New Boots

[PeterTC]

My current set of boots have disintegrated at the sides, and am currently wearing an older set which are slightly too much on the snug side for comfort. As such, am looking around for a new set of boots and thought I'd ask anyone if they had any good pairs that they would like to bring up, before I go on my usual trek round sporting outlets to find a set of boots that happen to catch my eye.

 

[craign]

I've been wearing different variants of these for the last 10 years or so:
Link to Nike site Nike Air Legend SG
Fantastically comfortable and really good for someone like me with dodgy knees. I usually get a new pair every 3-4 years.

I also have a firm-ground version for hard summer grounds, I don't wear them very often so they've lasted me a few years. They're an older version of this boot. Nike Air Legend FG

Edit: Just thought I'd mention that there are non-"Air" versions of both of these boots that are not comfortable at all and can feel very "basic" when used heavily.

Edit2: Just noticed that the links don't work now. They must have been timed versions for my visit to the site. I've added the names after the links above.

 

[Sinkers]

Mizuno
Sponsor the australian national side
fantastic boot

 

[ex-lucy]

Asics gel blades: as recommended by our best ref in Herts

 

[Davet]

I wear a pair of Umbro soccer boot with rubber blades. Good grip in all conditions, comfy on hard surfaces because the blades are quite fat, and they cost me under £30.

 

[AlanT]

New running shoes and any new shoes, in fact, have always given me blisters / sore points, so I was worried what starting to wear boots for the first time since school (36 years ago!) was going to be like when I started reffing.

Got some Nike Tiempo boots and astros and found them to be brilliant. I think they were about £30-something a pair.

 

[Bryan]

The Asics ones that Ex-Lucy describes look pretty good, but unfortunately I couldnt find a pair over here in North America, though you'll have no problems in the UK. Asics running shoes are great, and they've incorporated their technology into their football boots, which seems to be helping.

I wear a set of Adidas set shown here and are fantastic.

As basic as this sounds, (and I'm sure you know by now), try them on in the shop first and feel the quality of the material. Is it kangaroo leather or synthetic? Are there any other forms of support or cushioning in the shoe?

Also, for referees who can find all sorts of weather, it's not a bad idea to have 2 pairs (or more) for soft and firm ground.

 

[Deeps]

Peter - next time you are in Pompey, visit Alexandra Sports on Gladys Avenue opposite the Moutbatten Centre. They are specialists on assessing your bio mechanical function and can recommend and build up athletic shoes for you. I send Colts players who have funny shaped feet or other mechanical problems there for advice and fitting.

 

[ex-lucy]

deeps: do you have many funny shaped feet people in HAnts? six toes prevalent?

 

[PeterTC]

Lol, Deeps I would do but am not back down south for a good couple of months so can't wait that long really. Trainer wise, I am fine, I just need a decent set of boots really. Thanks for all the suggestions so far guys, am going to try and find a pair of Asics around (I know that the local sports shop has a pair or two, though am not sure if they are in the right size) and will also have a look around at some of the others mentioned. I have slightly awkward feet in the fact they are shallow and wide, hence why my last boots probably split down the sides, so I always go and try pairs on before getting them. Also have a dislike of boots which have high, rigid backs to them, find they dig into my achilles no end and cause me all sorts of problems.

Anyway, any more suggestions most welcome.

 

[jboulet4648]

Kelme soccer boots....I have had every brand, and these by far are the best in all aspects.....my only issue is the shoe laces are very long.