Soccer Cleats 101 Soccer Cleats News and Reviews
The SoccerCleats101 (SC101) Team has been hard at work bringing you in depth reviews and all things related to boots in the past few months. However, you probably don’t know what positions we play or what boots we are currently wearing! That’s why we have compiled a “SC101 Team Best XI“. Of the ten writers we have, some are located outside the U.S. (Scotland, Canada, and Iceland) and others scattered across the continental United States. But that doesn’t stop us from building our line up, and giving you the scoop on where we play and what boots are our current choice.
Just to note, you can build you own team at lineupbuilder.com!
Our team is quite diverse and that’s what makes us special. Each writer brings their own qualities and play experience. Obviously, our most notable player is former pro player Bryan Byrne (the boss) who has played on the New England Revolution. Below, you will find our full lineup and the boots we prefer.
Forwards
Bryan Byrne – Bryan’s current boot of choice is the Mizuno Morelia Neo, a boot known for a lightweight design that features kangaroo leather. The boots are also worn by the Brazilian Hulk, who is known for a killer shot. Perhaps he is following in the Brazilian’s footsteps and wearing the same boots to increase his goal count!
Tyler Welch – Alongside Bryan up top we have Tyler Welch. He has a passion for adidas products and his current preference is the Predator LZ. The five lethal zones would definitely be useful in helping him connect with the back of the net some. Tyler has also been known to play left back, where he could also play to make a solid back four.
Midfielders
Elise Britt – Elise is our resident female writer and brings with her some valuable playing experience. She has played at UCLA and even won a WPSL National Championship. Her boot of choice is the Adidas adiPure 11pro, which is a great option for her midfield position, where she helps control the left side of the pitch.
Colin Thompson – Working to control the midfield is Colin Thompson. He also favors the control the Predator LZ offers as the lethal zones give him better control on any ball that comes his way. Top choice by a top man!
Kevin Wightman – Colin’s partner in crime at the center mid position is Kevin Wightman. He prefers the Umbro Speciali IV because of its supreme touch and comfort, but he also likes the Maestri 3, Predator LZ, Ryal Italia and Mizuno Neo Made in Japan.
Jim Gauthier – When he isn’t working as a massage therapist , Jim has been known to play right midfield and even as a right forward on the pitch. Jim’s current go to boots are the Nike CTR360 Maestri III, a great boot for distribution and dribbling.
Defenders and Goalkeeper
Robert Carty – A valuable asset to any team, Robert is the guy that has played all over the pitch. He is currently playing in defense and would serve as a LB/CB for our three in the back makeshift defense. As a defender, Robert knows its important to wear a powerful, hard hitting boot. That’s why he currently wears the Mizuno Wave Ignite 2, especially because they have an effective strike zone.
Richard Wyatt – At the heart of this defense is Richard Wyatt. Located in Canada, he probably has a harder time finding a place to play than keeping strikers from scoring goals because of the recent weather. But when he does find a place to play, he plays in the Joma Granada, a boot that features quality touch from kangaroo leather.
Ethan Edwards – As a defender that likes to play out the back, I prefer boots that have an emphasis on passing and receiving. I have found that the Nike Tiempo Legend IV consistently offers a high quality touch and a uniform surface throughout the boot. I am also hoping to move into the Legend V once some more colorways are released and the price drops.
Aaron Perez – Currently a goalkeeper for the LA Blues, Aaron has played with stars such as Maurice Edu and Sammy Ochoa. The gloves that he currently sports are the Aviata Optimus in the red, white, and blue colorway. I’d be glad to have him behind me in goal as he would surely save anything that slips through.
As you might have spotted, this is a team XI post, but we only listed X players. Reason being, we regard you guys as being our extra man. Help us out and leave a comment below telling us which boots are your favorite and why. We might even add the best response to the list as our #11!
This is awesome Ethan!
I play anywhere on defense although I have been known to attack off the flanks. I am a defender who usually plays centerback but like I said I attack with the ball at my feet a lot. U currently have a slew of boots in my arsenal. I have some light weight options such as the Puma V1.11 K and the EvoSpeed 1.2 L, and I also have some more solid options that I employ, such as the Nike T90 Strike IV and the Concord Techno Kangaroo. I also have various adidas, Pirma, Asics, and Diadora boots. If I had to choose a pair of shoes that I am wearing the most right now it would be the adidas Copa Mundial. The leather on the shoe is top notch and is has a really solid feel to them. Overall even if i don't wear them they are always my go to back up boot that sits in my bag. Also, even though they have brought out the new colors (and I have flirted with getting them) I see the Copa as a chance to wear something other than my collection of very bright and eccentric boots. They simply work.
Also is there any news on where I can get the Joma Granada. They look super classy and soft.
Hey Jose,
I think your best bet would be to try eBay. From what I found they have a variety of sizes at pretty good prices.
Ethan
Thank you. So far have they been durable for you?
Hey Jose,
Actually, I haven't worn them yet. But if you want to find out more, Richard Wyatt probably has some more information for you.
Ethan
Cheers Ethan! I'll do my best to help Jose out. While I haven't had the chance to properly dive into the Granada's (they arrived right at the end of my outdoor season). I can say that I quite like what I've seen in the limited run out I've had with them.
I can't fully comment on their durability as I've only had them out a few brief times. However, I'm comfortable saying that if you take care of your boots they'll stand up quite nicely. The only small gripe I have is that Joma cemented the upper to the soleplate as opposed to stitching or riveting it.
Okay, thanks so much. I did find the links on ebay and I will be ordering my pair soon. Fifty bucks for k-leather boots (full k-leather at that) is a steal. Thanks for the feedback. The only reason I am asking about the durability is because I had a pair of Joma boots back in the day and they didn't last me one full training session. I really like the look and want to give Joma another chance. Again thank you and appreciate the feedback and willingness to respond.
That's great! Hope you enjoy them and let us know if you like them or not! Definitely a steal for K Leather boots too!
Thanks and one last question, I know i have been a bother, but I need sizing information. I normally wear a size 9.5 US (with some exceptions such as brands like diadora who run big and in Pumas who run small) in every shoe I wear with no extra room. In my old Joma's I had to order a full size down. Should I order true to size in these?
Richard probably knows the most on that topic, as I haven't worn these boots. However, I have found that similar boots do run big, but I'm not sure about these.
Sorry for the late reply Jose, between the gold medal hockey game yesterday morning, work, and soccer last night the last 30 hours have been a wee bit busy. However, regarding what size you should order in the Joma's, I usually run a 9.5 US and the Granada's I have are a 9 US. I would say a half size smaller is ideal, unless you REALLY want to stretch in the leather. Hope this helps.
Okay thank you. That was the size I was looking at but didn't want to pull the trigger without being sure. Again thanks so much.
i am a central defensive midfielder that wears the F50 adiZero, because i want a boot that gives me a natural and pure feel on the ball, so vital because when the ball is at my feet, i can know where it is without even looking at it while i glance around the pitch for the perfect pass. Please add me into the lineup if you want. i believe i have the quality, having played defensive midfield and right back for most of my career.
i have also played at left back, centre back, right wing, and second striker.
i am a central defensive midfielder that wears the F50 adiZero, because i want a boot that gives me a natural and pure feel on the ball, so vital because when the ball is at my feet, i can know where it is without even looking at it while i glance around the pitch for the perfect pass. Please add me into the lineup if you want. i believe i have the quality, having played defensive midfield and right back for most of my career.
i have also played at left back, centre back, right wing, and second striker.