To increase the comfort and flexibility of your new football boots, it’s vital to make them supple before you put them on. Find out how to make your boots softer and more comfortable to wear.
When you buy a new pair of football boots, it’s only natural to want to put them on straight away. However, it’s not uncommon to feel uncomfortable when you first try them on, mainly because of the stiffness of the upper and soles. How can you avoid this? The answer is simple: “soften your shoes”. Behind this unfamiliar term, which does not mean altering your shoes in order to get a refund, lies the notion of making your shoes more flexible so that they are more comfortable. Here are four tips on how to do just that.
TWIST EVERY WHICH WAY
When you buy a new pair of shoes, start by twisting them in all directions. This is to increase the overall flexibility before wearing them. A new pair of shoes is generally stiff, so by twisting them sideways and bending the sole, you will gradually reduce this stiffness. You can do this several times a day before putting them on. Of course, the twisting must be done with respect for the pair of shoes so as not to damage them.
WEAR THEM AT HOME
One of the most effective ways of making your new shoes adapt naturally to your feet is to wear them at home. The idea is to wear them like slippers, whether you’re watching TV, playing video games or working on your computer. In short, wear your new shoes when you’re not very active or when you’re resting.
The more you wear them, the more you’ll get used to them, until you’ll be able to merge with them on the pitch. You can repeat this process daily before using them in the field.
GRADUAL ADAPTATION
It can take some time to feel completely comfortable in your football boots. You might therefore consider wearing them only for the first few minutes of training, mainly during the warm-up. Do a few juggles, a few jogging runs, then change shoes (keep your old football boots handy) for the rest of the training session. Once you’re fully comfortable with your new shoes, you can officially play in them.
PLUNGE INTO HOT WATER
One method used by many players eager to wear their new shoes is to soak them in hot water. Hot water (over 40°C) tends to soften synthetic upper shoes. This method works for shoes made of mesh or synthetic leather.
However, avoid this technique for leather shoes (kangaroo, calf, bull), as the water could make them stiff. To avoid burning your hands, slip on your shoes and pour the hot water over them.
By taking the time to apply these simple but effective tips, you can transform a rigid pair of shoes into a flexible piece of equipment that adapts to your movements. Whether through skilful twisting, gradual home use, gradual adaptation or even well-controlled soaking, each method offers an opportunity to improve the feeling of wear and freedom of movement.
