As the football and soccer seasons kick off, players begin looking for a boot that will last the entire season, be comfortable and not increase their risk for injury. As AFL and soccer are different sports with differing positions and physical actions, the advice on what is the best boot is not the same for both. To select the most appropriate boot we must first understand the components of a boot and how this assists with function

Soccer Boot Components

Upper Material

Leather

• Provides more durability and protection.
• May take time to ‘wear in’ and mould to the foot

Synthetic material

• Less durable, but usually able to wear straight away,
• lightweight and
• more control

Reinforced

• the upper can also be reinforced on the inside (medial) or outside (lateral) of the boot.
• This helps reduce movement of the foot in the boot and provides a snug fit.
• If the boot is narrow with this feature it can potentially cause forefoot issues due to compression

Heel

Heel Lift:

• A heel lift incorporated into the boot can assist with offloading and reducing stress on soft tissue structures. This is especially true for the calf and hamstring muscle groups.
• A flat heeled boot may increase the risk of injury – especially if there is a history of lower limb injury.

Heel counter

• secures your foot within the boot and providing support to the rear foot and ankle.

Insole

Removable insole

• can be important in a boot that will require an orthotic device to fit and can provide extra comfort and support.
• A stiff midsole can help in preventing abnormal torsion forces on the foot and help with sprinting as it can provide a spring like effect

Soccer Boot Selection:

Before choosing a boot for your game you must know what is required of your playing position:

Goalkeepers:

• Require good traction to move quickly from side-to-side and ability to make clean passes and clearances

Defenders:

• Require clean strike zone for passing, with extra protection for when making tackles
• Cushioned touch for clean passing and control.
• Bladed studs to help prevent slippage on firm-soft grounds

Midfielders:

• Require a comfort and control to be able to run for an entire 90 minutes

Forwards and wingers:

• Require lightweight boots for explosive movements and clean strike zone for crossing and shooting

Matching Boots with Playing Position:

With the vast array of boots on the market combined with the constant stream of new releases by competing brands it can be difficult to match a boot features required for your foot and playing position. The following is breakdown of boots matched to playing position and features they offer.

Defenders:

Nike Tiempo: Leather upper, reinforced upper, cushioned upper,  forefoot support, heel counter

Umbro Meduasae II: heel counter, cushioned upper

Asics lethal: Heel raise, removable insole, heel counter, stiff mid sole,

X-Blades Legend: wide fit, heel counter, removable insole, stiff mid sole, cushioned upper

Midfielders:

Adidas Copa: leather upper, heel lifts, arch support, removable sock liner – for comfort, stiff mid sole

Adidas Predator: synthetic upper, heel counter, reinforced upper – medial lateral support, narrower fit

Nike Magista: Contoured insole, heel counter, synth lightweight upper, reinforced lateral and medial aspects of upper

XBlades Jet 18: Silicone lining, removable insole

Forwards and wingers:

Nike Hypervenom: contoured insole, heel counter, no seams – reduce pressure around the foot

Adidas X: synth upper-lightweight, heel counter, traction, narrow foot type

Adidas Nemeziz: reinforced medial and lateral aspect of upper, synth upper-lightweight, stiff midsole, better for players with wider foot

Asics Menace: removable sock liner, slight heel lift, high density rubber sole, stiff mid sole, heel counter

Sports Podiatrist Andrew Midolo consults at Eastern Foot Care Ringwood and Knox. He is passionate about delivering top podiatry care and advice to soccer players and has an extensive knowledge of soccer boots having previously played in the National Premier League with Bulleen Lions