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Select carefully so you can make the most of this year's football soon.
Football season is back.
Whether your sport is football, rugby or AFL – it’s an exciting time of the year.
Choosing the right football boot can really elevate your game. This guide will help you pick a boot that will bring out your best whether you’re a first timer or seasoned pro.
The biggest and best brands all have new releases. Nike, adidas, Puma, New Balance, Mizuno, and Asics – so how do you choose? Let’s dive in and answer some commonly asked questions.
Choosing the right football boot can really elevate your game. This guide will help you pick a boot that will bring out your best whether you’re a first timer or seasoned pro.
The biggest and best brands all have new releases. Nike, adidas, Puma, New Balance, Mizuno, and Asics – so how do you choose? Let’s dive in and answer some commonly asked questions.
Are soccer boots the same as football boots, can I use them for either?
While some brands may promote their boots for a specific sport, all football boots are relatively interchangeable for all codes.
How should the shoes fit?
Football boots should fit just like a normal shoe, with around a thumbs width between the end of the shoe and your toe. If the boot is too loose it can cause your ankle and foot to be unstable, and if it is too tight, it can cause blisters.
Do they come in different styles for women?
Yes! Asics, adidas and Puma have a selection of specifically designed women's football boots.
What's the difference between men and women's boots?
Women’s football boots are often designed with a narrower heel and a more contoured shape to better match the natural structure of a woman’s foot. They are engineered specifically for the female foot, with measurements such as volume and instep height tailored to suit women’s foot anatomy. As a result, they may come in a slightly smaller size range, though this can vary from brand to brand. While both women’s and men’s boots offer the same core features—like traction and support—women's boots are typically designed with an emphasis on comfort and injury prevention, providing a more precise fit for female players.
Can women wear men's football boots?
Absolutely! Women can certainly wear men’s football boots. However, it’s important to note that you may need to go down a full size or even a size and a half to achieve the best fit. As with women’s boots, sizing can vary between brands, so trying on different options is always a good idea.
What type of stud should I choose?
A key consideration here is the type of ground you’re playing on. For grass there are two different types of boots – Firm Ground (FG) and Soft Ground (SG).
SG boots are custom-built for those harsh conditions where you need a lot of extra traction just to stay on your feet, whilst FG football boots are a much better all-rounder, and better suited to a wide range of surfaces and conditions.
If you’re mostly playing on a synthetic pitch, consider Artificial Ground (AG) boots. AG boots are specifically designed for artificial grass and have shorter & hollow studs that offer better grip and dislodge easier than an FG boot on the artificial surface, allowing players to twist and turn easily without hurting their knees and ankles.
Leather or Synthetic — what is better?
Leather will give you a better feel on your foot and has that extra flexibility to adapt to your foot shape. While synthetic will have the ability to repel water as, so they keep your feet dry.
Leather boots are often heavier and they’re more suited to defensive players or those who love to pass the football frequently, plus, they breathe better so they are less likely to smell after a few wears.
Synthetic boots, on the other hand, are lighter and suit players who need speed and acceleration.
Why do some boots have a sock design?
The sock design is ideal if you want the shoe to be like an extension of your foot. It is designed for higher comfort and a secure fit. A good example is the Nike Zoom Mercurial Superfly boot. Check out the range of high cut football boots available online here.
What boots do I pick for my style of play?
You can pick based on whether you are a touch, speed, or skill player:
Touch: For players who like a rapid, precise passing style, and have control over the play. The Nike Tiempo, Adidas Copa, Asics Testimonial, and Puma King are the most common for these types of players.
Speed: A lightweight boot that is designed for speed is ideally suited to attacking players. An example of this boot is the adidas F50, Asics Menace, Puma Ultra and Nike Mercurial.
Control: For all-round players that help others take control of a game. The Asics Tigreor, Nike Phantom GX, Puma Future and Adidas Predator are a great selection.
Are there different tiers and grading systems for football boots?
Yes! Some brands categorise their boots – from entry-level to top-tier – making it easier for everyone to find a great boot. See our guide on football tiers to help.
Want to make the most out of the football season? Check out the latest boots to drop this year.
Best of luck.