12/18/24
May 19, 2003
Spring-loaded studs protect footballer's feet.: An article from the New Scientist reports that UK tech development company Generics Group has created a boot (US: "shoe") with spring-loaded studs (US: "cleats"). The report explains why my flat feet always hurt at the end of a game: The six studs per boot are placed at pressure points that can actually hurt the joints. Also, the sportswear's industry to make lighter boots is thinning the soles, thus, reducing the padding between studs and feet. Now, will this invention really improve things? Will it reduce injuries? Will it provide performance benefits; might it allow players to jump higher and thus get an advantage at headers?
posted by worldcup2002 to soccer at 09:42 AM - 31 comments
I haven't read the article yet...i will in a minute. But, I just bought some new cleats on Saturday... A REALLY cute girl was working there. Man, i am still thinking about her.... Anyway, I bought some Adidas Kaisers...for hard ground. I wanted to buy the ones with the removable cleats but i was told that those are only good for soft ground...
posted by StarFucker at 11:33 AM on May 19, 2003
Yeah, what's the difference between the ones that are removable vs not? Is it just that they're for hard vs soft pitches? Why make'em removable anyway? Doesn't that make them get dirty more easily and cause more of a hassle?
posted by worldcup2002 at 11:51 AM on May 19, 2003
btw, good luck with the girl.
posted by worldcup2002 at 11:51 AM on May 19, 2003
I am going back there this weekend...i'll probably buy something else i don't need... As far as i know, she was saying that the soft ground cleats (removable ones) are really just for soft ground, and they are horrible for hard ground. Even when you adjust them, (put smaller cleats on) they are still not good for hard ground. Well, i wasn't going to argue with her, especially since i was having a hard time concentrating on the issue at hand anyway. I would have bought anything she recommended. I think the guys that were working with her observed this and were getting amused at the whole situation. I don't care though. I am going to ask her out next Saturday.
posted by StarFucker at 12:00 PM on May 19, 2003
In football (American Style) we always used the screw-ins to account for the variations in soft turf; the softer and muddier the ground, the longer the cleat. But even the short ones have metal posts that batter your feet on hard ground. Also, the molded (non-removable) cleats typically have more cleating to allow great traction on a hard surface. And no matter what the style, you always run faster in cleats sold to you by cute clerks.
posted by kloeprich at 01:18 PM on May 19, 2003
Hey fooker, weren't there 9-stud or 13-stud boots that were for, I can't remember, hard or soft ground? Maybe hard ground, because more studs would help spread the impact? This new design adds "secondary", smaller studs to go with the six main ones. Aside from the flexing steel plates, it seems to be following the 13-stud design. Have any of you guys read the thing? Seen the nice infographic that describes how it works? I'd like to know if you'll think it actually will help. Any bio-mechanics experts here? I'd like to see Ronaldo try it and see if he likes it.
posted by worldcup2002 at 02:31 PM on May 19, 2003
Are they available yet? My friend wants to get a pair right away.
posted by StarFucker at 02:58 PM on May 19, 2003
The design seems sound with the plate-flex contributing to small stud traction and displacement of force over a larger area. I'm a little skeptical of shoe gimmicks, since every other year while I grew up had some new 'amazing' feature that would revolutionize they way I walk up-right (pumps, gels, torsion bars, stuff pockets, air pockets, laces, velcro, etc.) This gimmick at least seems to have some scientific basis, and not just some ad man dreaming up 'what'll be hot in 16 months'. I'm sure comfort will be improved and body strain reduced, but 'feel' may suffer.
posted by garfield at 03:40 PM on May 19, 2003
I hear you, garfield, and this is why this is interesting to me. There's not that much innovation in soccer boots, as opposed to basketball or hiking or cross-training or all-terrain or running. That stuff is, for the most part, cosmetic. This design was arrived at by an independent design co. They have only begun to contact shoe companies. I think the last "woo-hoo" thing that came out for soccer boots was those weirdo adidas Predator designs that had extra stuff injected into the toe area that were supposed to allow you to better "grip," and therefore, swerve the ball. Does it really make a difference? I don't know. Beckham wears it. Must be good. Hahahaha. The only lasting recent design innovation for soccer boots, if I remember correctly, is boots that aren't colored black. Hahahahahaha.
posted by worldcup2002 at 04:46 PM on May 19, 2003
I don't know much about this stuff, but I am DYING to see how Fooker makes out with the clerk. This post may need to be left up until we hear the ending.
posted by wfrazerjr at 07:54 PM on May 19, 2003
I am too! She probably won't be working next week or something. Well, its Memorial Day weekend so i have a few days to go there... I hope its not obvious. I mean, i DO need to get another jersey...maybe some socks. I'll just spread it around. Buy a jersey Saturday, buy some socks on Sunday...etc. Should give me ample opportunity to strike up a good conversation.
posted by StarFucker at 09:52 PM on May 19, 2003
Yeah, but what jersey are you going to buy? How big is your collection. I've got seven, I think...
