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Get the boots in....
Turning up for the first day in gleaming footwear can make some players feel ready for what is one of the toughest periods of the season, but what should be taken into account is not necessarily what they look like, but what they feel like.
Here we guide you through some of the criteria that should be taken into account when making your boot selection. These are best performed in the afternoon when the foot may have swollen slightly. You should always have your feet measured prior to choosing a boot or training shoe. Not only do your feet both lengthen and widen with age, but different manufacturers have slight sizing variations that may influence your choice.
This most important part of a player's equipment must perform a number of functions. It must:
• be comfortable;
• give good support and stability;
• be flexible;
• afford good grip and allow traction;
• distribute the load and decrease impact shock;
• provide protection against direct trauma (a kick from an opponent, contact with the ball); and,
• allow the player to perform.
A number of considerations should be taken into account when selecting footwear:
• the footwear should be suited to the players foot type (specialist advice may be needed);
• a gap of between 5-10mm between the tip of the longest toe and the tip of the shoe is considered to be the ideal;
• the 'toe box' should be deep enough to accommodate the forefoot to prevent the boot rubbing the tops of the toes;
• the boot should fit cosily at the heel and instep;
• the tongue should be well padded;
• with laces tied, the foot should feel supported and comfortable; and,
• leather or fabric uppers (as appropriate) which are breathable, are considered the best.
In addition to being conscious of the type of stud (screw-in round, screw-in blade, moulded round, moulded blade), one should also be aware of the position of the stud on the sole of the football boot. By changing to a different brand of boot players can experience problems resulting from unfamiliar pressures onto the sole of the foot.
Players are ill advised to start a game having not previously worn the boots they are to play in, this may again lead to unnecessary injury. They should first wear them in training for several, progressively increasing, short periods (approximately 20 minutes) before wearing them in a match situation. It may pay to soak them in water prior to wearing them the first time, and use shoetrees/stretchers/paper to 'mould' the boot. Players should always wear the most appropriate type of boot for the surfaces upon which they are playing (wet or dry, grass or artificial).
Boot care is also essential. The boot should be cleaned immediately after use, dried naturally (not by artificial heat), and treated with a suitable nourishing agent. An unnaturally dry boot impairs its flexibility and may cause abrasions, or blisters, at points of contact.
For more information on looking after your feet please click the graphic below.....
Food for thought....
Here's a fact: young footballers can have all the skills in the world but without the proper nutritional support, they won't be as fit as they could be and their performances will suffer.
Click here to find out more information.
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