When the new season rolls around there’s nothing better than checking out some new footy boots. That new leather smell, some untouched studs and the hope that these boots will lift your game to another level.

But before you grab a pair of football boots off the shelf just because you think they look great, there are few things to consider when it comes to sizing, stud configurations and the ground conditions they will be used on. 

A great piece of advice is to get your football professionally fitted before the start of the season. Head into your nearest Athlete’s Foot store for a fitting and some advice on the boots you’ll need.

If you are buying a new pair of boots that you haven’t worn before, always make sure to try them on before you buy them. 

There are certain aspects of the foot that need to be considered before laying out your hard-earned cash, and these include: 

• The position you play on the ground
• Your injury history
• The shape of your foot
• The pattern of your gait

They might all look the same to the untrained eye, however each football boot design is tailored for a specific sport. Not only are made to be used for different sports, but different types of boots also excel at different positions on the ground.

The top of the line material for football boots is kangaroo leather, however for lower levels of play and younger kids, synthetic boots are perfectly fine, and a little more affordable.

The types of surfaces that you play and train on should also affect your decisions. Certain stud patterns of boots are made to be used in wetter conditions while some are designed for harder surfaces. Ideally you will have a pair for wet weather and a pair for dry weather in your footy bag, however there are boots available with stud patterns that accommodate all conditions.

• Fit - A thumb’s width should be left at the front of the boot from your longest toe to prevent jamming, this is a little shorter than for running shoes. For a more accurate fit, wear your playing socks when trying on boots. Feet tend to swell during a game, so a boot that’s too tight may cause rubbing or chaffing, while one too loose lacks support. Some brands, like Adidas, tend to run narrower.
• Lacing Configuration - Most AFL boots have lacing in the centre of the boot. Some football boots like Puma feature off-centred lacing, however this type of lacing is more common in soccer boots.
• Weight - Lighter boots enhance speed and make running easier at the end of games, however they generally provide less support.
• Upper Support - The upper of the boot should be strong enough to provide stability for quick direction changes and kicking. Kangaroo leather is popular for its durability, flexibility, and lightness.
• Studs - Stud configuration will affect the grip and comfort, with poor positioning potentially causing issues to the bottom of the foot. Choose moulded studs for hard, dry conditions and screw-in studs for wet, soft surfaces. Screw-in studs are generally longer for better traction and have the benefit of being replaced should they war.
• Innersole Support - If using orthotics, ensure the boot is deep enough to accommodate them for added support.

We hope this football boots buying guide has given you some information about the types of boots that you’ll need to dominate this football season. Check out our running shoes for preseason sessions and browse our training shoes if it’s time to hit the gym.