Is it just football dinosaurs like me that prefer the classic look of black boots and hate the bright colours? Or are black boots making a comeback? And what does a player's choice of boot colour say about them as a footballer? If anything at all?
Standing on the touchline of my latest grassroots football match and in amongst the black boots there was a kaleidoscope of colours on players' feet. Fluorescent yellows, electric blues and metallic silvers were all on show in our game on Sunday morning. Going back to when I played Junior football 40 plus years ago, boots were always important, but I think these days a player’s choice of football boots has evolved from a simple functional decision into a more complex form of expression that says something about who they are, what type of player they aspire to be and how they want to be perceived on the pitch.
The transformation in the last 20 years from simple black leather boots with a different white striped adornment (mostly Puma, Nike and Adidas) to today's spectrum of possibilities clearly represents years of commercial innovation and marketing of fashion trends by the big brands. But it probably plays into a more fundamental change in how young people construct their identities and express their individuality within their team. When a 12 old midfielder chooses the bright orange boots that are identical to those worn by their favourite Premier League hero, they’re tapping into a process that goes beyond just imitation. They’re borrowing their confidence, adopting an aspirational mindset and creating a connection between their grassroots reality and their footballing dream.
Apparently there has been some detailed research in sports psychology that has begun to uncover the measurable effects of equipment choices on player’s performance and mental state. There is a concept called "enclothed cognition" that states what we wear directly influences how we think and behave, and football boots represent perhaps the stand out example of this phenomenon in our game. A study published in psychological journals found that athletes wearing bright, distinctive footwear performed better in motor tasks compared to those in neutral colours, apparently because the vibrant equipment encourages an external focus rather than self conscious internal monitoring.
It might all sound a bit far fetched but this finding would suggest what many of our young players will tell you outright, that the right boots can genuinely make you feel faster, more confident and a better player.
This psychology operates on different levels at the same time, affecting both the wearer and those around them. Red has always been associated with dominance and aggression in competitive contexts, and research suggests that teams wearing red consistently enjoy marginal statistical advantages across various sports. At grassroots level, where psychological intimidation can be just as important as a player’s technical skill at times, sporting bright red boots may genuinely benefit you from the unconscious reaction they provoke in your opponents. Similarly, referees have been shown to make different decisions based on kit colours, with players in darker colours more likely to be penalised for aggressive play, whilst those in lighter shades receive more favourable treatment for identical challenges.
There is also a gender dimension of boot choices that is a complex psychological terrain in grassroots football. Female players have their own nuance around equipment selection, balancing desires for self expression with the need to be taken seriously in environments that sadly may still harbour traditional gender expectations. The girl who chooses understated black boots might be making a strategic decision to avoid drawing unwanted attention to their femininity, focusing minds on their footballing ability rather than their appearance. Alternatively, another who deliberately selects bright pink boots may be challenging stereotypes and asserting her right to embrace feminine expression whilst demonstrating serious sporting intent.
Age brings its own nuance to boot selection, with different life / football career stages driving particular motivations and concerns. Young players often gravitate towards the most eye catching options available, seeking attention and expressing natural energy through their boot choices. The psychological boost from wearing boots that make them feel special and noticed can translate directly into improved performance, as confidence breeds the willingness to attempt skills and take chances that lead to breakthroughs for them. However, peer pressure can also drive poor choices where the desire to fit in with teammates or impress others leads to choices based on fashion rather than comfort or suitability.
Older grassroots players may demonstrate different priorities, often moving towards more conservative choices that reflect changing values around comfort, practicality and a rejection of modern trends. The forty something Sunday league veteran who continues wearing their black boots makes a statement about continuity and respect for football's traditions, whilst simultaneously signalling a confidence that allows them to ignore fashion fads. Alternatively, the older player who embraces modern boot design and its bold colours might be asserting their continued relevance and competitive spirit, refusing to be categorised as past their prime or disconnected from contemporary football culture.
The personalisation revolution has transformed boots from mass produced equipment into individual statements of identity. Modern technology allows our grassroots players to have names embossed on their boots, initials stitched into tongues or even motivational phrases printed on the sides. This trend may reflect a broader cultural shift towards individualisation but also creates an interesting tension with our game’s collective environment. The player who arrives with their nickname stitched across their footwear is making a statement about their identity that their teammates can choose to accept, potentially strengthening their bond through a shared admiration or alternatively it may create a subtle hierarchy based on their ego or their considered importance to the team.
For many it’s more about nothing more than comfort as this has the greatest impact on performance. Research tells us that lower limb comfort correlates directly with improved match performance, whilst uncomfortable footwear increases injury risk and reduces confidence in challenging situations. Players should always balance appearance desires with their practical needs.
The individual who prioritises comfort over aesthetics makes a statement about their maturity and understanding of football's demands.
It’s not every family that can stretch to the latest £200 boots fad and with different surfaces to cater for it’s likely that multiple pairs will be needed each season. When young players hit a growth spurt it can end up costing a small fortune just to keep boots on a child’s feet. A teenager whose parents invest in premium boots experiences different psychological pressures than teammates wearing budget alternatives or hand me downs. The confidence boost from expensive equipment can be significant, but it may come coupled with performance pressure that creates anxiety rather than enhancement. Players unable to afford fashionable boots might develop resilience and determination to prove themselves through ability rather than appearance, though this can also lead to feelings of exclusion or inadequacy that affect their enjoyment of the game.
Many academies have rules around player’s boot colours with some requiring black boots only to be worn until certain age groups. This thinking comes from a place of not encouraging players to get ideas above their station and think that they’ve made it yet. A bit like the rationale for school uniform, everyone is equal and has to prove themselves.
As ever, social media provides another dynamic to this. A player I recently substituted off in a pre season friendly stripped right down to his underwear at the side of the pitch to photograph his new boots sitting on top of his full kit laid out on the grass for Instagram. This is all part of an identity construction processes that is on a very different level these days, with players seeking approval and recognition that can provide psychological reinforcement or (as we know only too well) harsh criticism. This social media dimension adds a whole new complexity to traditional peer pressure dynamics, where choices made primarily for local audiences now carry implications for online personal branding that can affect a young person’s self esteem and confidence levels.
Our boots can be highly treasured and play into making great memories in grassroots football.
Many players can recall a specific pairs of boots associated with a memorable match, a breakthrough performance or significant personal moment. The psychological significance of these connections should not be underestimated, as they contribute to the formation of a personal sporting identity.
The player who refuses to replace worn out boots because they scored their first hat-trick whilst wearing them is engaging with deep mental process around luck, superstition, confidence and the creation of meaningful narrative around their sporting development.
The boots on a player's feet represent far more than functional equipment these days, they are symbols of aspiration, identity and tools for confidence building as well as statements about personal values and priorities.
