Introduction
Football shoes are one of the only pieces of equipment apart from a football you need to play the sport. This is why it is essential to wear football shoes that fit perfectly. The best football shoes ensure that you are performing at your best at all times. A poor-fitting football shoe hinders your movement and does not help in bringing out the full potential of the player.
In this sports article, we have teamed up with our football experts to create a list of the top tips while choosing the right size of football shoes. Follow these tips while you head out to pick your newest football shoes.
1. Try out the football shoes before you buy
It is vital that you try the football shoes on before you decide to finally buy the football shoes. Always choose comfort over the look of the shoe, as that will determine your performance on the turf. Ensure that the football shoes are snug on the forefoot and, at the same time, leave enough space on the toe box for ventilation.
2. The perfect fit
As a commonly followed rule of thumb, you should aim to have at least ½ inch space between the tip of the toe finger and the end of the football boot. The perfect room is roughly equal to a pinky space between the toe and the boot. Change the size or pick a different football shoe if the toes are pressing against the shoe.
3. Stretch
Different materials stretch over time due to repeated use. Generally, leather football shoes tend to stretch over time. Choose football shoes that fit perfectly from the beginning. Over time, football shoes are designed to shape according to the contours of the feet. This is also why a little breathing space between the toes and the boot is recommended while buying football shoes online.
4. Laces
Laces provide an adjustable fit for the feet. Tighten laces so that they are snug and support the feet properly. Do not over-tighten the shoe as that causes blood flow hindrance to the feet. Ensure that you can move and jump comfortably with the shoe laced on.
5. Socks
While choosing football socks, ensure that the material is comfortable on the skin. It is advised to wear football socks while shopping for football shoes as that can give a clear understanding of the shoe’s feel on the feet. Wear ankle socks as they provide a compression effect on the shin, which helps in recovery and also helps to keep the shin guard in place.
6. Playing style
The type of football shoes you choose must be according to the playing style and position. Different positions require different strengths and advantages, which must be considered before purchasing football shoes.
- Defenders- Choose football shoes that provide protection to the feet and feel good on the feet to wear for longer durations.
- Midfielders- You need football shoes that provide good control of the football. Ensure that the football shoe fits properly and is comfortable on the feet.
- Forwards- Choose football shoes that allow for quick boosts of speed and power as forwards have to sprint up and down the field multiple times throughout the game.
7. Playing Surface
An important aspect to consider is the surface on which you would play. The various playing surfaces to play football are firm ground, artificial grass, soft ground, and astroturf. Choose shoes built for each surface depending on the surface you mainly play on.
- For a soft and wet pitch, it is best to wear soft-ground football shoes for maximum performance.
- For harder grounds, a specially molded football boot with studs is your best bet. You need shoes that have ample traction to sprint across the pitch in confidence, and studs give you the right amount of support.
- If you are playing football on artificial turf, astro ground football boots are for you. They are specifically designed to move smoothly on the pitch while at the same time providing you ample traction for optimum performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to buy football shoes with wide feet?
For people with wider feet, choose football shoes that are designed with a broader toe box. Look out for materials like leather that tend to stretch easily over time. This helps in conforming to the shape of the athlete’s feet.
2. How tight should football shoes fit?
Football shoes must fit perfectly and be snug on the feet. They must not be too tight nor too loose. There must be a little space on the front side for ventilation and comfort. This also protects the toe from chafing and other injuries.
Choosing the right size for football shoes is not rocket science. Just follow the basics and trust the fit for the best performance on match day. Now that you know everything about the right football shoe size to buy, all you have to do is head out and get that football shoe to score some kick-ass goals right past the goalkeeper!
