Five tips about football boots

Use these tips to help ensure you get the football boots that suit you best.

1. Studs

There are three types of studs: screw-in, blades and moulded. Your choice usually depends on two things: the surface you most frequently play on, and whether you want to change the studs rather than the type of boot to match the surface.

Screw-in studs let you adapt your boots according to the playing conditions. Use long studs in your boots if the ground is wet and soft. For a dry pitch, use short studs.

Bladed studs are ideal for ground that's neither too soft nor too hard. You can buy boots with interchangeable bladed studs, however, for soft and hard surfaces.

Moulded studs are great for dry ground. There are also more moulded studs on the sole of a boot than bladed studs and screw-ins. These extra studs can help your balance.

2. Material

There's a lot of debate about the best material for football boots. Essentially, you have a choice of synthetics; a composite polyurethane/leather mix; leather; and kangaroo skin.

Synthetic material isn't necessarily cheap because it varies in quality. Inexpensive synthetic boots, for instance, can soon deteriorate; expensive synthetics are tough, durable and soft.

Generally speaking, though, synthetics don't match the way good leather boots mould themselves to your feet. The best leather for this is kangaroo skin.

A composite polyurethane/leather mix can be a good value alternative but the boots won't last as long as a leather pair.

3. Position of laces

You may have your own preference for laces to run across the top of your boots or down the side. However, many footballers believe that laces down the side give the top of your feet a flatter area for more accurate ball control.

4. Ask around

Ask others about their football boots. Answers to questions such as "Do you feel comfortable in them?" and "What sort of surface do they work best on?" can give you insights into different styles and brands.

Another question to ask is "How long do the boots last?" When you invest in a good pair of boots you want to keep them for as long as possible.

5. Value

Price, of course, is at the front of most people's minds. If you're on a tight budget, keep an eye open for cheap boots reduced because they're last season's style or model. Such football boots can be excellent value.