At first glance SoccerPro.com looks like just another online store to purchase soccer equipment from. But they have an outside-the-box approach to their business that involves more than just drop-shipping shoes.

Soccerpro.com is building a soccer community and promoting the game through new web technologies such as their blog at http://soccerprose.com/, and the Goalmouth Scramble podcast which covers a popular free online soccer management game called SoccerManager. They have also created a charity called SoccerGrow which encourages their customer base to become involved in soccer related philanthropy.

Their unique business approach seems similar to Zappos.com to me. I had the opportunity to listen to the Chairman of Zappos.com speak recently at SpeakerLunch in Corvallis. Soccerpro.com has an innovative vision and it will be interesting to see where they go in the future.

Check out my soccer show buyer's guide.

I recently received a new pair of outdoor soccer cleats from SoccerPro.com. My shoe of choice was the Puma King Exec I FG, a higher end model designed for firm ground outdoor use. Here is a description of my selection process and my product review after a few games.

Why I wear Puma
I have exclusively worn Puma (and occasionally Adidas) for over ten years. That is because I believe those two brands manufacture soccer shoes that are more narrow in the instep. I like the snug fit around the middle of my foot without making my toes suffer. I wear an 8.5 in Puma and they haven't let me down with an irregular size yet which allows me to confidently order Puma soccer shoes online without trying them on.

Kangaroo leather
I love kangaroo leather. It just feels like the hide of a soft and furry animal. Uh-oh, will that get me in trouble with PETA? The benefit is a shoe that feels like a second skin right out of the box. The trade off is that kangaroo leather won't last as long as normal shoe leather or the high end synthetic uppers that are coming out now. Taking good care of your cleats can help extend their life though.

Blade style cleats
I was originally skeptical of bladed cleats but they have become my preference over the classic round studs. This is based on a more regular playing surface for handling the ball with the soles of my feet rather than any advantage in terms of traction. This isn't an overall big deal for me but all things being equal I like the bladed style cleats.

Puma King Exec I FG product review
At the time of writing this model is marked down to $100 at SoccerPro.com from the normal retail price of $125-$135. $100 sounds steep for a pair of cleats, but if your shoes last a year it works out to a little over $8 a month.

My first thought when I opened the box was that new shoe smell is awesome. When I got around to pulling my nose out of my shoes I next noticed their appearance. The simple design is a relief. Silver with one black strip on the outside, one black Puma on the inside and small black tongue. I really dislike the gaudy designs and color schemes that have been coming out lately.

Between the asymmetrical lacing and the kangaroo (K-leather) these shoes fit great. I like my soccer cleats tight around the instep but with a snug yet comfortable toe box. The Puma King Exec I FG model feels perfect. I didn't expect any trouble with "new shoe" blisters and after four matches I haven't experienced any discomfort at all. They are listed at 9.4 oz which is pretty light for shoe with a natural leather upper.

I've played with them in dry conditions and mildly wet conditions. The cleat pattern is designed for performance rather than comfort. Four blades on the heel and eight up front with just one in the center. Generally for traction on natural grass, less is more.

Am I happy with them so far? Absolutely. Would I recommend them? If it is within your budget and you are looking for a high performance shoe that won't punish your feet, the Puma King Exec I FG is a great soccer shoe for dry and mildly wet natural surfaces and artificial turf grass fields (the kind with synthetic grass blades and rubber aggregate).