Whether you are new to football, buying football boots for another person or just someone who isn’t “in the know”, we are here to help you make a correct and informed decision to buying new football boots.
We know it can often be quite daunting when you have to choose to buy something you know absolutely nothing about. I once had to buy makeup for my girlfriend and after three hours of shopping I came back confused, makeup-less and with a new sense of appreciation for life. So trust me I know how you feel.
Don’t succumb to your son’s cries to get the same football boots that Cristiano Ronaldo wears, or your own temptation to buy the boots that look the nicest. Instead, read our ultimate guide to buying football boots and be confident in choosing the right pair for you.
- Buying football boots quick links
- Football boots terminology explained
- What to do when buying football boots
- What not to do when buying football boots
- Specific things to consider when buying football boots
Football boots terminology explained
Firstly, if you are not a regular football boot-buyer, and you find yourself thinking what the difference between FG and AG boots is, do not worry! Here are some common terms you will find explained.
Studs
Adidas Ace 16.2 PrimeMesh FG football boots with studs
Studs are primarily metal or plastic points sticking out of the sole of the football boot. Studs help with traction on playing surfaces, enhancing stability and preventing players from sliding.
FG
Puma EvoSpeed 5.3 FG football boots
FG stands for “firm ground”. This refers to the type of surface that the football boot can be played on. An FG boot will often have plastic studs which will give enough grip on a firm surface without causing the blistering that metal studs would do on the same surface (as the firm ground would not be penetrated by the metal studs, causing resistance).
AG
Adidas 11Nova AG football boots
AG stands for “artificial ground”. Again, this refers to the type of surface that the boot can be played on. The boot will predominantly have no studs instead with an embossed sole to give a limited yet sufficient amount of traction on astroturf, or moulded plastic studs for softer 3G pitches.
SG
Nike Magista Opus SG football boots
SG stands for “soft ground”. This refers to a surface that may have been wet at some point, and therefore will be able to be penetrated by studs. These boots have metal studs to give maximum grip.
Upper (of a boot)
Adidas Predator Mania football boots
The upper is literally the upper part of the football boot, around the tongue and laces area… Simple.
Collar
Nike What the Mercurial football boots
In the case of football boots, the collar refers to a relatively new addition to boots where the ankle is supported by a collar made from soft material designed to help protect players’ ankles while giving the football boot a tighter fit.
What to DO when buying football boots
DO get a boot that is durable
It may sound obvious, but some boots are generally better made than others. Make sure you get one that is durable and will last and serve you well. It is all about research.
DO get boots suited to your position
As tempting as it may be to get the flashiest new football boots for strikers, if you’re a defender it will not help your game as much as a sturdy, stronger pair of boots.
DO feel confident
If you do not feel like you 100% like the boots you may have chosen, don’t get them. Make sure you are confident before you get the right boot, there’s nothing worse than playing and midway through a match realising that you’re not quite feeling these ones anymore.
DO keep the receipt
Just in case you do need to return them, remember to keep the receipt. Most shops should allow you to take them back if they have not been played in. So maybe if you have tried them on a bit and the boots aren’t feeling quite right, or you’re having second thoughts, just exchange them or get a refund.
What NOT to do when buying football boots
DON’T make a decision based on looks
Sure you want to choose a boot based on how they look, but do not fall into the same trap that 13-year-old me fell into. A good-looking boot may make you look stylish, or the complete opposite in some cases, but it will not make you play any better.
DON’T buy on reputation
If you try on a pair of boots, but they’re not the ones all your mates have or not ones that a big name wears, it does not matter! If you like them and they suit your game, then take no notice of what the footballing world “wants” you to buy.
DON’T skimp out trying to save the pounds
Obviously, everyone loves a bargain. We are not saying don’t buy cheap boots, but just make sure you take the quality of the boot into account when buying. With football boots, you do generally get what you pay for. Make sure you don’t get a cheap deal, but a good deal where you get value for money. For years, a £30 budget was given to me by my PA/sponsor/mother for my football boots until one glorious day, the bank was busted. My budget doubled, and I bought a new and more expensive pair… And really did see the difference.
DON’T rush it
Take your time, read a lot of reviews and get as many opinions as you can. Unless you are rich, you are likely only going to get one pair of football boots a season. If you get that choice wrong, you have made your bed, and you will need to lie in it for a whole season. As tempting as it may seem, resist those impulse buys the next time a fluorescent Nike Tiempo Legend catches your eye at the shops.
DON’T be put off buying online
Online is often very simple and you will definitely have a wider range of football boots to choose from. Presuming you know the size required, and do not have specifically wide or narrow feet, there’s no reason why you should be deterred from buying online! If you know the specific boot you want as well, then we would definitely recommend buying online, as it will be cheaper and much, much easier.
DON’T give up and take up Tennis
Tennis is a good sport, but it has got nothing on football. If you are struggling or it is taking a while, do not give up! Keep searching, the right boot is out there for you!
Specific things to consider when buying football boots
Weight
Is the weight suited to the type of player that I am? For instance, wingers and players relying on pace will want a lighter boot.
Width
Have I got wide, narrow or standard feet and therefore do I need a specific football boot tailored to my fit? Most boots will fit standard-width feet. Some are made intentionally for wide or narrow feet.
Features
What can the boot offer you and our game? If you are a striker, you will want a boot which enhances shooting. Therefore, the boot may have a jagged outer strike-zone, to help the ball ping ferociously off your foot. Alternatively, if you are a midfielder, you perhaps want a boot with a soft upper so that control is easier.
Type of boot (AG, SG, FG)
Which type of surface will you play on the most? If you only play on a grass pitch on a Sunday morning, there’s no point in getting the best AG football boots. You would need to get an SG boot.
Expectant duration of wear
How long are you planning on wearing the boots for and how long do you want them to last you? Our boot guide on how often you should change your football boots may come in handy here. But some boots are blatantly more durable and designed to last longer than others. So before you buy, make sure you determine how long you are planning to keep and use them for.
