When it comes to playing football, having the right footwear is vital. It'll help you perform better - other trainers can be too cumbersome, or may lack grip. It also helps to express who you are (or think you are) as a player. The lad with the bright orange boots? He's a skilled winger, but can be a little selfish with the ball. A guy wearing traditional black leather boots, on the other hand, is likely one of those centre backs who shouts more than he moves.
Whether you’re buying your first or fiftieth pair of football boots, there are a lot of options available - new styles are launched almost weekly! So, how do you know which ones will be the right fit for you? In this buying guide, we’ll check out the different style of boots you can wear on astro turf, evaluating their durability and style. Then we'll share our top 10 ranking, which has an array of contemporary and classic options to choose from.
Quick List - Top Football Boots for Astro Turf
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In this section, we’ll be taking into consideration the main features you should think about when browsing footwear for astro turf such as materials, fastening options, and colourways.
The first thing to consider when picking out a pair of footwear is the ground you'll be playing on. Did you know that there are different generations of astro turf? To decide on the best boot for the job, you need to know whether the generation of the pitch you play on is 2G, 3G, or 4G.
Unsure how to tell the difference? 2G is sand-dressed, so it'll have you emptying grains of sand from your boot bag until the end of time. 3G is the most common type and uses black rubber crumb infill, rather than sand. 4G is pure synthetic turf with no sand or rubber, but it's a relatively new type of surface so only pitches that have been built more recently are likely to have it.
If you’re going to be playing on a 2G pitch, we would recommend trainers only - this is because the ground isn’t soft enough for AG (artificial grass) or FG (firm grass) boots. On the other hand, those planning to play on 3G or 4G pitches can choose freely between trainers, AG boots, and FG boots.
The next thing to think about is the material of the boots. Gone are the days of strictly leather football boots - now you have synthetic options too. Let’s take a look at each type, assessing their pros and cons.
Leather has been used to make football boots for generations, as it has plenty of benefits. This material is incredibly durable, soft, flexible, and (most importantly) comfortable. You see, leather adapts over time, eventually moulding to your feet perfectly.
However, this shift does take time, so leather boots may rub against your feet initially. You might want to pack some plasters and an extra pair of socks in your bag if this is the case. Another downside is that leather boots will absorb water if it's a particularly rainy match day, which can make them bulky and heavy.
As a result of leather boots having such a high water uptake, manufacturers started to experiment with different materials - namely synthetic ones. These are extremely popular and widely used throughout the game now, as they have the flexibility of a leather boot but are also very lightweight.
The main issue with synthetic materials is that they don’t offer as much protection as their leather counterparts. So you’re more likely to feel it when someone crushes your toes after they've arrived late for a tackle!
Nowadays, we haven’t just stepped away from traditional materials. There are also new kinds of fastening systems to try out, such as slip-on boots. These offer slipper-like comfort and it's believed that the lack of laces gives a player better control over where they’re directing the ball when kicking it.
Of course, many models still use the tried and trusted method of lacing to fasten their boots. After all, this gives you a much more personalised fit - something that slip-on style shoes haven’t quite mastered yet.
Another feature to look for is the addition of an ankle sock; this is a further modern invention that's beginning to take the footie world by storm. The sock sits firmly on your foot and provides additional support to the ankle. It works similar to the way a boxer tapes up his hands before putting gloves on, so you can see why some players might be keen to use it as an extra layer of support.
Anything brightly coloured will appeal to those who like to feel a bit flashier on the pitch. You probably used to play for Blackburn as a youngster and you don’t really need the rest of the team. If you opt for these though, the pressure is on to perform and come up with the goods!
Why not get the best of both worlds by opting for a black pair of boots with a pop of colour? You've got some technical abilities, but deep down you know that you’re more Darren Fletcher than Cristiano Ronaldo. Still, you’ve got more in the tank than the lad that turned up to practice in Vans, so at least that’s something!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Puma King FG | ![]() | A Reliable Design That's Part of Sporting History | |
2 | Adidas Nemeziz 19.3 | ![]() | The Boot of Choice for a 6-Time Ballon D'or Winner | |
3 | Mizuno Monarcida Neo Sel | ![]() | Perfect for Players Who Prefer to Keep a Low Profile | |
4 | Nike Tiempo Legend Academy 7 | ![]() | Balances Classic and Contemporary Elements | |
5 | Under Armour Nitro Low | ![]() | High-Quality and Lightweight | |
6 | Umbro Speciali Eternal Club | ![]() | A Wider Fit for Additional Stability | |
7 | Puma Future 5.1 Netfit FG/AG | ![]() | Mesh Boots With Customisable Lacing | |
8 | Adidas Copa Mundial | ![]() | The Best-Selling Football Boot of All Time | |
9 | Nike Phantom Vision Elite | ![]() | For Those Who Take Their Game Seriously |
This style of boot has been worn by Pelé, Maradona, and Cryuff - if that doesn't make you want to lace a pair up, then frankly we don't know what will! In fact, these boots transcend just football, so you'll essentially be trotting about wearing sporting history.
