Wynsport.com - Choosing the correct sports footwear

The perfect running shoe must be tailored exactly to your individual needs, therefore the correct shoe for one person will not necessarily be the correct shoe for another.

Pronation describes the inward rolling motion of your foot after it lands on the ground. There is an optimal degree of pronation (15) but most people either under or over pronate. Neither type of pronation is particularly good or bad in itself, it just means that you have different requirements when looking for a shoe. Once you are aware of your pronation pattern you can determine much better what you require from a running shoe.

Overpronator (Flat feet)
This is someone who experiences the foot rolling excessively inwards as it strikes the ground. This excessive motion causes instability which can lead to stress of the foot, lower back and knee and hip.
The type of shoe required for an overpronator is known as a motion control shoe. These are heavy, rigid and are designed to limit the foot from rolling inwards.

Examples include: Asics GT 2140, Mizuno Wave Nirvana 5, Saucony Womens Progrid Hurricane 10

Neutral (Normal feet)
This is the most common foot type and means the runner lands on the outside of the heel before rolling the foot inwards as the arch flattens. This is the body's natural shock absorption, known as pronation. The type of shoe required for a neutral runner is known as a stability or cushioning running shoe.

Examples include: Mizuno Womens Wave Rider 12, Saucony Womens Grid Ignition, Asics Gel Oberon 3

Underpronator (High arched feet)
This is someone with an excessively rigid foot that does not roll inward enough. Although this is stable, there is not enough shock absorption. The type of shoe required for an underpronator is known as a cushioned running shoe as it is flexible to encourage movement.

Rugby boots are very similar to football boots in many ways, although they normally feature a high cut design for extra support and protection.

What Style Of Boot?
There are a number of options to consider such as low, mid or high cut and soft or hard toe.

Most back players will wear a low cut, soft toe boot that will allow them maximum mobility and feel for kicking the ball.

Forward players tend to be in direct contact with the opposition on a regular basis so require a mid or high cut boot with a hard toe for added support and protection.

What Type Of Upper?
As with football boots, the two types of uppers are traditionally leather and synthetic which each have their own advantages.

Leather boots will mould to the shape of your foot for supreme comfort and are very durable. Although they are waterproof, they can stretch if used in wet conditions.

Synthetic materials are becoming more common place and vary at either end of the price scale. High quality synthetic upper is found on many modern boots as it is strong, light and waterproof. However, some cheaper synthetic uppers will rip and tear easily under strain and tend to be found on boots at the lower end of the market.

What Are The Conditions?
The type of conditions that you will be playing on make a significant difference to the type of boot that you should consider buying. A boot will not allow the player to function correctly if the conditions are not suitable for the type of sole.

Traditional metal studs are designed for use on soft ground and there are usually eight studs on the boot to provide sufficient traction and grip. If pitches are very wet and muddy, many players will use a longer version of a metal stud.

When the ground is hard at the beginning and end of the season, you should consider wearing boots with moulded (also known as firm ground) studs. The studs are spread out across the base of the boot to provide greater stability, whilst also reducing pressure on the foot.

Buying a new pair of football boots can prove to be something of a minefield for anyone who is new to the game. There are a number of factors you must consider in order to find a boot that is suitable to your needs.

What Type Of Upper?
The two most common types of uppers found in modern football boots are leather and synthetic, both of which have different qualities.

A leather upper will mould to the shape of your feet and is very durable meaning it will age well. The soft nature of leather means it is very comfortable. Although it is water repellent, it can still often stretch in wet conditions. Examples include: Puma King XL, Umbro Speciali Trophy, Uhlsport Kickschuh Legende

Synthetic uppers vary in quality at either end of the price scale. High quality synthetic upper is found on many modern football boots as it is strong, light and waterproof. However, some cheaper synthetic uppers will rip and tear easily under strain and tend to be found on boots at the lower end of the market.

Many manufacturers are now producing boots that have a side or hidden lacing system as opposed to the traditional lacing on the top of the boot. The result of a side or hidden lacing system is the creation of a larger "sweet-spot", i.e a larger and clearer area for the player to make contact with the ball. Side-lacing also reduces pressure on small nerves at the top of the foot.

What Are The Conditions?
The type of conditions that you will be playing on make a significant difference to the type of boot that you should consider buying. A boot will not allow the player to function correctly if the conditions are not suitable for the type of sole.

Conditions are normally classified into three categories - soft ground, firm ground and hard ground.

Soft ground boots use studs and are suitable for use on soft, natural surfaces. Players will use soft ground boots throughout the autumn and winter when pitches are soft, wet and muddy.

Firm ground boots use moulded studs or blades on firm surfaces that are too hard for a soft ground boot. The studs or blades are spread out across the base of the boot to provide greater stability, whilst also reducing pressure on the foot.

Hard ground boots are designed for surfaces where there is very limited give, unlike a natural surface where a firm ground boot could be used. Hard ground boots are usually used on artificial, astroturf and 3G pitches.

Comfort
Perhaps most important is the comfort and feel of a boot. If a player does not feel comfortable, relaxed and at ease with the boot that he or she is wearing, then their performance will be directly affected. The combination of the correct upper and stud for the condition will help in increasing comfort levels.