
Weight
Model

Material

Obviously, there are several choices of material, depending on the desired result. Initially the most common material was leather. A few years ago, it was forgotten, but in the 2010s it became popular again. Pairs of shoes made of leather are the most flexible. They are also very soft to the touch, and the design is excellent. Despite their flexibility, the shoes lose their base weight a little faster.

However, experts have synthesized a new material, microfiber. Caught in the polyurethane matrix, it is a composite of polyester filaments.  Its lightness has yet to be matched, the shoe is like a second sock on your foot and keeps its original weight for a long time. The microfiber is also hydrophobic. The shoe remains waterproof despite the weather. The flexibility offered by this material is not as optimal as that of leather, but it is not the least.

Studs 

The number and length of cleats depend on the type of pitch. Their number and length also depend on the game, i.e., the position. They must guarantee a good grip on the pitch without holding the player down. If this condition is met, the risk of twisting and injury is minimal. They also act as shock absorbers.

On synthetic pitches, the AG (Artificial Grass) type studs are the most recommended. The weight is distributed evenly over the sole thanks to the 20 hollow conical rubber studs incorporated in the sole. This reduces the risk of slipping to a minimum.

On natural grass, heavy spikes should be avoided. They will bind into the ground and make your strides heavy. Therefore, the most recommended spikes are FG (Firm Ground) spikes, which are called “molded” in popular jargon. This sole settles slightly into the pitch due to the weight distribution. The sole is still versatile, although it is more suitable for greasy natural pitches. It is a set of 8 to 14 conical or lamellar studs, depending on the brand.  For beginners and intermediates, this is the type of sole par excellence, it is an all-rounder.

The ideal type of cleat for greasy terrain is the SG (Soft Ground) cleat, commonly known as a “screw-in” cleat. The aim is to allow the shoe to easily dig into the ground to avoid slipping. The studs are few in number, a maximum of 6, and therefore more widely spaced. They are made of plastic or metal. However, these studs are only suitable for greasy ground. On hard ground, there is a high risk of pain and injury. Nike has taken this research a step further and has developed SG Anti-clog cleats. With this sole, you can say goodbye to mud that will no longer cling to your soles and your movements will remain light.

For hard ground, the HG (Hard Ground) studs are your best allies. This type of cleat is much less demanding but still useful. HG studs are smaller in size than FG studs, but there are more of them on the sole. They are evenly distributed. This configuration guarantees a good redistribution of the loads on the studs. This, like all other categories, is intended to reduce the risk of injury by facilitating movement. This model is also suitable for frozen ground. Occasionally TURF studs will be used as a spare pair. They are also suitable for hard pitches but are best suited for Futsal or Urban matches. The small reliefs and patterns are very suitable for grass and hard ground like tar. The traction offered by the sole is excellent. If you are a young trainee, this is the ideal back-up sole to the HG cleats.

Size and shape

You don’t need to pull on the shoe, you should just make sure that it fits your foot perfectly. This is not as obvious as you might think. It is likely that the first time you put on a shoe it will be uncomfortable even if the size fits. The mistake to make is to go one size bigger. There are models for wide, medium or thin feet, try them on and despite the discomfort of the first try, it is up to you to judge whether or not they will fit later. 

Once you have made your choice, think about softening your shoe by twisting it as much as possible.

Weight 

The current weight of soccer shoes on the market is still correct. But brands are struggling to make soccer shoes lighter and lighter for a better experience. Currently the ideal weight is between 200 and 160 grams.  Adidas has pushed the envelope by reaching a record weight of 99 grams, the Adi zero.

Model

This criterion is much more subjective but still quite important. The choice is not very varied either and is much more a question of design. But for a professional it could make a difference. The choice will have to be made between a pair of high or low shoes.

The high shoes have inner socks that offer extra support and comfort for the foot and ankle. This is very useful for preventing injuries. In contrast to low shoes, which, as their names suggest, do not have socks but are still excellent.

