Scotland International full-back Jamie McAllister made his name in his homeland with spells at Queen of the South, Aberdeen, Livingston and Hearts before opting to move south of the border and join Bristol City three years ago. Since then McAllister has been a main stay in the Robins’ last line of defence as they gained promotion to the Championship and then suffered the heartache of losing a play-off final last season at Wembley, when Dean Windass’ stunning volley took Hull City into the Premier League.
This season the Robins are hoping to go one further and clinch promotion to the Premier League. Ransacker’s Chris Galea spoke to McAllister about which boots have helped him break onto the international stage, having won his first cap for Scotland in 2004, but was recalled into George Burley’s squad for the World Cup Qualifier against Norway in October 2008.
Q. What boots do you wear?
A. I wear Adidas Predators.
Q. Have you always worn them?
A. Yes, I have worn them for the last eight to ten years.
Q. Why did you choose them?
A. I did start out with Nike’s, but the Adidas fit me better and the Predators just seemed a better fit on my foot. They are comfortable and I enjoyed wearing them, so I opted for the Predators.
Q. Is there a lot of difference between boots?
A. Yes, I think there is because I have tried a number of different boots over the years and I’ve always gone 
back to the Predators due to the comfort and fit, so it’s mainly down to individual preference.
Q. There was a time when coloured boots were frowned upon by many, but they seem to be a common trend in football in this day and age, but what is your view on them?
A. Well I wear coloured boots at the moment and the trend has become more common now, as black was the traditional colour. There was a time when you wore coloured boots and people would think ‘what has he got on?’, but it is part and parcel of the game now. I think coloured boots is just how the game is going, in terms of footwear, and I don’t see anything wrong with that.
Q. Recently, Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner became a trend-setter by wearing bright pink boots, would you wear pink boots?
A. No, I’m not up for wearing pink boots any time soon and I think that is just a little bit over the top. White or red I will do, but pink is just a little bit to out there for me.
Q. Do you clean the boots yourself or do the boot boys at Ashton Gate keep them sparkling?
A. I always clean my boots myself to be honest. I’m quite fussy, so I like doing them myself. They are tools of the trade as such, so you have to look after them. I’m quite particular in doing them myself and I make sure I always do them.
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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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