Choosing the right football boot for your child
Football season is well and truly upon us and the finals are almost here. This means it is almost time to retire this season’s boots. Due to the rapid growth of a child’s foot, your child will most likely be requiring a new pair of boots next season. So how do you know which boots are most suitable for your child’s foot?
When choosing football boots it is important to look past the appearance of the boot and choose the boot according to how it fits your child’s foot. Following are some tips on what to look for in a football boot.
Type and quality of the upper material
The upper needs to be durable and firm enough to support the foot when kicking the ball, but also allow quick changes in direction. Kangaroo leather has become popular in this category, due to its strength and ability to mould well to the foot.
Overall fit
When fitting boots for your child, there should always be a thumbs length gap at the end of the boot from your child’s longest toe. This will prevent the toes from hitting the end of the boot when playing. A handy tip to ensure that you get the right fit is to wear football socks when fitting the boots, as these can take up more room in the shoe. Some football boot brands are notoriously narrow in their fit and you should consult your Melbourne podiatrist to get information on the style of boot that would be most appropriate for your child.
Are orthotics being fitted into the boots?
If you are fitting orthotics into football boots, you must have a boot which provides enough width and depth to accommodate an orthotic. A boot that has a removable insole and a firm heel counter is a good option when trying to accommodate an orthotic. Also look for boots that are wider through the midsole. A football boot on its own cannot provide as much support as an orthotic, so if extra support is required its important that the boots fit and compliment the function of the orthotic.
Lacing configuration and technique to suit foot type
Most football boots have a straight lace configuration through the middle of the foot. There are a number of ways that lacing technique can assist with different foot problems and boot stability. For example, someone with a narrow heel may benefit from a ‘lock lace’ technique to hold the boot on firmer around the ankle. For more information on lacing techniques visit this Athlete’s Foot blog or contact your Melbourne podiatrist for consultation.
Get your child’s gait assessed
The way that your child walks and the foot type they have will have a big influence on the kind of football boots that would be best suited for comfort and injury prevention. It is a good idea to have your child’s gait assessed by one of our podiatrists to ascertain if there are any variables that can be identified to ensure they are as comfortable as possible when playing the game they love.
If your child suffers from foot pain or if you want to know which type of football boots best suit your child’s biomechanics then make an appointment with one of our friendly Melbourne podiatrists today.