![]() ![]() ![]() Football in the Sutherland Shire is generally played on hard surfaces, therefore, a moulded boot is far more suitable and a lot safer.Ī correctly fitted boot is an important factor in prevention and treatment of foot injuries. However, this can be pricey so the general player should buy a single pair of boots that that will suit the surface he or she most often plays on. The ideal situation for the serious football player is to own a pair of boots for every condition. It is important to make sure no stud or moulded cleats are positioned directly under the big toe joint which will cause discomfort and do not stop the boot flexing where it is supposed to – under the ball of the foot. ![]() Moulded boots are also usually used on artificial and synthetic pitches as they tend to not get stuck in the turf like studs do reducing the likelihood of twisting knee injuries. They are designed for surfaces where there is limited give. Moulded stud boots are better suited to harder grounds. Use of screw-in studs on hard grounds is not comfortable as the footballer can feel like they are running on pebbles. Anyone who has had a knee reconstruction or suffers from instability in the knee joint should be careful not to use an aggressive stud design as the increased grip may cause the foot to remain stuck in the turf potentially leading to excessive twisting and injury. The studs are usually made from hard rubber although metal studs are available. Soft grounds require better grip so use of screw-in studs is suitable for use on soft, wet and muddy pitches. Ground conditions are normally classified as either soft or hard. The type of pitches that you will be playing on make a significant difference to the type of boot that you should consider buying. The outsole should only flex at the forefoot in the position that the toes bend under the ball of the foot, all other movement in the outsole should be minimal. A narrow outsole will cause the foot to hang over the edge of the sole and place more pressure on the upper, which decreases the stability of the boot and is more likely to tear the boot. The outsole must be rigid and match the width of the foot. The extra bulk in this type of boot is the only downside. These are particularly good for young footballers that suffer from heel pain or ‘Sever’s disease’ or any player that suffers from lower limb injuries such as shin splints, Achilles tendonopathy and chronic knee pain. There are boots on the market that have midsoles or wedges under the heel providing some cushioning and support which is desirable for injury prevention. A sturdy deep heel cup can prevent injuries especially in young footballers. The heel counter or heel cup needs to be very rigid to support your rear foot during swerving & stepping. ![]() Combination leather and synthetic uppers are the strongest particularly when reinforced with ample stitching. However, some cheaper synthetic uppers may have a poor feel and will rip and tear easily under strain and tend to be found on boots at the lower end of the market. High quality synthetic upper is found on many modern football boots as it is strong, light and waterproof and are now made with advanced materials that rival the qualities of leather. Synthetic uppers vary in quality at either end of the price scale. More costly is kangaroo leather which is becoming particularly popular due to its strength and ability to mould well to the foot, whilst remaining very light. Basic cow leather is a good choice for a sturdy, durable recreational boot. Although it is water repellent, it can still often stretch in wet conditions. The soft nature of leather means it is very comfortable. The upper needs to be strong enough to support your foot during rapid changes in direction and when kicking.Īlthough generally more expensive, a leather upper will mould to the shape of your feet and is very durable meaning it will age well. For example, there are uppers which are designed to enable the player to add spin to the ball and there are uppers that incorporate chemical coatings to provide additional grip. UpperĪ lot of research has gone into developing the optimal combination of materials for use in the upper, the outside of the boot. The following tips will help you decide on the boot that is best for you. Finding the right boot is important for both comfort and injury prevention The start of the football season often means new boots. ![]()
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