How to choose your first football boots

1. Measure the foot first

Stand on a sheet of paper with your heel against a wall. Mark the end of your longest toe and measure from the wall in centimetres. Do it in the afternoon, when feet are a little bigger, and wear the socks you play in.

Use the boot table in our size guide to turn centimetres into a UK size. Leave about a thumb's width (1 cm) at the toe for growing feet. More than that and the boot will slip and rub.

2. Pick the right sole for where you play

FG means firm ground. FG boots have longer studs for normal grass pitches. Most club and school games in New Zealand are on grass, so FG suits many players.

Multi-ground (MG) and turf soles have shorter, more studs. They grip on artificial turf and hard ground as well as grass. If you play on lots of different surfaces, or you are a junior who also plays in the backyard, multi-ground is the easy choice.

Indoor shoes have a flat rubber sole for futsal and indoor courts. Don't wear studs indoors.

3. Think about your position

Defenders want a tough toe and a wide, stable sole. Midfielders want a soft upper for control. Attackers want the lightest boot with a clean striking area. Keepers want good grip under the front of the foot to push off sideways.

For juniors, fit and comfort matter more than position. A comfortable boot is a fast boot.

4. Know when to upgrade

Junior boots (ages 5 to 11) should be comfortable and easy to clean. Student boots suit school teams and training. Club boots last a full season of weekend matches. Pro boots are the lightest and most technical, and they suit older players who train often.

Upgrade when the boots are too small, the studs are worn flat, or the upper is split. Don't upgrade only because a new colour came out.

5. Look after them

Knock off mud after every game. Stuff wet boots with newspaper and let them dry at room temperature, not on a heater. Heat can crack the upper and loosen the sole.