Choosing the right boots
Paul Scholes touches a ball an average of 272 times per game and Ryan Giggs will normally run up to 12km in a 90 minute match. With all that in mind, you need boots that fit!
A player will stand out because of their ability, rather than the boots that they are wearing. Firstly, try and understand the shape of your feet and your running style. Find out if you are flat-footed or have a high arch. Ideally, football boots will fit snugly, although during teenage years, when feet are still growing, it is advisable to have some room for movement.
1. Astroturf shoes
If you’re playing on an all-weather surface, such as astroturf, then special shoes with multiple rubber pimples are the best choice. They will give you the best grip. Without good grip, you could find yourself with cuts and burns on your legs. You also want a shoe that will cushion some of the constant pounding on a hard surface. These are also useful on a dry hard grass pitch at the start of a season.
2. Blades
A sole made up of a series of blades is also available. A more recent innovation, these boots are said to make turning easier and are less likely to get caught in the ground, reducing the risk of knee injuries. The depth of the blade can change from model to model. 
3. Screw-in studs
This type of boot tends to be very popular. It offers a player the opportunity to adjust their footwear depending on the conditions. If the pitch is particularly muddy then it is a good idea to use a longer set of studs, changing to shorter studs on a drier day. An extra set of studs can be purchased far cheaper than another pair of boots. When changing or tightening studs, it is a good idea to apply a bit grease to the thread to prevent rusting. 
4. Molded studs
A boot with molded studs may have anything from 12-16 studs on its base. These boots are usually best used on dry pitches. The large number of studs gives you better support over a wider area and it also reduces the risk of getting blisters. If the conditions are wet or muddy then molded studs will not give such good grip.
Make your boots last the season
Good boots don’t come cheap but you usually get what you pay for so they’re worth investing in. To help keep them at their best, for at least one season and hopefully more, follow the advice below and follow in the steps of Steve McManaman and Kevin Phillips who cleaned the boots of Alan Shearer and John Barnes on their way to the top.
- Knock off the loose mud after a match and wipe the rest of the boot clean with a damp cloth
- Allow the boots to dry naturally - putting them by a heater can cause the leather uppers to become hard, making them less comfortable next time you wear them and more likely to crack
- Fill damp boots with screwed up newspaper to keep them in shape
- Once your boots are dry, polish them up to bring them back to their best.
