AFL Football Boots
Footy Boots for Aussie Rules
Oxen footy boots use moulded studs made for the firm, fast grounds most Aussie rules is played on. The AFL range includes the Metasock in firm ground (FG) and artificial ground (AG) and the Raptor Elite FG, with youth sizes for juniors.
Midfielders and small forwards tend to suit the Metasock, a lighter boot with a knit sock upper that turns quickly. Rucks and key position players who spend the game in contests and marking packs get a firmer base from the Raptor, which has a stability truss.
Firm Ground vs Artificial Ground Footy Boots
Firm ground (FG) boots use moulded studs made for natural grass, and they cover everything from hard preseason ovals in February to the softer grounds of mid-winter. If you only buy one pair for local footy, buy FG.
Artificial ground (AG) boots have shorter, more closely spaced studs designed for synthetic turf. Pick AG if your club trains or plays juniors on a synthetic oval, and keep your FG pair for natural grass on match day.
What Makes Oxen Boots Different
The Metasock's knit upper runs up into a sock collar, so the boot wraps your foot and ankle closely and moves with you when you change direction. Underneath, the traction plate gives you grip when you push off and turn, and the FG model has a 10mm heel lift that tips your weight slightly forward onto the ball of the foot.
The Raptor Elite is built for contact. Its stability truss stiffens the midfoot, so the boot resists twisting when you land from a marking contest or brace in a ruck, and it needs no breaking in before its first game. Both boots also have extra room across the forefoot for players who usually find boots tight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear rugby boots for AFL?
Yes, as long as the studs are moulded. FG rugby boots and FG footy boots use the same kind of soleplate, which is why the Metasock FG appears in both ranges. Boots with metal studs can't be worn in AFL matches, and that rules out most SG rugby boots.
Are metal studs allowed in AFL?
The AFL doesn't allow any exposed metal on boot studs during a match. Studs can have a metal thread that screws into the boot, but no metal can be exposed on the part that touches the turf or another player.
What size footy boots should I buy?
Measure your foot from heel to longest toe in centimetres and match that to the Oxen boot size chart. For juniors, allow about a centimetre of growing room. Much more than that and the foot slides inside the boot when they change direction.
How do I look after my footy boots?
Knock the mud off after every game, stuff the boots with newspaper and let them dry at room temperature. Keep them away from heaters and hot cars, because heat weakens the glue between the upper and the soleplate.