Should you buy new football boots this summer?

It’s the end of another season. Time to reflect on the last nine months and ask yourself some serious questions.

Has everyone else gained a yard of pace, or did I lose one? Should I try cutting holes in my socks? Maybe I’d prefer golf?

Should I replace my boots?

The answer to all of the above is, of course, it depends.

If you’re new to Save our Soles, then you won’t be familiar with our occasional plugging of our Atacama Shoe Dryer as a way to keep your feet, and what you put on them healthy. If you haven’t been using something like this throughout the season, then chances are your weather-beaten boots are nearing the end of their time on earth.

Wet boots are bad for your feet, bad for your boots, and bad for your game. A shoe dryer is a relatively inexpensive investment that reduces health risks and gets a tonne of extra gametime from your boots.

Even if you have been dutifully drying your boots at every full time whistle, there are still a few legitimate reasons to get a shiny new pair.

1. You're getting blisters or foot pain you didn't used to get. This usually means the boot has lost its shape and fit. There are steps you can and should take in the off-season to get this sorted. See our other blogs on common foot health issues of active people, or book a sports podiatry session with one of our team.

2. You’re nostalgic for the Total 90 era. Who doesn’t sit and think about Francesco Totti winking at the camera during a Nike ad and think ‘that could be me’?

3. Worn-down or missing studs, which reduce traction and can increase injury risk on slippery surfaces. I once had a well-loved pair of boots that I kept until the bottom was as smooth as Jaap Stam’s bonce. I would not recommend.

4. Harry Kane is doing all that in Skechers. He is insanely good at football. Maybe you should buy some Skechers.

5. Boots that are too stretched out and no longer lock the foot in properly. This can lead to a whole host of foot problems like Plantar fasciitis, shin splints and blisters that over time will impact your training.

6. You’ve got those boots that are just socks despite being in your mid-30s and fourth-choice centre back for the Lamb and Flag.

Whatever your reason, don’t let your reason next season be weather-damaged boots. Get yourself an Atacama Shoe Dryer during the transfer window, and scratch one reason to replace football boots off the list.