Anatomy of a Shoe

When talking about the many features built-in to soccer shoes, it is easy to quickly become confused. I general, shoes are comprised of two regions, the upper and the outsole. Many materials and technologies are merged to tie it all together, and no two shoes are alike. The following is just one example of a description of a soccer shoe:

Umbro X Shoe II KTK FG
UPPER: Ultra soft high grade Italian, water-resistant ceramic kangaroo leather for excellent ball feel, durability and water resistance. Layered PU application for added ball control. Extreme Asymmetrical off-set hidden loop lacing for a clean kicking surface. Tongue features dual-fasten Velcro ® and elastic band. External heel counter. X-Static tongue lining for temperature management and anti-microbial properties.
OUTSOLE: Anatomical lightweight outsole features transparent film design that reduces weight. Kontakt for comfort and maximum grip in all directions. For use on firm natural surfaces. WEIGHT: (10.8 oz.) Imported.

Upper Materials
The upper materials found in soccer shoes are either leather or synthetic. Leather is very popular among the more experienced player as it is generally a more effective soccer shoe with regard to comfort and ball control. Synthetics however, have evolved in recent years to offer better performance than in previous years.

Leather features:

Leather has excellent ball control properties
Has a great feel and fit.
Full-grain is sturdy and offers better longevity than the more specialized leathers.
Kangaroo leather offers superior comfort and ball control. It is less durable than full grain leather.
Wet weather is bad for leather and care should be taken to protect leather shoes from water. There are products on the market that can help to clean, condition and extend the life of your leather shoes.

Synthetic features:

Used by most entry level/ medium level players.
In general these are less expensive than leather soccer shoes. They have less comfort and control benefits than leather. Recent synthetic (Teijin Microfiber for example), advancements have boosted the levels of control and comfort.
Typically have a better longevity than typical leather shoes when exposed to wet conditions.
Easy to maintain.

Outsole Materials
The materials used in outsole construction vary depending on the playing surface the shoe is designed for. The following are the most common materials for the outsole:

Gum Rubber - Used on most indoor outsoles. Provides grip on flat surfaces. Most gum-rubber is non-marking, which means that colors will not rub off onto gym floors or other surfaces.
PU - Polyurethane. A versatile synthetic material (a dense foam), which is used in many ways. Used in the outsoles of shoes to provide excellent cushioning and durability. Also used in ball coverings to provide good touch and feel.
TPU - Thermoplastic Urethane. It can be fine-tuned for optimal stiffness and is used to make stabilizing outsoles.

The materials and technologies that comprise the upper and outsole of a soccer shoe are pretty general. Inside the shoe is a different story. Manufacturers have created many proprietary technologies built to cushion your foot from fatigue. For the most part they are all pretty helpful. The list of these technologies is very long but here are just a few:

Traxion™ (Adidas) - Traxion bladed outsoles are designed to provide optimal ground penetration for maximum grip, larger surface area for greater acceleration and better pressure distribution for increased comfort.
Shock-Off (Lotto) - An insert of low density polyurethane or EVA, placed in the sole below the heel. It aids in cushioning and helps protect the foot by absorbing and dissipating impact forces.
Zoom Air (Nike) - Lightweight, super-responsive performance cushioning. Incredibly thin, Zoom Air brings the foot closer to the ground for optimum feel and aggressive maneuverability without sacrificing comfort.

Anatomy of a Shoe

Gum Rubber - Used on most indoor outsoles. Provides grip on flat surfaces. Most gum-rubber is non-marking, which means that colors will not rub off onto gym floors or other surfaces.

PU - Polyurethane. A versatile synthetic material (a dense foam), which is used in many ways. Used in the outsoles of shoes to provide excellent cushioning and durability. Also used in ball coverings to provide good touch and feel.

TPU - Thermoplastic Urethane. It can be fine-tuned for optimal stiffness and is used to make stabilizing outsoles.

Traxion™ (Adidas) - Traxion bladed outsoles are designed to provide optimal ground penetration for maximum grip, larger surface area for greater acceleration and better pressure distribution for increased comfort.

Shock-Off (Lotto) - An insert of low density polyurethane or EVA, placed in the sole below the heel. It aids in cushioning and helps protect the foot by absorbing and dissipating impact forces.

Zoom Air (Nike) - Lightweight, super-responsive performance cushioning. Incredibly thin, Zoom Air brings the foot closer to the ground for optimum feel and aggressive maneuverability without sacrificing comfort.