Meta description: Ever wondered if professional footballers get new boots every single game? CAUHOI2025.UK.COM explores the fascinating world of pro athlete footwear, uncovering the reasons behind boot choices, modifications, and brand sponsorships. Learn about custom soleplates, anti-clog technology, and the surprising habits of Premier League stars.
1. The World of Football Boots: More Than Just Cleats
To the uninitiated, the jargon surrounding football boots can sound like a foreign language. Anti-clogs, blackouts, mixed soleplates, customized conversions – these are the tools of the trade for the modern-day professional footballer. Jon Tootle, a boot specialist based outside Liverpool, has built a business around catering to the specific needs of these athletes. His workshop is filled with customized boots, each tailored to the individual preferences of his clients.
Alt: Pink Nike football boots undergoing customization in Jon Tootle’s workshop.
1.1. Customization is Key
Many professional footballers modify their boots for performance or aesthetic reasons. Tootle’s work includes dyeing boots, giving them the “blackout” treatment to hide the brand, and converting firm ground boots into hybrid models. Players like Adama Traore, Wilfried Zaha, and Richarlison have all sought Tootle’s expertise to get their boots just right.
1.2. Technological Advancements in Football Boots
Football boots have come a long way from the standard black and white models. They are now incredibly lightweight and feature advanced technologies. One example is the Nike “anti-clog” range, which prevents mud from sticking to the soleplate. Adam Forshaw, who has played for Leeds and Norwich, praised the anti-clog boots for their effectiveness on muddy pitches.
Alt: Comparison of firm ground football boot (left) and a hybrid boot with stud modifications (right).
2. The Quest for the Perfect Fit
Achieving the perfect fit is crucial for footballers. Some players, like Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, can wear their boots straight out of the box. However, others require extensive modifications, such as shortened tongues, trimmed heels, or rearranged studs. Boot steamers, ovens, and stretchers are used to customize the fit even further. Declan Rice, for example, has over 25 modifications to his Adidas boots.
2.1. Bespoke Soleplates and Brand Loyalty
Some players go to extreme lengths to get their boots exactly how they want them. One Premier League player is having a bespoke soleplate manufactured at a cost of £10,000. Toni Kroos, on the other hand, has remained loyal to his Adidas Adipure 11pro boots for over a decade, even though they were discontinued years ago. Adidas continues to provide him with this classic model.
Alt: Toni Kroos in action wearing his signature Adidas Adipure 11pro football boots.
2.2. Boot Sponsorships: A Changing Landscape
Boot sponsorship deals, once lucrative for many players, are becoming less common. Some players are opting to forgo these deals, preferring the freedom to wear whatever boots they choose. One agent noted that for some Premier League players, the hassle of dealing with brand reps is not worth the £60,000 ($75,000) a year they might earn from a sponsorship. Jack Grealish (Puma) and Harry Kane (Skechers) are exceptions, earning significant amounts from their boot contracts.
3. Why Players Modify Their Soleplates
Even though brands provide soft ground (mixed sole) boots to their contracted players, many still prefer to modify the soleplates themselves. There are several reasons for this:
- Feel: Some players prefer the feel of firm ground soleplates, which are lighter and more flexible.
- Availability: The desired boot may not be available in studs.
- Customization: Players may want a specific configuration of studs, such as four studs or two studs in the sole.
Wilfried Zaha, for example, wanted to wear the Nike GreenSpeed 360, an environmentally friendly boot, in the Premier League. Since it wasn’t released in studs, he had Tootle add them.
3.1. The Importance of Stud Placement
The placement of studs can also be crucial. Aiden McGeady, a former Republic of Ireland international, wanted the metal studs away from the edges of the boot because he frequently had his foot on top of the ball. Edouard Mendy, a Chelsea goalkeeper, was slipping during goal kicks because the gap between studs on his Adidas boots was too wide.
Alt: Comparison showcasing a standard football boot soleplate (right) versus an ‘anti-clog’ soleplate designed to prevent mud build-up (left).
3.2. The Cost of Modifications
A sole conversion from a specialist like Jon Tootle costs around £44.99, a relatively small price to pay for a Premier League player seeking optimal performance. Tootle uses narrower studs for professionals, typically 11mm in the front and 13mm in the back.
