Soccer Cleats 101 Soccer Cleats News and Reviews
Even though we talk about a lot of deals online, we never forget the importance of the “brick and mortar” stores out there. In fact, some of our most important partners (WeGotSoccer and SoccerLoco) are built from brick and mortar and have some of the best retail stores you will find anywhere in the country.
The experience of getting into a store to try on a pair and get the advice of an educated sales professional is something that we should never take for granted. Today is Small Business Saturday and I recommend taking the opportunity to hit up your local soccer store to show them you have a vested interest in what they do. You might be surprised at the top deals you find, or just the selection of boots they have on offer. Seeing a boot in person can substantially impact your buying decision and there is a certain romance in experiencing it that way.
Even if you only buy a new pair of socks, get out and show your support!
In particular, we wanted to give a shout-out to:
– Suley’s Soccer in Manchester, NH
– The Far Post Soccer Supply in Portland, OR
– World of Soccer in Mesquite, TX
– Soccer Plus USA in Dayton, OH
Shout out to Lloyd's Soccer in Greer, SC (www.lloydssoccer.com). Their prices beat out most of what I find online. I'm glad to have them as my local soccer shop!
I have lived in a town without a speciality soccer store, and the town was worse for it. Yes, cleats could be purchased online or at the local Dicks, but there is something to be said for being in a place where there is a soccer store.
A specialty soccer store can serve as a local hub for finding things like pick up games, as well as a wealth of information. I also agree with everything Bryan said about experiencing boots in hand. There are certain boots that I gained a much greater appreciation for after being able to see them in my hands for the first time.
There are many difficulties these small stores face, especially when it comes to providing the selection a larger store can. However, the smaller stores often times can serve as opportunities to get older boots, getting you a chance to get a replacement for an old favorite that is getting a little shabby.
For many of us, myself included, the difference in price means online is the best option. Even then, you should go and check out what your local soccer store has to offer. When you can get things at similar prices online and in store, favor in store because of the benefit it offers your local community.