New cleat systems were devised to help distribute pressure across the boot. Incorporation of new polymer materials further strengthened the sports shoe as well as providing lightwieght footwear. New upper surfaces were developed to assist in ball control. All these now make up the modern soccer slipper. Many professional players still prefer the soccer shoe with traditonal stud arrangement which provide no more protection to the player than the boots of yesteryear. Changes to boot design are not forged by professional players but instead appear to be in response to demand from parents keen to reduce the number of injuries associated with the modern game.
1830
Football was played in all the major English public schools. Boots were made by local bootmakers to suit the players' feet. These extended above the ankle, to support and give limited protection. Early forms of the game were ill defined and rough physical contact, including hard tackles, was encouraged. The boot was tightly laced with long laces,which wrapped around the ankle and often across the ball of the foot. To increase ground traction; boots incorporated studs ( usually in the ratio of 4:2 )
1896
By now Association Rules were established and the once popular game of football with the Upper Class had become the pre - occupation of the working classes. Turn of the century, English Internationalists is seen sporting Football Boots of similar design to those above.
As the English game gained popularity and spread across the World. Acceptance of team outfits became part of the organised game. Adjustments to climatic conditions however necessitated minor modifications. Rule 13 meant dangerous metal studs could no longer be worn and players sported leather cleats instead.
1922
Players were now able to wear screw in studs, principally through the innovation of Adi Dassler ( co - founder of Adidas). This allowed them to select studs appropriate to the weather conditions. Whilst there was some variation in the arrangement of stud patterns on the sole of the boot, most professionals preferred the 4:2 or 4:3 ratio.
1937
English and Continental styles of soccer had developed to such a degree as to have distinctive qualities which supporters were eager to see incorporated with their domestic games. Improved travel had extended competitions to incorporate international fixtures, which meant crowds were entertained by more athletic moves such as the overhead kick. Players were keen emulate these thrills as ball control became the major focus. Boots were worn very tight to the foot to allow the player to feel greater control of the ball.
1954
Although the soccer boot was still worn above the ankle and tightly bound to the foot by laces, it was recognised the pattern of studs could cause injury. In 1951, new regulations were enforced, reducing the length of stud players could wear. Gradually there was incorporation of synthetic materials used to replace natural leathers and moulded stud surfaces were beginning to become available. In 1954 the winners of the FIFA World Cup in Switzerland was West Germany and they were sporting the new adidas soccer boots with screw in studs. By 1958 at the FIFA World Cup, Sweden, the majority of players wore adidas boots.
1966
By now players had accepted the lower soccer shoe in preference to the traditional soccer boot. Boots were moderately lighter in weight, which may have given some players an advantage but the main reason for the change was the game was less physical and the rules of play now protected them from undue roughness. Improved soccer balls also meant players needed the freedom to control the faster ball. Incorpration of
of synthetics gave durability and strength both essential to a faster running game. Improved elasticised vigours allowed external ankle support, which had previously been afforded by the higher boot. 75% of the players at the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England wore adidas boots.
1970
Greater glittering prizes meant more focused attempts to maximise performances. Soccer shoe manufacturers began incorporating greater efforts at research and development keen to ustilise new technologies and materials to capitalise profit. Endorsement and sponsorships of clubs and players became established at this time. The main focus was to produce attractive fashionable boots often incorporating novelties, which appeared to ignore the risk of injury to the player.
1909
As the English game gained popularity and spread across the World. Acceptance of team outfits became part of the organised game. Adjustments to climatic conditions however necessitated minor modifications. Rule 13 meant dangerous metal studs could no longer be worn and players sported leather cleats instead.
