Football Boots

How to choose football boots: a short guide

1. Pick the soleplate for the surface you play on most: FG for firm grass, SG for wet grass, AG or MG for artificial grass, TF for turf and IC for indoor courts.
2. Decide on the upper. Leather gives a little with wear. Synthetic and knit don't.
3. Measure your foot in centimetres and compare it with the size guide on the product page.
4. Match the price level to how often you train and play.

Which football boots for which surface?

Start with where you play most. The code in the product name shows the surface the boot is built for. The wrong sole means less grip, faster stud wear and may affect your warranty.

SG boots are for wet, soft natural grass only. Their longer studs bite into soft ground, but on a firm pitch they give little cushioning. Never wear SG boots on artificial grass: the studs are not made for it, and many artificial pitches do not allow metal studs.

MG boots cover dry grass and 3G, which suits players who train on artificial grass and play matches on grass. On a wet, soft pitch they lose grip. If you play several times a week on both surfaces, two pairs last longer than one pair used for everything.

Leather, synthetic and knit uppers

Leather feels soft on the foot and stretches slightly over the first weeks, so buy it snug. It takes a few sessions to mould to your foot and needs regular cleaning and conditioning to stay soft, especially after wet games. Real leather boots mostly use calf leather, and many models now use synthetic leather instead.

Synthetic uppers stay the same size from the first session. They weigh less, take in less water and need little care, so the fit you feel when trying them on is the fit you keep.

Knit sits close to the foot like a sock, usually with a coating for ball control. Many players expect it to stretch like leather. It does not. If you have wide feet, check the size guide closely, as some knit models feel tight across the instep.

How should football boots fit?

Football boots fit closer than everyday trainers. Your heel should not slip, and your toes should sit close to the front without pressing.

1. Measure your foot in the evening, in match socks, from heel to longest toe in centimetres.
2. Compare the result with the size guide on the product page rather than your usual shoe size, as sizing differs between brands and models.
3. Try the boots on at home on a clean floor and keep the soles clean until you are sure about the fit.

If you are between two sizes, customer service helps by phone, email or live chat.

Buying football boots for kids

Kids' boots have "Kids" in the product name, and some of the smallest sizes come with a strap instead of laces. Leave a little room for growth, but avoid buying a full size up. A boot that is too long lets the foot slide, which causes blisters and makes ball control harder. Measure again each season, as children's feet change quickly.

Price levels explained

Many boot lines come in several levels, with Elite at the top and Club at the entry end. Most of the price difference sits in the upper, which gets lighter and thinner with newer technology at the top. Entry and mid-level boots use thicker materials with more padding.

For two or three sessions a week, a mid-level boot is a sensible choice. Top versions are made for match play, and their thinner uppers wear faster under heavy training. Some players wear top boots for matches and a cheaper pair for training.