Whether you fancy yourself as the next Virgil van Dijk in your Sunday League team’s defence, or envisage yourself running down the wing scoring a hattrick before each game, different types of boots suit different playing styles.
With so much choice out there players can opt for ultra-light weight boots, if you play with flair, or a sturdier boot, if you prefer getting stuck into tackles. But which is the best football boot for 2022 in your position?
Striker
Starting at the front there are plenty of options to choose from that can all depend on how you play. For players who pride themselves on speed and skill above all else then you can’t go wrong with Puma’s latest effort.
Puma's Ultra series, available here from their website, have been specifically designed for speed above all else. The boots include a Super lightweight Speedcage, to minimise the boots weight, and an ultra-fast SpeedUnit outsole which is inspired by running-spike technology.
There is plenty of variety in Puma’s Ultra range which will set you back around £50 for the most basic boot. Shop Puma here to find out more.
Worn by the likes of Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski, Nike’s Mercurial Vapor 14 is another that is clearly doing something right on the goal-scoring front. Combining the ideal mix of comfort and precision this latest release from Nike features All Conditions Control technology, perfect for those bobbly Sunday League pitches and unpredictable British weather.
The Flyknit technology in the boot is lightweight, breathable and stretches with your foot giving you that personalised fit. The Mercurial Vapor range has plenty of options starting from around £40, you can discover more here.
Midfield
No matter if you are a pacey winger or a midfield maestro 2022 has already brought some incredible releases to help you finish the season, and train for next season, in style.
Playing out wide demands something light-weight, but strong enough to ensure you can take on those no-nonsense defenders with confidence - and that’s what Nike has created with the Phantom GT.
Costing just over £100 here on the Nike website, Phantom GT does come with a range of options at lower prices but can be scaled up to make the most of the technology. The Flyknit fit has been popular since it flew onto the scene and gives you that perfect, snug fit every time. Like other Nike boots it also includes that All-Conditions Control technology to help you get that expert touch and control - whether you are playing on that bone dry surface in the park, or running into that notoriously boggy penalty spot. You can shop for Nike boots here.
Running down the wing isn’t for everyone, as for every Vinicius Jr there has to be a Luka Modric providing that touch of class, dictating the tempo in the centre. That’s why the Adidas Predator Pulse was created.
There is nothing more throw-back than a boot with a tongue, and the Predator Pulse seamlessly combines nostalgia with modern day technology. Whether you enjoy breaking up the play or playing that inch-perfect through ball the Predator range has served players well for decades and will never stop looking effortlessly cool. Find out more here.
Defender
For players who look up to such greats as Maldini, Nesta, Scirea, or any Italian centre-back really, you can look no further than the classic Nike Premier 3. Rolling back the years with another nostalgic boot, the Premier range is not only timeless, but strong and reliable. Featuring kangaroo leather you can enjoy playing in comfort as well as style, and for under £100 it’s unbeatable in price for such quality. You can find out more here.
The wing-back has become an increasingly popular position thanks to the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James who can not only provide perfectly-timed tackles, but also blistering speed in the attack and killer passes. This is why Adidas crafted the Copa Sense, which also comes in a laceless option, if that’s something you would prefer.
If the Premier 3 is Da Vinci then this is the Picasso of boots, with a bold design, padded comfort and comes in a range of colour-ways. It also features Sensepods and Touchpods to give players that added connection and feel with the ball. You can shop Adidas’ range here.
Goalkeeper
It may sound like a bit of a cop-out but for goalkeepers the choice is yours. Each boot has its own strengths and weaknesses and it depends on your style of play. If you prefer to have that extra spring to tip balls over the bar then the Nike Mercurial Vapor range is perfect. Sweeper-keepers who idolise Manuel Neuer would be better off with a sturdy Adidas Predator Pulse to steal the ball from the attackers, so the world of boots is your oyster.
