PJ from Chigwell asked:
Hello Ransacker. Is all the bad press about blades really true? I’m thinking of giving them a go but all I read about are injuries, both to the wearer and to opponents. Is all the hype worthwhile?
Boot Boffins answer:
Is all the hype worthwhile? In some ways, we don’t know, and we probably won’t know for another couple of years until someone conducts a qualified study of whether blades actually lead to more injuries. At the moment, the jury is out, and what you’re seeing a lot are the kinds of horror stories that often accompany any new technology.
The way you have to look at it is that blades offer advantages and disadvantages. Better grip in one instance can be brilliant for your ability to fly across a playing surface, while at other times the sheer nature of the design may mean that you’re diverting stress towards pressure points on the feet and legs.
You should always try and judge how your design of blades will react to the playing surface you’re on. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a good old-fashioned stud that digs in and gives you grip. Blades may be the new big thing but wearing them for fashion over practicality isn’t smart.
For the most part though, Ransacker would favour blades. Think about it; the gia
nts of sportswear manufacturing wouldn’t be producing boots that they thought were unnecessarily dangerous.
Those people that shout from the rooftops about how dangerous they are have obviously never come up against a 17-stone 6ft 5inch outhouse of a centre-back in a bad mood – now that is a real threat to your health.
And if you think blades are dangerous to opponents, then for goodness sake never go ice-skating!
Other Recommended Reading
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- Boot Boffins: Breaking in your boots
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About the author
James is an experienced football journalist who edits two leading Premier League club mags. He has worked for Sky Sports and is endlessly complaining about shin splints. And Mark Lawrenson. His favourite boot is the Adidas Predator Powerswerve. Although it's rumored that he once owned a pair of Nicks boots!
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No worries with blades. I’ve worn them since Cica brought them out in 1996!