What are moulded football (soccer) boots? [And should you wear them?]

What are moulded football boots?

Football boots have come a long way since the days of black leather and metal studs. These days, there’s a wide range of football boots on the market, designed for everything from casual play to professional competition.

One type of football boot that has become increasingly popular in recent years is the moulded boot. It’s what most of us wear here at Kit Queen HQ.

In this post, we’re answering all the big questions about moulded boots: what they are, how they differ from regular boots, and whether or not you should be wearing them.

Let’s kick off!

What are moulded football boots?

Unlike traditional football boots with detachable studs, moulded football boots have small plastic studs or blades on a pre-formed soleplate.

This design provides extra traction so you can make sharp cuts and clean passes with ease.

Whether you’re playing on artificial turf or wet grass, these types of shoes will give you the added edge you need to dominate the pitch.

The result is a boot that’s lighter, more comfortable and easier to control – perfect for the modern game.

And because they come in all sorts of stylish designs, you can show off your unique personality while you’re at it. 

There are however, a few pros and cons to moulded football boots.

Moulded Boots: The Pros 

1. Better traction: Moulded boots generally have better traction than traditional leather football boots.

This is thanks to the rubber or synthetic material used in the construction of the soleplate. This can be beneficial if you play on artificial turf or wet grass, as it will help you maintain your footing and prevent slips and falls. 

2. More comfortable: Moulded boots are also generally more comfortable than their leather counterparts. This is because they don’t require a break-in period and there’s no risk of blisters or chafing.

The material used in moulded boots is also generally softer and more flexible than leather, which makes them more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. 

3. Lightweight: Another advantage of moulded football boots is that they’re often lighter than traditional leather boots.

This can be beneficial if you’re a speedster on the pitch who needs every advantage you can get when it comes to sprinting past your opponents. 

4. Versatile: Moulded football boots are also more versatile than traditional leather boots. This is because they can be worn on a variety of surfaces, including artificial turf, firm ground and wet grass. So you’ll only need one pair to cover all pitches.

Moulded Boots: The Cons 

1. Limited customization options: One downside to moulded football boots is that they often have limited customization options compared to traditional leather boots.

This means that you might not be able to find a boot that perfectly matches your team’s colours or that has all of the bells and whistles that you’re looking for (e.g., ankle support, extra padding, etc.). 

2. Not as durable: Another potential drawback of moulded football boots is that they’re not always as durable as traditional leather boots.

This is because the materials used in their construction are often softer and more prone to wear and tear over time.

As such, they might not last as long as you’d like if you play frequently or play on hard surfaces such as artificial turf. 

Can you wear Moulded football boots on Astroturf?

Yes, you can wear moulded football boots on artificial turf.

In fact, many moulded boots are specifically designed for use on artificial turf (AT) pitches.

This is because the material used in their construction provides extra grip and traction, which can be beneficial when playing on AT, 4G and 3G surfaces.

What’s the difference between blades and Moulded studs?

Moulded football boots can either have blades or studs. The main difference between the two is that blades are flat and studs are raised.

Both types of moulding provide extra traction, but some players prefer one over the other for different reasons.

For example, some players find that blades offer better grip on artificial turf surfaces, while others find that studs provide more stability on soft or muddy ground.

At the end of the day, it’s really up to personal preference as to which type of moulding you prefer.

If you’re unsure, it might be a good idea to try out both types of boots to see which one is best for you.

Can you wear moulded studs on 4G?

Yes, you can wear moulded studs on 4G pitches. In fact, many moulded boots are specifically designed for use on 4G pitches.

This is because the material used in their construction provides extra grip and traction, which can be beneficial when playing on AT, 4G and 3G surfaces. 

Are moulded studs suitable for grass?

The great thing about moulded studs is that they’re suitable for nearly any surface – including grass. 

Some players prefer moulded studs for their grip and stability, while others prefer screw-in studs for their ease of cleaning and durability.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to use moulded or screw-in football studs is a personal preference.

Whichever type of stud you choose, make sure that you clean them regularly to prevent dirt and debris from build-up.

What different types of football boots are there?

There are different types of football boots for different surfaces.

Firm ground boots (FG) are designed for use on natural grass pitches, while artificial turf boots (AT) are designed for use on synthetic surfaces.

Soft ground boots (SG) have longer studs that are designed for use on muddy or wet pitches, while indoor football boots (IN) have smaller studs that are designed for use on indoor pitches. 

Finally, there are also hybrid boots that combine features from different types of boots to offer a versatile option that can be worn on multiple surfaces – like moulded boots.

Watch and learn: How to choose the right football boots.

Here’s a great film that shows you all the different types of boots and helps you weigh up which ones are right for you.

The final score.

Moulded football boots have a lot to offer, from their sleek design to their versatile nature.

While they might not be for everyone, they’re definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for new football boots.