Matchday or practice, you need a jersey, shorts, shin guards, socks, and soccer cleats to complete your soccer uniform. One of the beautiful things about the world’s beautiful game is that anyone with a ball and two posts can get a game of soccer going. But as things start to get more competitive and organized, you’ll want the best gear possible. To complete your uniform, or kit, make sure to check off the following boxes.
Soccer Uniform Components
The essential pieces of a soccer kit include (from top to bottom): a jersey, shorts, shin guards, socks, and soccer cleats. Depending on the level of play or league, there may be additional rules that cover these pieces of equipment or others that you may need.
The Jersey
There’s nothing like putting on your favorite player’s jersey, you can almost feel their skill become yours (almost). The reason for that might be more technical than magic. Authentic match-ready jerseys promote a full range of motion, a must for players at all levels. They also include moisture-wicking materials that keep players cool and dry throughout the match. Those tech specs result in a comfortable wear that doesn’t distract you from dominating the competition.
When it’s time for practice, opt for a soccer shirt that matches the look and feel of your game-day jersey.
Shorts
Just like jerseys, movement is the name of the game with shorts. The fit on the waist should be snug, so you’re not using one arm to hold them up while chasing after the ball. You also want the length to fall just above the knee so there isn’t anything getting in the way of your gallop. While pockets are nice to have for carrying around items during the day, they’re dangerous in a pair of practice or match shorts. That’s why many leagues prohibit shorts that include any pockets. They may also require that the shorts are numbered.
Shin Guards
Soccer may not be known for high-speed collisions like American football or ice hockey, but contact is a feature of the sport. Preparing for that contact starts with a proper pair of shin guards. There are different varieties and some leagues may regulate which ones you need to have. Some are small and slip into the sock, while others include straps that wrap around the leg and underneath the foot to promote a stable source of protection.
All shinguards are worn underneath your socks and protect your lower legs from slide tackles, dives, and falls. The right pair will maximize protection and freedom of movement.
Socks
Socks are another essential component of a complete soccer kit. Their function is not limited to providing extra protection to the foot or absorbing sweat in the cleat. If that were the case, a pair of ankle socks would suffice. Proper soccer socks go almost to the knee to keep the shin guards in place and protect the rest of the leg when sliding. Look for smooth materials that will promote easy, comfortable sliding on grass. Also, check your league for requirements on the color and length of the socks.
Soccer Cleats
Soccer cleats are a must for any soccer player at any level. They should provide safety features first and foremost, but we’d be lying if style wasn’t a consideration. The right pair of soccer shoes should feel like an extension of your foot. There shouldn’t be too much space in the cleat for your foot to move around in, nor should they be so tight that they cause pain or blisters.
They also need to match the pitch conditions you’re most likely to encounter. There are firm ground (FG), soft ground (SG), turf (TF), artificial grass (AG), and indoor soccer shoes available. If you’ll be playing on a variety of outdoor surfaces, AG boots are usually the way to go.
Gear Up Like a Pro
Building a complete game-day soccer kit might require more than just these essential items. Keepers, for instance, need a well-fitting pair of gloves for safety and performance. You may also find that you need an undershirt beneath your jersey, perhaps even a long-sleeve one for colder games.
Keeping all that gear together in a soccer bag can make the difference between showing up prepared or missing an item. Wherever your soccer career takes you, find the gear you need at SoccerPro. Get free shipping on orders over $75!
