Measuring your field hockey shoes/shin guards is quite crucial. It all starts with the right measurements and then you can work your way to the perfect design. Doing this by hand is very tedious and can be highly inaccurate. That’s why we’ve developed this guide which will help you determine the proper measurements for your field hockey shoes so you can create the perfect design and have the best possible fit.
Table of Contents
Shoe Size
When it comes to your field hockey shoes, the most crucial measurement to take is the shoe size. First of all, you need to determine how many sizes you will need. For example, if you have a wide fit, you may need to get a half size larger than your usual size. Keep in mind that the more you go up in size, the more you will feel like a giant in comparison to the other players. If you go down a size, you may end up feeling like you’re not providing enough support.
The next thing you need to do is measure the length of your foot using a ruler. The length of your foot determines how tall you will be in comparison to your other teammates. If you want to be more specific, the length of your foot from the heel to the tip (where the longest toe starts) is called your “foot length”. You should have your foot length in mind whenever you are choosing a shoe size. It’s always better to be a bit longer to provide better support and to feel more comfortable on the field.
Shoe Width
The next measurement you need to take is the width of your feet. When choosing your shoe size, you need to bear in mind that the wider the foot, the more room there is for the foot to move. Therefore, you will need to go for a wider shoe size to provide better movement. When choosing your shoe width, you should pick a number that feels comfortable on your feet. Do not go any wider than what feels natural on your feet because you may end up with discomfort later when playing the game. If in doubt, ask for a fitting at the store because there is no exact measurement for this particular item.
Buckle Size
Buckle size is the width of the area where the shoe meets the leg. When choosing your shoe size, you need to bear in mind that the wider the buckle, the more room there is for the foot to move. Therefore, you will need to go for a wider shoe size to provide better movement. When choosing your shoe size, you should pick a number that feels comfortable on your feet. Do not go any wider than what feels natural on your feet because you may end up with discomfort later when playing the game. If in doubt, ask for a fitting at the store because there is no exact measurement for this particular item.
Taper Size
The last measurement you need to make is the taper size. This measurement determines how the shoe is shaped at the back. The wider the taper, the more room there is for the foot to move. Therefore, you will need to go for a wider shoe size to provide better movement. When choosing your taper size, you should pick a number that feels comfortable on your feet. Do not go any wider than what feels natural on your feet because you may end up with discomfort later when playing the game. If in doubt, ask for a fitting at the store because there is no exact measurement for this particular item.
Once you have measured all of this, you are going to work your way to determining the perfect design for your field hockey shoes. First of all, you need to find the average of your foot length and your shoe size. This is where you will need the hat or sun shade because you don’t want to wear anything that’s going to cover your ears. From here, you need to subtract your shoe width, your buckle size, and your taper size to determine how much room you have left to fit the dimensions of your…well, you know what.
Now that you have all this information, you can work your way to determining the perfect design for your field hockey shoes. First of all, you need to find the average of your foot length and your shoe size. This is where you will need the hat or sun shade because you don’t want to wear anything that’s going to cover your ears. From here, you need to subtract your shoe width, your buckle size, and your taper size to determine how much room you have left to fit the dimensions of your…well, you know what.
Heel Height
The heel height of your field hockey shoes is quite crucial. This measurement determines how high the rear of the shoe goes. The higher the heel, the better. This will make a noticeable difference when it comes to your footwork. When it comes to choosing your heel height, you need to find a number that feels natural on your feet. Do not go any higher than this because you may end up with ankle problems. These problems become more prevalent as the height nears the top of the shoe. So instead of risking this, find a number that feels comfortable on your feet and avoid going any higher than this.
Toe Shape
Your toes are quite crucial when it comes to playing field hockey. Not only do they provide strength for your ankles but they also help with your balance. When choosing your toe shape, you need to find a number that feels natural on your feet. The closer the shape matches the arch of your foot, the better. Shaped toes are strong and help with your balance. This is why they are considered “power toes”. Clipping them is also a good idea because it limits the movement of the toe. This makes the arch lighter therefore better for jumping.
You can also adjust the arch of your foot with insoles, so make sure you try on a few pairs with and without insoles to find the one that feels best for your arch. This is quite crucial because the wrong insole can make your foot hurt at the end of the day. If in doubt, ask for a fitting at the store because there is no exact measurement for this particular item.
Upper Material
The upper material of your field hockey shoes is quite crucial. This material should be comfortable, durable, and of good quality. When choosing your upper material, you need to bear in mind that the stickier the material, the better. This makes for more efficient play and less injuries. When you come across synthetic materials, such as plastic, they are not very durable and can deteriorate quickly. Look for materials such as leather, canvas, or mesh because these are more durable and comfortable. These materials will last you a long time and can offer good value for your money.
Lining Material
When it comes to your field hockey shoes, the most crucial measurement to take is the lining material. First of all, you need to determine how many pairs of shoes you will need. You may want to get a pair for each practice and a pair for each game. The thicker the material, the better. The more the thickness, the more power it provides. When choosing your lining material, you need to find a number that feels natural and comfortable on your feet. Try on a few pairs with and without the lining to find the one that feels best for your feet.
The last thing you need is to overuse your hand when measuring and shaping your shoes. This could result in blisters, which are uncomfortable and could even become infected. So instead of using your hands, use this guide to measure the exact dimensions you need and create the perfect design for your field hockey shoes.