Football shoes for Black Friday

FG, AG, TF or indoor: which sole for which surface

The sole is chosen mainly based on the surface. The moulded studs FG, for firm ground, are suitable for dry or slightly wet natural grass; the FG/MG label, like on the Predator League, indicates a sole that can also be used on synthetic surfaces. The AG, for artificial ground, like that of the F50 Hyperfast Elite AG, has shorter and more numerous studs that distribute pressure on synthetic grass and reduce knee injuries. The TF, with its small studs, is designed for stabilised and hard synthetic pitches, like the Mizuno Morelia Elite TF, while the flat indoor sole, made of non-marking rubber, is reserved for gymnasiums and futsal.

Other football offers

The Black Friday football deals also include:

• Shirts, clubs and national teams.
• Jackets.
• Tracksuits.
• Balls.
• Accessories, shin guards, gloves and bags.

All deals can be found on the football page.

Predator or F50: control or speed

The two flagship lines from adidas cater to two different playing styles. The Predator, launched in 1994 based on an idea from former Liverpool player Craig Johnston, features rubber elements on the upper that grip the ball for curled passes and shots: it is popular among midfielders and free-kick takers. The F50 focuses on a slim upper and a very lightweight sole, designed for the acceleration of forwards and wingers; the Messi version adopts the look of the Argentinian player. In comparison, the Nike Mercurial, born in 1998, also targets speed players, as highlighted by the edition dedicated to Kylian Mbappé.

Elite, Pro, League, Club: the range levels

Each adidas model comes in several levels. The Elite mirrors the shoe worn by professionals: thinnest upper, lightest sole, very precise fitting. The Pro, as the intermediate level, retains the essentials of the technologies with slightly thicker materials. The League targets the club player who trains two or three times a week: more robust upper, immediate comfort, longer lifespan. The Club level, the most accessible, is suitable for beginners and younger players. For an amateur who often plays on synthetic, a well-chosen League often provides a better compromise than an Elite, which is lighter but more susceptible to wear.

Children's studs: fastening and size

For a child, fastening is just as important as the sole. The models with velcro, like the F50 Hyperfast Club Vel, can be put on without help in the changing room, before they learn to tie their laces properly. The lace-free versions, marked with the letters LL, like the F50 Messi League LL, hold the foot with an elastic upper and a snug collar. In terms of size, keep half a centimetre at the front of the big toe, no more: a foot that slides in the shoe loses precision and risks blisters. Children's sizes replicate the soles of adults, FG for grass or indoor for the hall, and the size should be checked at the start of each term, as feet grow quickly.

Frequently asked questions

Why are some football boots pink?

Manufacturers choose bright colours like pink, orange or fluorescent yellow so that the boots stand out on the pitch, on TV and in match photos. The choice is purely aesthetic: the colour does not affect grip or ball touch.

Mizuno Morelia in leather or synthetic shoe: which one to choose?

The Morelia, launched in 1985, is known for its fine and supple kangaroo leather that moulds to the foot and provides a natural ball touch. A synthetic upper weighs less and is less susceptible to water, but it stretches very little: it should be taken in the exact size.

How to dry boots after a rainy match?

Remove mud as soon as you leave the pitch, take out the insoles and stuff the shoes with newspaper, changing it after a few hours. Drying should be done in the open air, never on a radiator as this stiffens the upper and separates the sole.

Is a specific shoe needed for futsal?

Yes, futsal is played indoors on wooden floors or smooth synthetic surfaces: a flat non-marking rubber sole is needed, which provides grip without leaving marks. Studs are banned in gymnasiums, where they slip and damage the surface.

Are football shoes a good Christmas gift?

Yes, as long as you know the exact size and the surface the footballer plays on, whether grass, synthetic or indoors. If in doubt, a League level, versatile and durable, is a safe choice, and keep the proof of purchase for a possible size exchange.