If you or your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews play AFL football, soccer or rugby, you’ll know that footwear is a critical part of performance and is often the most difficult to choose.
Get it right and you can maximise performance, but get it wrong and it could be a fast track to injury.
Podiatrist Nic Lange says “it is also important to remember that the boots you choose should be the most comfortable while also allowing for sufficient traction in order to maximise performance.”
During sport your feet can swell slightly with the increased blood flow so boots that are too tight can lead to changes in foot function, restriction in movement and an increased possibly of injury. Boots that are too loose could result in frictional issues such as blisters.
The correct sizing of boots is very important. You should have a 5-10mm gap between the tip of the longest toe to the tip of the boot and the studs need to be located in front and behind the ball of the big toe joint allowing it to bend appropriately.
“I always encouraged players to get their boots professionally fitted as poorly designed boots, incorrect fitting and second hand boots can lead to painful foot or leg problems, and possible long term injuries” Mr Lange said.
Our top five tips for choosing the correct football boots:
- Get the shoes properly fitted and try on a several different styles, brands
and sizes. - Ensure they have the right configurations for your chosen sport
and playing surface. - Make sure you have the right support and cushioning for your feet.
- Orthotics from a podiatrist will assist in correcting any biomechanical
abnormalities and reducing the risk of injury - Comfort and fit are more important than colour and aesthetics.
- Don’t simply wear a boot because your favourite player wears that boot.
- Always have your feet and boots checked by a podiatrist should you
develop an injury or blistering.
We look forward to seeing you soon.