The Best Soccer Balls
Whether you're just kicking the ball around with your kids or playing in a friendly neighborhood soccer match, having the right soccer ball makes all the difference in the world. After all, one that goes flat easily or is falling apart at the seams won't make for a very successful game. If you're new to the game, you might think one soccer ball is as good as the next. If, however, you've had a bit of experience, you know: some soccer balls very clearly rise above the rest. A soccer ball made of the highest quality materials is indeed important, regardless of your level and regardless of how you plan on using it. The problem? The market is saturated with soccer balls that claim to be high quality, but in reality are anything but. Worry not. We've come up with a list of the five best soccer balls, so you can feel confident in your choice no matter which one you go with.
Wilson Traditional Soccer Ball
Old-School Soccer Ball
This Wilson soccer ball is a traditional-style soccer ball, minus the natural materials and hand-stitching. However, the synthetic leather used for the cover of this ball means increased durability (a definite pro) and the meticulous machine-stitching means that this ball will definitely live up to just about any expectations you might have for it. Best for recreational use, this Wilson soccer ball comes in sizes 3-5.
Pros:
- Traditional style soccer ball for soccer ball purists.
- Meets regulation size (in size 5).
- Excellent for practicing drills and skills.
Cons:
- Although the machine-stitching on this ball was done with meticulous precision, it is still machine stitched. Typically, hand stitching is a more durable choice.
adidas Capitano Soccer Ball
Bright, Colorful, and Inspirational
Inspired by the Tricolore ball of France’s ’98 world title win, for futbol lovers everywhere this is a nostalgic soccer ball that is fun to play with. Constructed with a high-quality Butyl bladder for ultimate air retention, this soccer ball is an excellent choice for both laid-back pick-up games or intense scrimmages alike. Other specs worth nothing: machine-stitched construction, 100% TPU-Film, and a wide variety of price ranges, as well.
Pros:
- Huge variety in all of the different patterns and colors available with this soccer ball.
- Multiple sizes available.
Cons:
- Requires inflation prior to using, but doesn’t come with a pump.
Franklin Sports Kids Mini Soccer Goal Set
A Complete Set for All the Family Fun
Have a natural soccer ball player or want to introduce the family to a fun twist on family game night? This Franklin Sports Kids Mini Soccer Goal Set has everything you need…and at a price that’s entirely budget-friendly. The best part? It’s a mini set, so if you’re short on space you can still get a game in. Included in this set is a mini soccer net, mini soccer ball, and a pump for proper inflation. All you have to do is set this bad boy up and get to playing.
Pros:
- Highly portable and lightweight.
- Small enough to play in small yard spaces or even indoors, making this an ideal set-up for year-round fun.
- Entire set folds completely up for easy setup.
Cons:
- The size of the ball and net make it ideal for smaller kiddos and lightweight, easy-going games. Bigger kids and rougher games might not be the most ideal.
GoSports Premier Soccer Ball with Premium Pump
No Air? No Problem.
There’s nothing worse than a deflated soccer ball and no back-up plan. Your best bet? Having a pump. These premier soccer balls come with a pump for easy inflation, so you never have to worry about a deflated ball ruining your game. Machine stitched construction and a butyl bladder round out the durability of these balls, and with proper inflation, you can expect a high-quality soccer ball that performs well in games, scrimmages, and training exercises.
Pros:
- Available as a six pack or individual.
- Synthetic leather for excellent resistance of abrasions.
Cons:
- Only available in sizes 3-5.
Champion Sports Viper Soccer Ball
A Great Ball for Every Occasion
Playing a friendly game of indoor soccer? Although this ball is perfectly fine to use in the outdoors too, we love it specifically for indoor pick-up games. With a 4-ply soft touch PU synthetic leather cover, this soccer ball has a bit of an added softness to it–which is precisely what makes it such a great ball for indoor games, practices, or drills. With a butyl bladder, you don’t have to worry about shape or air retention. Butyl bladders naturally hold air better than other bladders, so although this ball feels a bit softer, it’s an incredibly airtight, durable ball that’s an excellent choice all-around.
Pros:
- Simple design
- Available in sizes 3-5.
Cons:
- Machine-stitched panels mean this soccer ball is durable, but it won’t hold up as long as a hand-stitched soccer ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you look for in a soccer ball?
The first thing you’ll want to look for is the size. Soccer balls range in size from 1-5, with 5 being the largest and appropriate for older youth and adults. However, size 1, the smallest size, is also appropriate for adults for working on skill development. Depending on what your needs are, you might want to go with a few different size balls.
Other important factors: the construction. Hand-stitched soccer balls tend to be of highest quality and best construction. You’ll also want top quality lining and bladder (note: latex ballers typically lose their air faster than a butyl lining).
What is the proper air pressure for a soccer ball?
The proper air pressure actually depends on a few factors. Regardless, you’re going to want to have a hard soccer ball for best performance. Unsure of what that means? Soccer balls typically come with a recommended air pressure printed directly on the ball.
What is the proper way to store a soccer ball?
Want to extend the life of your soccer ball? It’s important to take care of it, and that includes how you store it. Soccer balls need to be kept in a dry room that’s airy and temperate. This means don’t leave them in your hot trunk or outside in the rain.
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