The guarantee for an excellent choice of your pair of soccer shoes means to be based on the criteria that make a good pair of soccer shoes. Another criterion is the budget. But what is good will always be in a certain price range. We have listed some excellent affordable brands for juniors and intermediates to guide you in a choice with a very good price/quality ratio. A table to list the brands according to pitch, weight, material and price.

Our list of beginner to intermediate soccer shoes Canada, 2022

Model	Weight, g	Materials	Fields	Price in CAD
Nike Phantom GT2 Academy MG	190	Synthetic	Synthetic	115
Puma Tacto II FG AG	160	Synthetic	Synthetic/firm	44.99
Adidas Predator Edge3	252	Recycled Synthetic	Natural/fat	120
Diadora Brasil LT+ MDPU	283	Leather	Synthetic/firm	201
Puma Ultra 3.2 FG/AG	213	Synthetic	Synthetic/firm	104.95
Umbro Velocita IV Club FG	190	Synthetic	Synthetic	74.95
Under Armour Hammer	201	Synthetic	Natural/Grease/Synthetic	129.99
Adidas X speedportal.3	177	Recycled synthetic	Natural/fat/synthetic	130

Nike Phantom GT2 Academy MG is and updated design of GT model. Off-centre lacing and grippy texture across the top is strategically placed for precise touch when shooting, passing and dribbling. Excellent choice overall. Synthetic leather of the model is durable and easy to clean. Extra points for eye-catching color scheme.

Puma Tacto II FG AG This affordable entry-level footwear is perfect for aspiring football superstars, complete with a soft lining and sturdy upper for maximum comfort. Lightweight TPU outsole suitable for use on natural and synthetic grass. Limited sizes can be available, but worth checking out.

Adidas Predator Edge3 made from recycled materials from cuttings and household waste, this shoe allows for all angles to be covered. Control, spin and power are all here. The grippy Control Zone print provides better grip with every touch of the ball and covers the textile upper that is coated in targeted areas. The outsole is angled and original TPU, which helps maintain control on dry 

Diadora Brasil LT+ MDPU with a black upper in soft premium leather. The gold details of the fregio and logos on the tongue and back stand out against the upper and match the cleats on the sole. The tri-colour emphasises the Italian heritage of the brand. On the upper end both by weight and by price, but made it to our list due to high quality and premium leather.

Puma Ultra 3.2 FG/AG built for unparalleled speed, the model got a classic PUMA twist in this edition. The latest innovation in speed and control, the PUMA ULTRA 3.2 soccer cleat features next-level craftsmanship with a lightweight, supportive MATRYXMESH woven upper and ultra-fast SpeedUnit lug outsole for rapid acceleration. They will never see you coming.

Umbro Velocita IV Club FG with its neoprene liner and a durable PU layer applied to the upper, provides an excellent fit that adapts to your foot. TPU outsole with unique lug configuration to provide optimal traction.

Under Armour Hammer suitable for athletes with wide feet, the upper is made of a stretchy mesh which provides a light and breathable feel. The heel is synthetic, providing stability and support. The molded EVA insole provides optimal underfoot comfort. It has a full-length EVA midsole cushioning, which adds to the comfort underfoot. The outsole is made entirely of rubber, the aim being to achieve increased traction and durability through flexible treads for flexibility where you need it most. The insole is removable. 

Adidas X speedportal.3 The Adidas nugget has extra lugs in the forefoot on the outsole for optimal responsiveness on soft ground. Stability and support during movement is provided by a coated textile upper made from 50% recycled materials, a flat mesh collar and a rigid TPU outer heel reinforcement. An internal rubber on the upper part of the shoe gives the foot excellent internal support and some cushioning adds to the comfort.

Conclusions

Depending on your needs and position you can now make a clearer choice of soccer shoes in Canada. According to the given criteria, you will know which one will suit you best and guarantee you a performance that meets your expectations. The ball is in your court, it’s up to you!

The photo of Nike Phantom GT2 Academy MG is published with the permission of Nike.