Football boot

Early Developments

The earliest recorded instance of specialised footwear for football dates back to 1526, when King Henry VIII of England ordered a pair of "football boots" from his Great Wardrobe^[1].  These boots were likely crafted from robust leather, providing enhanced protection during matches.

1800s

During the 19th century, various forms of football became increasingly popular in Great Britain. Participants would wear their heavy and hard work-boots to play^[2]. These were an early form of football boots with the steel toe-cap at the front, and they had long laces and were high-topped. These boots also sometimes had metal studs or tacks put on the bottom, so players would have more grip and stability.^[3][4] However, This often resulted in injuries when one player inadvertently made contact with another during play^[5]

In the later part of the 19th century, the first ever football-specific boot was designed, made of thick and heavy leather that ran right to the ankle for increased protection; the first boot weighed 500 grams (18 oz)^[5].

1900–1940^[5]

During the early decades of 20th century, the style of football boots stayed very basic because of the lack of material, so the style of football remained so during the inter-war years.

1940–1960

Post-World War II innovations led to significant design changes. South American players introduced lighter, more flexible boots that emphasized control and kicking precision over protection. In 1954, Adi Dassler introduced screw-in studs that were used by the German team during a rain-lashed World Cup final that year.^[6] (Adi Dassler's older brother, Rudolf Dassler, founder of Puma, disputes the claim that Adi Dassler originated screw-in studs.)

1960s

In the 1960s, many football boots featured a lower cut boots designed for increased flexibility and movement .^[7] Mitre, Joma, and Asics joined the fray. Adidas emerged as a leading manufacturer, with 75% of players at the 1966 FIFA World Cup wearing their products.^[8]

1970s

The 1970s marked notable advancements football boots. These changes included lighter boots and a variety of colours. Adidas was the market leader in this period, releasing new technologies such as padding to provide heel protection.^[7] In 1979, Adidas released the one of the most successful product, Copa Mundial.

During this period, some of the most common types of natural leather came into use: kangaroo leather, calfskin and full-grain/cow leather.^[9]

1980s

The 1980s continued the trend of technological development, with companies like Umbro, Lotto, and Kelme joined the market in this decade^[10]. Boots became more specialised, catering to different playing styles and positions.

1990s

The 1990s introduced new sole types to enhance player balance. Adidas launched the Predator in 1994, featuring rubber elements for improved ball control. Nike also entered the football boot market with the Mercurial line, emphasising lightweight design for speed, Nike's first popular boot, the Nike Mercurial Vapor was worn by Ronaldo at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.^[11]

Mizuno, Reebok, Uhlsport, and Nike began consistently making football boots in this decade.

2000s

In the first decade of the 21st century, laser technology was introduced to produce the first fully customized football boot in 2006.^[12] That same year, Lotto released the first laceless boot, the Zhero Gravity, which gained popularity in the late 2010s.^[13]

2010s - now

In the era of the modern game that sees the tempo of matches becoming faster and players more technically inclined, manufacturers introduced new technology, including lighter footwear made from alternative materials.^[14]Some researchers and manufacturers have suggested that football boots with laceless designs and knitted uppers can improve lockdown and ball control, but there are still differing views on their actual performance.^[15][16] The first laceless boots were released by the Italian bootmaker company Lotto in 2006. Lotto Zero Gravity was worn by players such as Cafu, Andriy Shevchenko, and Luca Toni.^[17] Companies such as Adidas Umbro, New Balance, and Nike have also released their versions of laceless shoes. Laceless boots demonstrate better lock down and lateral stability. A knitted upper allows players to have better ball control due to a larger surface area.^[18]