Simply
stated, the upper is the part of the shoe that contacts the ball. Uppers
are made out of a variety of different natural and synthetic leathers.
Both offer a wide range of feel and durability. The softer the leather,
the better the touch. Unfortunately, the best touch often means lesser
durability. Another factor to consider is water retention; many soft,
natural leathers absorb water when playing on a wet pitch.
Many coatings and treatments are also available on the upper. They are
designed to create friction for control, create a swerve on well-struck
balls, or prevent water retention.
The major types of uppers are:
Kangaroo:
Kangaroo leather is a soft leather that stretches and molds to the foot.
It is the most expensive and results in a pricier boot. It is
lightweight and high quality. Shoes made of Kangaroo leather are the
most comfortable you will own, however you sacrifice some durability and
shoes made of Kangaroo leather usually will not last as long. In most
cases kangaroo leather boots may be a half size smaller than other boots
because the leather stretches. Sometimes the stretch too much and then a
way to correct this is to purchase an insole and place them over the
existing insole. That should provided a better fit.
Calfskin /Full-Grain: Calfskin is not supple like kangaroo
leather but it is much more durable. It is heavier that kangaroo and
will not stretch as much. However it is tough and boots made of calfskin
usually fall into the mid-price range.
Pittards Leather: Pittards leather is only used in Puma shoes. It
is calfskin leather that has gone through a patented treatment process.
This process gives the leather a water-resistant quality and causes the
boot to dry faster. It also retains its softness and stretches less.
Shoes made with pittards leather usually fall somewhere in between shoes
of Kangaroo and Calfskin in terms of price.
Synthetic: Synthetic materials can be found in low end and high end boots. Nearly all boots under $50 are made of synthetic materials. Many complaints about synthetic materials is that they are hot, have poor touch and generally uncomfortable. But they do have some advantages. They can be lightweight and can have properties to make them more grippy on the ball to produce spin. Synthetics are quite durable.
There are other materials that are used as well such as goat skin. Lots of choices out there.
Care (leather)
Keep in mind leather retains moisture. NEVER leave your boots in your bag. Once you are done playing you need to clean your boots. Remove all dirt from the boots. The dirt robs the boot of moisture. Next, allow your boots to dry after playing even if the pitch was dry. Put them in a dry warm place. DO NOT USE artificial heat sources as they will cause them to dry out and crack. Allowing them to dry will keep them smelling good and last longer. While your boots are drying ball up newspaper into the toes of your boots to help them keep shape and absorb excess moisture.
Once your boots are done drying, this usually take 12 hours or so, you should treat them. Chelsea's Leather Food is a great product and now comes in colors. A mixture of water and mineral oil or Johnson's baby oil also works. Both treatments will help keep your boots soft and breathable. Work it in with a clean cloth. microfiber towels work great. After you have treated them you can use a shoe polish if you would like. It is recommended to keep the newspaper in the toes of your boots until you play again so they keep their shape.
There is very little point in applying water treatment to soccer boots. The treatment would probably be gone off the boot before you finish warm up. Leather tanneries often treat the hides with chemicals that protect from water and additionally leathers have natural characteristics that repel water.
If you take care of your Kangaroo leather or full grain leather boots they can give you many seasons of use and great performance.
Choosing a boot material can improve your game or simply make 90 minutes on the pitch more comfortable and enjoyable.
