Why are football (soccer) boots so narrow? Here’s the truth!

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You’re in the store, trying on a new pair of football boots. You slip your foot in and… it doesn’t fit. The salesperson comes over and asks if you’re sure you have the right size. You try again, wiggling your toes and pulling at the shoe, but it’s just too tight. “All our boots run narrow,” the salesperson tells you apologetically. “It’s just how they’re designed.” But why are football boots so narrow?

Read on to find out the answer to this vexing question, as well as some tips on how to find a pair of footy boots that will fit your feet perfectly.

Why are football boots so narrow?

The short answer is that football boots are designed to be lightweight and provide good traction on the field. A narrow design helps with both of these objectives.

Football boots need to be lightweight so that players can move quickly and change directions easily. A narrower design means there’s less material, which makes the boot lighter.

Good traction is important for making quick starts and stops, as well as changing directions quickly. Again, a narrower design helps with this because there’s less material between the cleat and the ground. 

Of course, not everyone’s feet are alike, which is why you’ll find some football boots that are available in wide sizes.

But even if you can find a pair of wide football boots, they’ll likely be heavier than their narrow counterparts. And if you’re a competitive player like we are, every ounce counts!

Watch and learn: Best boots for wide and slim feet.

Here’s an awesome video that shows you the best football boots and brands to suit wide or slim feet.

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Are football boots supposed to be narrow?

Football boots are designed to be lightweight and low to the ground.

In order to create a shoe that is both light and has good traction, manufacturers have to make some sacrifices. One of those sacrifices is often width.

Narrower boots provide better control and stability when making quick turns and sudden stops. They also help players to change directions more quickly.

They also create less drag on the ball, making it easier to maintain speed and accuracy when passing and shooting.

And finally, you may simply find that you feel more comfortable and confident in narrower boots.

If you have wide feet, then you’ll probably want to steer clear. However, if you have narrow or average-sized feet, then you’ll likely find that narrower shoes provide a better fit and feel.

Of course, there’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to choosing the right ones.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what feels best for your feet. So try out a few different styles and see what works for you. 

Are narrow football boots better for girls and women?

If you’re a girl or woman who loves to play football, you might have wondered whether narrow boots are the way to go. After all, most of the pros seem to wear them.

Boots that are designed to fit a narrower foot are great for girls and women who often find men’s football boots too wide. They also tend to be lighter and more comfortable, making them ideal for girls and women who want to get the most out of their game.

That said, it’s important to think about your foot type. If you have narrower feet, you might find that narrow boots offer a more comfortable and supportive fit.

But if you have wider feet, you might want to stick with traditional football boots or cleats.

Just because narrow boots work for some girls and women doesn’t mean they’ll work for you. Make sure you try on different types of football boots and see what feels best for you.

What happens if my boots are too narrow?

The main thing to look for in a good pair of football boots is a snug fit. They should be tight enough to support your foot, but not so tight that they cause discomfort. Here are a few reasons why a cleat that’s too narrow is a bad idea:

The first reason why you want to avoid boots that are too narrow is because they can cause blisters. When your boots are too tight, they rub against your feet and cause friction. This can lead to blisters, which are not only painful but can also make it difficult to play your best. 

The second reason is because they can make it difficult to run. When your boots are too tight, they restrict your movement and make it difficult to change directions quickly. This can be a serious disadvantage on the field, so it’s important to make sure that your boots fit well and don’t hamper your movement. 

The third reason is because they can damage your feet. When your boots are too tight, they put pressure on the bones and tendons in your feet. This can lead to pain and swelling, and in severe cases, it can even result in fractures or other serious injuries. 

Why are football boots so narrow nike adidas comparison

How do I make my football boots wider?

If you have wide feet, then you’ll want to make sure that you buy football boots that are designed for wide feet.

There are a few different ways to do this.

The first is to look for footy boots that are available in wide sizes. This is becoming more and more common as brands begin to realise that not everyone has narrow feet. We find that Nike has a wider fit than adidas, for example.

The second way to make sure that you get football boots that fit well is to buy a size up from your normal shoe size. This method doesn’t always work, but it’s worth a try if you’re having trouble finding wide football boots that fit well. 

The third way to make your boots wider is to use an insert or insole. This is a thin piece of material that you place inside your boots to help fill up the extra space. This can be a great option if you need just a little bit of extra width. 

Lastly, breaking your football boots in so that they stretch and soften can also help to make them feel more comfortable and less tight. This is especially true if you have wide feet. Simply wear your boots around the house for a few hours each day until they start to feel more comfortable.

Ultimately, the best way to make sure that you get football boots that fit well is to try them on before you buy them. This way, you can make sure that they’re not too tight or too loose, and that they provide the right amount of support for your feet.

Do they make football boots for wide feet?

Yes, there are football boots available for wide feet.

When it comes to getting a good fit in a football boot, it’s all about knowing your size. And if you’re someone who typically wears Nike, you’ll be glad to know that their boots tend to fit wider than adidas or Puma.

That’s because Nike designs their boots with a wider forefoot, which provides a more comfortable fit for those with broader feet.

So if you’re in the market for a new pair of football boots, be sure to try on a few pairs from Nike. You just might find the perfect fit.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that football boot sizes can vary between brands.

The best thing to do is to visit a local soccer store and try on a few different pairs of boots. This way, you can find the pair that fits your feet the best. 

The final score

We hope that this article has helped to answer your question, “Why are football boots so narrow?” Football boots should fit snugly and support your feet, but they shouldn’t be so tight that they cause discomfort. If you have wide feet, there are a few different ways to make sure that you get a pair of boots that fit well.

Ultimately, the best way to find the perfect pair of boots is to try them on before you buy them. Thanks for reading!

This article was written by

  • Anna Adams, Creative Director & Content Lead

    Hi there! I'm Anna Adams, your go-to source for all things women's soccer. I've been crazy about soccer for over 20 years, ever since I was kicking a ball around with my brothers as a kid. I've turned my passion into a career where I get to share all the cool stuff about soccer with you. As a content lead, I've had the awesome opportunity to work with various sports brands and publications. Whether it's the latest gear, pro tips, or just some cool soccer trivia, I'm all about making soccer ac...