First pick: Astroturf boots…
With so many 5-a-side leagues popping up in the city, it’s never been more important to get the right footwear…
It’s notoriously tough to find a pair of boots that fit well enough to play in time and time again. Most of us are not fortunate enough to have our footie footwear tailor-made, hand-picked, only to discard them after every match, knowing your sponsors will deliver a fresh truckload the following day.
Astorturf boots have specific requirements: they have to absorb more impact, otherwise you’ll crock your knees, no question; great grip is a must, or you’ll find yourself slipping arse over boot more often than not; and if they don’t have a soft touch then your control will be dismal in the hectic one touch arena that is five-a-side.
ADIDAS MUNDIAL TEAM
Although everyone opts for the rather gaudy and overpriced Predators, Adidas have more to offer and have come up trumps with their traditional Mundial range. Part of their ‘Heritage” collection, these are amongst the finest astro-boots in the world. Put it this way, if they’d had 3rd generation turf in the 1960s, this is what Franz Beckenbauer would have used.
Perfect grip, soft but durable leather and an unobtrusive tongue (such a rarity for modern boots), this is a superb football boots that’ll also see you right playing indoors futsal or on 11-a-side on hard grass.
Price: £74.99
Puma have forced their way into the astro-trainer market with the sublime Tricks TT, offering small-pitch maestros a stylish modern boot with attitude. It’s the pick of classy players like Nicolas Anelka and David Bentley because of its lightweight feel and unparalleled “touch”.
I find this boot to have not only the best grip but the most naturally designed for letting off accurate shots under pressure. Although thin, they’re tough and you’re unlikely to come away with unsightly bruises on the top of your foot – an area that most contemporary boots tend to skimp on. This is without doubt the best boot available in its (remarkably fair) price range.
Price: £34.99
If you’ve tried out either of these fine boots or have recommendations of your own, just let us know in the comments section below…
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