These are undoubtedly the most important piece of equipment a player owns, since they determine how the player's feet will come in contact with the ground and the ball. Generally they should fit snugly, perhaps a half size to a size and a half smaller than street shoes, depending on the maker. They must also be designed to fit the foot. Some shoes are cut for a long, narrow foot and while otherwise fitting perfectly may be as much as an inch too long for the average player.
Shoes with about fourteen fairly large studs are good under dry or normal fields, but tend to get heavily clogged with mud in wet conditions.
Shin guards should be as lightweight as possible. Some are made to protect the
ankles as well as the shins. They are especially useful for protecting an injured
area from further damage.
Heavy nylon jerseys are popular with schools, since they last forever, but they
are neither as light nor as comfortable as they could be. The ideal for warm and
moderate weather is probably a short-sleeve jersey of a cotton and artificial
fiber blend, which is durable and dries quickly. If the weather is unexpectedly
cold, another shirt can always be worn underneath it. Shorts should be loose enough
to allow complete freedom of movement.
Soccer balls are available in a synthetic leather material that can be used in wet conditions without becoming heavy with water. A size 5 ball is used in the 14 and older matches. The ball should have a circumference of not more than 70 cm. (28in.) and not less than 68cm. (27in.). It should not weigh more than 450 g. (16oz.) and no less than 410g. (14oz.).