Football is enjoyed by many, from professionals to fans and enthusiasts. For those who appreciate the game, a wide range of sports footwear has been developed. The variety of football boots is impressive: manufacturers offer different materials, designs, sole types, and color combinations. Finding a pair in your favorite color is not a problem; what’s much more important is choosing comfortable boots that are perfect for playing.
Why use special shoes for playing football?
The special shoes for playing football are called boots. They are also known by other names like pumps, futsals, cleats, and bumps. These variations may have distinct structural characteristics.
Football comes with a high risk of injuries. Regular sneakers won’t help prevent strains, sprains, and bruises. They lack a high level of grip on the surface, making it difficult to control the ball. On a wet or muddy field, athletes in sneakers will be slow and unsteady.
Boots ensure reliable protection, ankle support, even load distribution, and enhance maneuverability and stability on the field. In this guide, we’ll focus on selecting football boots for adult players. If you’re looking to purchase boots for a child, we recommend following the provided link. If you want to buy boots for a kids, we advise you to follow the link provided.
The model range of football footwear
In general, all football footwear is divided into three categories, each having individual features and purposes. Let’s look at the main differences.
Boots
cleated model designed for playing on natural turf.
Futsal shoes, or bumps
for playing indoor on a wooden floor. They have a smooth sole without studs and are not suitable for grass due to low grip.
Studded boots
a compromise between the first two options. They feature numerous small rubber studs up to 5 mm in height, suitable for use on grass, synthetic surfaces, and soil.
There’s also a division between adult and children’s categories, with differences not just in sizes but also in design and construction features.
Sole options for different types of surfaces
The most important factor in choosing football shoes is the sole, it should match the type of surface boots will be used on. Natural grass, artificial turf, synthetic carpet, wooden floor, rubber – these are the main types of football field.
Because of this, football boots have special markings.
Artificial Grass / Ground (AG)
Artificial Grass / Ground (AG)
Designed for artificial turf only. The sole has up to 28 rubber or polyurethane studs, each up to 10 mm high.
Multi Ground (MG)
Multi Ground (MG)
Designed for different field types, except for indoor. Equipped with several types of studs ranging from 8 to 12 mm in height with quantities ranging from 13 to 24 pieces. This is a choice for beginner football players.
Firm Ground (FG)
Firm Ground (FG)
Designed for both natural and synthetic turf. Plastic or polyurethane studs reach 12–15 mm. There are from 9 to 14 of them.
Hard Ground (HG)
Hard Ground (HG)
Choice for hard surfaces: natural or artificial. Similar to the previous type, but the number of studs is increased to 16–21.
Soft Ground (SG)
Soft Ground (SG)
Great for soft grass and wet surfaces. Have 6 to 8 longer studs, 12–18 mm in height. Typically, the studs are made of metal. Not recommended for kids under 15 due to the high impact.
Turf (TF)
Turf (TF)
Well-known studded boots equipped with numerous small rubber studs. Used on hard-surfaced fields with a minimal amount of grass, sometimes with gravel.
Indoor (ID), Incourt (IN, IC)
Indoor (ID), Incourt (IN, IC)
Marking for futsal boots. They are played indoors on a wooden floor, on asphalt, and concrete. The sole is designed as a non-aggressive tread, resembling car tires, providing good grip on flat surfaces.
It should be noted that there is no universal type for all situations. It’s not advisable to play on different surfaces with the same pair of boots.
Structural features of football boots
When picking your shoes, look closely at the materials used by the manufacturer, fastening methods, and the functionality of the footwear. These are key aspects for a player’s success.
Upper material of the shoe
Natural leather is a durable, flexible, and breathable material. Manufacturers usually use leather of kangaroo or calf. Leather items tend to be more expensive than their counterparts. The foot stays dry, feels comfortable, and provides a high level of ball control.
Artificial leather is harder and lasts longer without getting deformed. However, it doesn’t let in as much air and wears out faster. These are budget-friendly boot models.
Polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride – affordable synthetic materials, known for their lightweight, resistance to low temperatures, wear and resistance to wet, yet they do not allow air through. They are less elastic than leather.
Suede is used for certain futsal shoe models. It offers excellent ball contact but tends to lose its appearance quickly and is sensitive to moisture.
Innovative knit materials based on polyester. Lightweight and breathable boots provide excellent foot support, prevent rubbing, and enhance precise ball contact.
Sole
Two types of materials are used in the production of the sole:
- Rubber – provides excellent shock absorption, withstands loads, but is not suitable for indoor use.
- Polyurethane – light and elastic structure, protects the foot from loads, ensures flexibility.
You can also find thermopolyurethane, which adds high-speed grip to all the properties of polyurethane.
Fixation
The fixation of boots on the foot is achieved through lacing or Velcro. Laces provide a more secure fixation. Lacing can be in a straight or asymmetrical form.
Velcro is easier to use but offers less secure fixation. It is primarily used in children’s models.
Size
Usually, in sports shoes, size is marked according to the grids of the USA (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and European (EU) standards. So, it’s essential to carefully match the foot length with the size charts.
The right choice is based on the material of the boots:
- Natural leather – it’s preferable to choose a size that fits perfectly or even slightly snug, as it tends to stretch.
- Artificial samples – it is recommended to take half a size larger, as the boot will not stretch.
After selecting and purchasing a new pair, consider taking a short run to gradually get used to them. This allows your feet to adapt without unnecessary strain. If the boots are chosen correctly, athletes shouldn’t experience any discomfort during training.
