Quality or Quantity – Soccer Boot Version!

When buying soccer boots, many of us are on a budget. Unfortunately, we just have to face the fact that we can’t buy the newest colorway of each boot as they are released, or even buy new boots at the first sign of wear. So many of us turn to lower end options, where performance may not be on par with high end “break the bank” boots. But just like all problems in life, there is usually an underlying solution.

For all the players on a budget, I present the “Quality vs Quantity” case. This is one of the easiest debatable ideas, and many people you ask will have a solid stance on one side or the other. However, quality/quantity in soccer cleats is not as simple as you may think. There are many factors that can affect either side. (Note that this article covers both sides of the argument, and the ultimate choice on which is better is a personal preference.) For the sake of this argument, consider low end boots that retail around $50-80, and high end retailing $150+.

The Case for Quality

The saying “to be the best, you have to wear the best,” may have some truth to it. Being confident in what you wear is key. You want to wear boots that suit your style, showcase your personality, and positively influence your play. For example, if you are a speedy forward, you may want to wear boots that are lightweight and are useful when dribbling at high speeds. Many high end boots have performance enhancers that are designed to improve certain qualities. These enhancers are almost never found on low end boots.

And after all, most boots are worn by pro players, showing that yes, they are found at the highest level. So basically, you are getting the real deal here, high end boots that perform. So if you are going to have to wear your boots for multiple seasons, shouldn’t you at least do it in the best boots you can buy?

The Case for Quantity

Let’s switch to a different view. Is more better? Would you rather have a new pair of boots a season and not just the same one over three? If you answered yes to either of those questions, than quantity in boots may be for you. Although lower end boots may not offer the same high quality performance, they still offer a good package at a much more reasonable price. There are many instances where a low end boot is well performing.

Also, options such as take down leather models still offer good fit and feel. In many cases, low end boots have distinct advantages over expensive boots. They occasionally offer better protection, and they generally are built to last longer.

Other Factors

The Durability Issue – Personally, I have seen players that wear high end boots that last at least three long seasons without showing serious wear. However, that may not be said for other expensive boots. Many sacrifice material to cut weight and often have a weaker overall build. And if you play on multiple surfaces, the boots may have an even harder time making it through multiple turf sessions. If you decided to go for multiple lower end boots, you could go for one turf model, one firm ground, and perhaps even one soft ground. This would give you an advantage in different fields and prolong the life of your boots.

Boots on Sale – One of the big factors in this argument is price per boots. You can generally get high end models around half off or even more. This is attributed to new colorways or models being released. If you can snag a high end model for half off, that adds another dimension. Basically, you save money and get something that was top of the line months ago. If there was a choice between getting a discounted model or two take-down models at the same price, I would highly recommend going for the older discounted boots.

The End Result

In the end, it is hard to determine which is better – quality or quantity. Personally, without the outside factors, I would choose quality. But after you consider durability and getting boots cheap, you have to weigh your options and decide which is most suitable for your own needs.

Which do you think is better – quality or quantity? Let us know in the comments below!