posted by Ufez Jones at 11:25 PM on May 19, 2003
I've got 4...I just recently started collecting them. Its hard to figure out whether they are the real thing or not, but this store has the authentic ones for sure. I just wish they had the authentic lettering for the names and numbers. Anyone know where they do this kind of thing? 4 good real ones...and about 4 weak fake ones. Lazio Home Short Sleeve Real Madrid Home Short Sleeve Barcelona Home Short Sleeve Poland Away Short Sleeve
posted by StarFucker at 11:30 PM on May 19, 2003
Real Madrid Home Short Sleeve Boo! I've got: Wales National Team, Short Sleeved Italy National Team, Long Sleeved Mexico NT, Short Sleeved Honduras NT, Short Sleeved (non-authentic) Newcastle FC, Short Sleeved (with the Newkie Brown logo, not fucking NTL or whatever) Toreno, short sleeved (bastards are getting relegated!) and some Greek team that a friend gave me. I have no idea who they are. I prefer National Team jerseys, especially for countries I've been to.
posted by Ufez Jones at 11:55 PM on May 19, 2003
See, here's a discussion I've been waiting to have - if anyone collects jerseys. I have six authentics: Grant Hill Pistons old school Shaq Orlando Hardaway Orlando Jovanoski Panthers Ronnie Lott Chiefs Houston Astros alternate gray I'm also just getting into gameworns. Are there other spofi'ers that also pursue these? And Fooker, there is your in with your lovely clerk. I used to work in the sports apparel business, and the store from which you purchase these jerseys also should have a deal set up with the manufacturers to send them somewhere for authentic lettering. Chat her up about this, her fave teams ... and where she wants to go Saturday night to watch one of them. ;) Good luck, me boyo!
posted by wfrazerjr at 07:38 AM on May 20, 2003
Ufez, how do you look in the Italian shirt? They are pretty tight you know...i can't even wear my Lazio shirt till i lose 30 pounds at least!
posted by StarFucker at 08:41 AM on May 20, 2003
Thats a good idea wfrazerjr... Ufez, what is the name of the Greek team you have?
posted by StarFucker at 08:47 AM on May 20, 2003
SF: The Greek jersey I have is from Olympiacos. That said, I know fuck all about the Greek footy. The Italian jersey I have fits fine, but the neck is really crazy, very tight like a mock turtle or a bicycling jersey. I don't wear it often, but it's a gorgeous jersey. How I look in it is in the eye of the beholder though. I haven't purchased a new jersey in almost two years. This may motivate me to see what's around. I want to finish off buying the jerseys of the countries I've been to (Need Scotland, England, and France, as I doubt Monaco has a National Team). I wouldn't mind have a Dallas Burn jersey either.
posted by Ufez Jones at 10:25 AM on May 20, 2003
Olympiakos may be in the Champions League next year.
posted by StarFucker at 10:37 AM on May 20, 2003
What happened to Panathinaikos? And the Flaming Gyros? (hoohoohoo) Ufez: Monaco does have a pro team in the French La Ligue (?). 
posted by worldcup2002 at 11:41 AM on May 20, 2003
Thats why i said they MIGHT be in the Champions League...its between them and Panathinaikos...
posted by StarFucker at 11:46 AM on May 20, 2003
I'm kind of surprised you haven't got a jersey of your precious liverpool fc, starf. Is that what you're picking up this weekend?
posted by Ufez Jones at 11:55 AM on May 20, 2003
I have ALMOST bought that jersey many times. But there is always some problem...either its the long sleeve shirt, or the away one...i want the short sleeve home jersey. I also want the Everton, Leeds and possibly Fulham... There are many other clubs and countries i want.
posted by StarFucker at 01:17 PM on May 20, 2003
Erm, SF why don't you pick me up the long-sleeve Liverpool home kit, including shorts and socks. And shin-pads and boots, too (I prefer adidas). I mean, anything I can do to help you spend more time with the sales girl. If there's any other way I can help, let me know.
posted by worldcup2002 at 01:50 PM on May 20, 2003
Are you lot fecking crazy? You cannot wear the kit of just any team, only the one you support. It's not natural and it goes against God. There's only one certainty here, and that's that you'll all burn in hell.
posted by squealy at 02:58 PM on May 20, 2003
Squealy, do you doubt that most of us will be burning anyway? (That said, I have two US jerseys and an Arsenal jersey--no enemy kits for me).
posted by trox at 03:40 PM on May 20, 2003
Calm thyself, squealy. I really only wear the Toreno and Welsh jerseys. The rest are stored safely in my closet for safekeeping. They're like souveniers (for me at least). And if I do burn in hell, wearing the kit of a team that I can't claim blood for will be the least of the reasons.
posted by Ufez Jones at 03:42 PM on May 20, 2003
Q: Is it sacrilege to support more than one team? I've moved quite a bit in my time, and I've adopted team affiliations along the way. So am I going to hell?
posted by garfield at 03:45 PM on May 20, 2003
trox is right, you were all gonna burn anyway. It's just that there'll be poking with pointy sticks too.
posted by squealy at 05:23 PM on May 20, 2003
squealy, good thing I only have the LFC short sleeve red then. Though if I could find a decent Earthquakes shirt... stores in the South Bay seem to suck when it comes to this sport. I ordered the LFC from Kitbag in the UK, a few years back when we were all getting rich on stock options. No pointing stick poking for this lad!
posted by billsaysthis at 07:04 PM on May 20, 2003
Gawd, it's good to be able to post soccer stuff again. Whew.