The first thing we need to recognise is that getting the size of our football boots right is probably one of the biggest challenges we face when looking for our next pair. We must bear in mind that every brand – and even every range within the same brand – has its own fit and a different last. Even if we know our feet, their shape and our usual size well, finding the right size for a specific model remains one of the biggest headaches when buying new boots.
What can we do if our boots are too wide or have a last that’s too large?
One of the quickest and simplest solutions is to wear two pairs of socks: first, a thinner pair as an inner layer, and on top of that, your usual football socks, which are generally thicker. This double layer helps to reduce the space inside the boot slightly – even if only by a few millimetres – and ensures that your foot is held a little more securely.
However, if the problem is the length and we’ve chosen the wrong size by more than half a size when buying the boots, we can opt for particularly thick socks. In this case, non-slip socks are a good alternative. Among the various brands currently available in this category, Trusox stands out, offering several ranges with extra padding, known as ‘Cushion’. These versions are considerably thicker and can provide extra bulk to help make up for some of the excess space. Combining them with inner socks and making use of the anti-slip features can improve the fit of the foot inside the boot. However, there is a drawback: as you’re wearing two layers, your foot is no longer in direct contact with the anti-slip gel zones on the GRIP socks, meaning some of their effectiveness is lost.
Solutions we must avoid
If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, we are sure a team-mate or friend has recommended stuffing cotton into the toe box or tightening the laces as much as possible. However, neither of these options is advisable. The cotton wool can shift around inside the boot during the match and end up being very uncomfortable. On the other hand, tightening the laces too much can put excessive strain on the eyelets and the sides of the boot, which could cause it to lose its shape, become damaged or even result in the material splitting or tearing.
The best solution when the problem is with the width rather than the length is to change the laces. There are specific laces for football boots that are wider and, when combined with good technical socks, allow you to avoid tightening them too much whilst keeping your foot securely in place inside the boot. This way, we avoid putting excessive strain on the boot and damaging it by tightening the laces too much or tying them incorrectly.
In short, if you’re having size issues, we recommend trying the boots on properly before buying them. If that’s not possible because the model is only available online, remember that at Fútbol Emotion we offer a free product exchange service for the first exchange. So, if you’ve chosen the wrong size, you can sort it out when you receive your favourite boots. We always recommend trying the boots on at home, on a soft surface, and never on the pitch. Fútbol Emotion only accepts returns of products that have not been used.
