ZenMonkey

I need some type of padding for my shoulders. What kind of armor do you guys like or which is better? I am looking at gilbert stuff and Cant of NZ stuff.

Also, does anyone know any place in Texas to buy some boots? I want to be able to try them on before I buy.

Melon

In regards to padding, you shouldn't base what you use as padding on what other people buy, rather try a number of products and decide which one feels best and what you think will perform. In the past I have used RugbyTech shoulder pads and Canterbury. Both are great. Canterbury tends to be more expensive but with that, comes a unique design and assurance of quality. If I were you, I'd try as many on as I could.

In terms of boots in Texas, the best bet would be for you to actually go to the sports stores and look. Surely you know where there are sports stores?

Good luck (remember...when it comes to purchasing things, all you can do is search and try things on).

ZenMonkey

I cant find any retailers in Texas, (or at leats within 100 miles of me) so i have to rely on the opinions of others. I realize that the best way to go about this is first hand but I have exhausted all of those outlets. So any advice or experience it welcome! I have a seperated sholder so I need something to give me whatever I can get. It will heal but I want to take the necessary precautions.

Melon

Oh thats a shame. I suppose you'll have to shop online then? I'll run you through some of the boots and what kind of feet they suit.
Nike - the mercurials are very narrow, the zoom airs are for average width feet or there abouts.
Adidas - not as narrow as Nike, but not for the widest of feet. The top of the line boots are the only ones I'd touch from Adidas, as they're very very good.
Asics - great all round boot, very comfortable.
Mizuno - same as Asics.
Which boots were you looking at? What's your price range? I could provide detailed information on some boots if you were specific in what you are looking for

People whose shoulders have separated/dislocated are prone to it happening again. The only way to minimise the risk of it occurring is getting the shoulder strapped correctly. Shoulder pads are good for piece of mind, and the majority of people who have the same problem as you tend to get shoulder pads. Quote - My previous post: Anything will do I suppose. Once again, what would your budget be?

ZenMonkey

As far as the boots go I was looking at Cant, Mitre, and Gilbert, no real reason, they just looked good. I want a mid height boot (which is interesting because for my school I play tighthead but am small for the position and am joining a club team and may not even be playing in the front at all so am not really sure what height to get) with interchangable studs (for plastic/rubber and aluminum) with nice leather. I am currently wearing Nike soccer shoes with shallow studs.

When you say strap the shoulder correctly, do you mean before play? Of those you have seen with the same problem how quickly do they get back into it? I am itching to begin lifting heavy and playing full contact.

It would be nice for the boots to be around 100 dabloons and the padding under 75ish

Melon

Sorry for taking a while to reply, however I will be away until the 8th December so I won't be able to post you the guide until then.

As soon as I come back I will help you as much as possible