They utilise the most prized of all football boot leather - kangaroo - and stay true to the original design, which doesn't look dated at all. They also provide brilliant grip on the ball, making them a reliable choice for goalkeepers, wingers, and defensive-minded players alike. Comfortable, stylish, and affordable - what's not to like?
This bright black pair of boots is certainly one for those who want to stand out on the pitch! The Nemeziz 19.3 have adjustable laces, ankle sock support, and an agility mesh upper for responsive touch.
This range is fronted by none other than the main man Lionel Messi himself, and while he only ever wears his custom versions, the fact that he chose this particular style over all the others has a lot to say about the playability of them.
Mizuno might be better known for making baseballs and gloves, but over time they've gone on to partner with some of the best footballers in the world such as Pablo Aimar and Fernando Torres. This range of trainers was developed for the entry-level football player who prefers to keep a low profile on the pitch.
Surprisingly, this pair is made from a synthetic material (Mizuno are usually known for their leatherwork). Still, the rubber soles are known to perform admirably while being super comfy. Best of all, they're an absolute bargain - so you'll have more money for a drink after the game!
The Academy line from Nike might be their second-lowest tier but if you're a casual player who gets out once or twice a week, this pair will be more than suitable. These boots perfectly balance classic and contemporary elements, using traditional leather while incorporating added heel cushioning.
On top of that, they have grippy soles and mesh liner to prevent skin deformation over time. We love the aesthetics too - the gold logo basically gives the wearer a regal presence on the pitch. No pressure then!
While Under Armour might not have the same clout as other brands when it comes to the world of football, that doesn't mean they don't know how to produce top-quality goods. Just take a look at this great pair of Nitro Low boots and you'll be able to see their high standards.
These boots are extremely lightweight, so they enable players to maintain their speed on the field. Unfortunately, they're known for having a narrow fit, so those with wide feet may find them uncomfortable.
Umbro is a trusted brand when it comes to making football boots, and the Speciali Eternal doesn't disappoint! This is a classic pair of leather trainers that's been spruced up for the modern game, with a fixed EVA sockliner for extra comfort.
These are generally a favourite for those who play at the back, as their wider fit provides stability and helps when tracking back against forwards. Due to the material, they might need a little wearing in at first, but once they've moulded to your feet then they can easily last you a decade.
Let's move on from the classics and head straight to the super modern Puma Future 5.1. This synthetic boot comes with a mesh body for better airflow, and a slightly raised ankle sock for increased support. The customisable net lacing technology also ensures optimal fit around your feet.
Puma has been making somewhat of a comeback in the past few years and they've recently generated an impressive roster of players to represent them. They even managed to poach golden boy Neymar from Nike last September! What this means is that you can generally get their higher level boots for a lower price - not a bad deal at all!
The Copa Mundial from Adidas is the best-selling football boot of all time and quite possibly the most iconic style. Originally released in 1979 and designed for the Spanish World Cup in 1982, this pair has been a favourite of footie legends including Beckenbauer, Zidane, and even Beckham - before the Predator days, that is!
These trainers are made from full-grain K-leather, with a synthetic lining that should resist the rain slightly longer than regular leather. They're pricey, but the fact that they still sell so well after so many years shows you just how impressive they are.
Designed for players who require precision and control, the Phantom Vision Elite is a top-of-the-line range from one of the world's leading sportswear brands. The synthetic upper is lace-free for complete command over the ball, as well as ultimate comfort.
The main stumbling block is the price, although this is understandable because it's the highest level (Elite) that Nike offers. Luckily, this pair is also available in lower lines such as Pro, Academy, and Club. However, if you take your gear seriously and play regularly, these are a long-lasting, professional-grade choice.
In order to be on top of your game, you'll need more than just a great pair of boots - you've got to keep fit too! Here are some of our favourite sports-related products that'll help you stay in shape even when you're off the pitch.
Whether you regularly play for a five-a-side team or you've stepped up as an occasional coach for the local group of youngsters, a sturdy pair of football boots is essential. With one of our recommendations on your feet, you'll never have to worry about your kickers falling apart again. If you embarrass yourself on the pitch... well, that's on you - but at least you'll look good doing it!
Author: Lewis Clark
No. 1: Puma|King FG
No. 2: Adidas |Nemeziz 19.3
No. 3: Mizuno |Monarcida Neo Sel
No. 4: Nike|Tiempo Legend Academy 7
No. 5: Under Armour|Nitro Low
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