4. Superstition, Comfort, and Worn-Out Boots
While some players are meticulous about their boots, others are less so. Some players are reluctant to change their boots regularly due to superstition or comfort. Jon Tootle shared a photo of a pair of battered boots belonging to a leading Premier League player, with one stud collapsed and the others worn down.
4.1. The Story of Sasa Kalajdzic’s Cheap Boots
Sam Perrin, the kitman at Wolves, shared a story about Sasa Kalajdzic, an Austrian striker who had been struggling with his boots after an injury. Kalajdzic found a pair of Nike Phantom boots in a Nike outlet shop in the Algarve for just €35. He wore them throughout pre-season, including a game in Dublin, and found them to be “absolutely brilliant.”
Alt: Budget-friendly black Nike Phantom football boots used by Sasa Kalajdzic.
4.2. The Kitman’s Role
The kitman plays a vital role in ensuring that players have the right boots for each match. Sam Perrin and his assistant can clean all the boots in 20 minutes, and each player has a minimum of five pairs of boots on their peg. Perrin typically takes three pairs for each player to matches: one mould and one stud, with a second version of the preferred type.
5. Anti-Clog Technology and Custom Fittings
Anti-clog boots are not as popular in the Premier League, with players often complaining that they are too heavy. Nike tends to supply their contracted professional players with a different soleplate to the anti-clog technology. Premier League clubs face more issues with grass than mud, and the combination of grass and desso (hybrid pitches) can cause clogging.
5.1. Custom Fittings and Boot Stretchers
Custom fittings are becoming less common, but boot stretchers are still used to widen boots. Pedro Neto’s Nike Mercurial Vapor boots were being stretched at Wolves’ training ground during the visit. The boot oven and steamer are also popular with players, helping to soften and warm the boots.
Alt: Sam Perrin, Wolves kitman, discussing football boots.
5.2. The Impact of Boot Design on Performance
While it’s difficult to quantify the exact impact of boot design on performance, player feedback plays a big part in the design process. Messi, Mohamed Salah, and Son Heung-min all have the final say on the signature versions of their Adidas boots.
6. Materials and the Rise of Synthetic Boots
The materials used in football boots have also evolved. Kangaroo leather, once popular for its softness and durability, has become increasingly controversial. Nike and Puma have vowed to stop using kangaroo leather, and Adidas states that it makes up less than one percent of their product material mix. Synthetic boots have taken over, offering a lighter weight, better moisture retention, and greater design flexibility.
6.1. Nostalgia for Classic Boots
Despite the advancements in modern boots, many players still enjoy wearing classic models in training. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sported a pair of 2010 Nike T90 Laser III boots, while Ben White trained in the white and pink Adidas F50 Adizero 2011 model.
6.2. The Importance of Comfort and Feel
Ultimately, the most important factor is the comfort and feel of the boot. As Martin Kelly, a former Liverpool and Crystal Palace defender, noted, some players prefer moulds, while others stick with studs. Wilfried Zaha even had boots delivered to the stadium just hours before a game.
Whether players choose anti-clogs, mixed soleplates, customized conversions, or cheap outlet finds, the old adage remains true: it’s the feet that go in them that matters most.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
7.1. Do professional footballers get new boots every game?
Not necessarily. While some players are superstitious and like to wear new boots frequently, others stick with their favorite pairs for as long as possible.
7.2. Why do footballers modify their boots?
Players modify their boots for a variety of reasons, including comfort, performance, and personal preference.
7.3. What is an anti-clog boot?
An anti-clog boot is designed to prevent mud from sticking to the soleplate, providing better traction on muddy pitches.
7.4. How much does it cost to modify football boots?
Sole conversions can cost around £44.99, while bespoke soleplates can cost thousands of pounds.
7.5. What is the role of a kitman?
The kitman is responsible for ensuring that players have the right boots and equipment for each match.
7.6. Are boot sponsorships still common in football?
Boot sponsorships are becoming less common, as some players prefer the freedom to wear whatever boots they choose.
7.7. What materials are football boots made of?
Football boots are typically made of synthetic materials or leather, although kangaroo leather is becoming less common.
7.8. Why do some players wear classic boots?
Some players enjoy wearing classic boots for nostalgic reasons.
7.9. What is a boot stretcher?
A boot stretcher is a tool used to widen or lengthen football boots for a more comfortable fit.
7.10. How important is boot design to a footballer’s performance?
While it’s difficult to quantify the exact impact of boot design on performance, player feedback plays a big part in the design process.
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