Where are the Football Boots?
Unfortunately, like many other industries, COVID-19 has impacted the production of football boots from leading brands. This is due to lockdowns in manufacturing countries from July-September 2021, resulting in either significant delays or cancellations of footy boot models. This is not only isolated to Australia, but also the European and North American markets.
This is why you may have noticed a lot of shoe stores at the moment not stocking any football boots or only stocking last years’ styles that have yet to be sold. This also means that potentially the type of football boot you have used and are comfortable with, may not be on shelves this year. I have been wearing the ASICS Lethal Ultimate for the last 7 years and I will not be able to get a pair this year. However, I know there are many other styles similar so there shouldn’t be too much of a difference and may end up liking them better.
Where Should I Go For Footy Boots?
It is always recommended to visit a shoe store so you are able to try on the footy boots yourself and get fitted properly. It is even more important this year, with stock low and limited varieties, you may be finding yourself in a different football boot. It is extremely important to get this properly fitted as, just like shoes, football boots come in all shapes and sizes. Without being fitted correctly, you may find yourself in the wrong boot causing issues such as black nails, nails falling off, ingrown toenails, blisters, achilles heel pain and various other overuse sports injuries.
There are various stores which stock a wide range of football boots including Sportitude, Athlete’s Foot and Rebel Sport.
Need personalised advice on football boots, injury prevention or the treatment of sports injuries?
Book an appointment online with our experienced Podiatrists.
What Should I Bring To The Store?
If you have orthotics, it is important to remember to bring them when getting fitted for boots. Some styles will not fit an orthotic so it is best to know if it fits, before purchasing. Football socks are also much thicker than regular sports socks. To get a true fit, it is a good idea to be wearing the football socks you will play in. Thicker socks can make a huge difference in both comfort and fit. If you double sock, then make sure you bring both the socks you intend to play in. 
What are the Differences Between Footy Boot Styles?
The main differences you will notice is the material of the upper, the style of studs, the weight of the boot and the level of heel elevation.
To obtain the best fitting and functional boot for yourself, you need to consider what position you play. Are you a small rover constantly weaving in and out of play? Are you a tall key position player jumping up in large packs and jostling for the best position? Are you a wingman or running half back that covers a lot of distance in the game? Football has a variety of player types and positions. A boot for a tall ruck man is likely not going to be the right boot for a small forward. As such, there are differences in the boots that may benefit you and not others.
Football Boot Weight:
This really depends on your own preferences. However, generally a position requiring more running and pivoting will benefit from a lighter boot. You will be able to make quick turns at high speed without feeling your feet are stuck to the ground. A taller key position player would benefit from a heavier boot to help keep them on their feet when jostling for position against their opponent. Weight is a personal preference and you may prefer a lighter or heavier boot not typical of your position.
Footy Boot Upper:
This depends on the quality of the boot you want. Do you want to pay more for a better quality leather that will last more than one season for an amateur player? Or do you want a cheaper option that might not last more than one season but will do the same job? Are you someone taking football more seriously?
The cheaper option is great for young kids, as likely they will be in a different size in the next year. A cheaper material will still last out the season and be just as good for your child. The more expensive option may be more suitable for people wanting more life out of their football boots, or for those taking their football more seriously. A superior quality leather will be able to withstand all weather extremes better than a synthetic upper. If you play more than one game a week, you may also need this better quality to last one season.
The type of upper options are:
- Synthetic – lighter weight, cheaper, not as durable.
- Leather – heavier, more durable, better breathability, more expensive.
- Kangaroo Leather – better quality of leather and much more expensive.
Need personalised advice on football boots, injury prevention or the treatment of sports injuries?
Book an appointment online with our experienced Podiatrists.
Stud Design In Football Boots:
There are a range of different stud styles and patterns across football boots. A more oval stud type will penetrate the ground better but will be harder to pivot. A wider stud won’t penetrate the ground as well but will offer better movement for pivoting. Most boots have a variety of stud patterns to get the best out of movement and grip. On a whole, stud pattern and style won’t make that much of a difference unless you are very serious about football. If that is you then it may be better to have two different pairs of boots, one for wet weather and one for dry weather.
Other Fitting Considerations:
As always, ensuring there is enough width and length in the boot to keep your foot secure without it being too cramped or too big is key. If you are prone to Achilles injury, heel pain or some other common overuse sports injuries, you may benefit from a football boot that has a 10mm heel gradient.
This type of football boot feature can help to reduce the forces going through the Achilles and may potentially help your pain/symptoms. This is a key feature on most ASICS boots and some XBlades boots and is not generally seen through many Nike, ADIDAS or Puma boot styles.
Normally, waiting for the colour you like to come in would be an option. However, with production delays and cancellations of styles during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may not be able to purchase the colour you like. Fit of the football boot and being comfortable in the boot should be your primary objective. There is no point squeezing into a boot and getting sore feet just because you like the colour. There are also no guarantees the colour you like will arrive. So whatever feels comfortable when you’re in the store, you should go with – no matter the colour.
Need personalised advice on football boots, injury prevention or the treatment of sports injuries?
Book an appointment online with our experienced Podiatrists.
I hope this helps you find the right boot you need for this football season. If you would like further personalised advice on football boots, injury prevention or treatment of sports injuries, you can always book an appointment online via our website at: https://posturepodiatry.com.au/book-online . Our Podiatrists are always happy to help steer you in the right direction.
By Adelaide Podiatrist, Will Duncan
