Ian Ebbs is the founder of FootballBoots.co.uk, which he launched in 2010 with the goal of understanding football boots beyond surface-level reviews. His interest was never just in which boots were popular, but why certain models suit some players and not others, how materials influence touch and comfort, and how boot design impacts confidence on the pitch.

That curiosity has grown into one of the most trusted independent football boot resources worldwide, helping players choose boots based on their feet, their game and their development, rather than marketing or professional endorsements alone.

A Long-Term Commitment to Testing and Learning

Over more than fifteen years, Ian has researched, worn, tested and compared hundreds of football boots across multiple brands, generations, surfaces and price tiers. His experience has led to a deep understanding of how boots are engineered and how real-world performance differs from on-paper specifications.

His work focuses on:

• How materials and construction affect comfort and touch

• The practical differences between elite, takedown and entry-level models

• Why fit, confidence and suitability matter more than hype

• How different stud patterns and soleplates behave across surfaces

Trusted by Players, Parents and Coaches

Through FootballBoots.co.uk, YouTube, podcasts and social platforms, Ian helps players from grassroots through academy level make smarter boot choices. His approach is grounded in real testing and long-term observation, not short-term impressions.

Key factors he consistently helps players consider include:

• Foot shape and fit

• Playing style and position

• Surface type

• Budget and durability

• Comfort and injury considerations

This player-first mindset has built a community that values honesty, experience and practical guidance over marketing claims.

Inside Access and Real-World Experience

Alongside reviewing boots, Ian regularly plays masters football, coaches both girls’ and boys’ teams, and served as President of his local football club. These roles keep him connected to the realities faced by players, parents and coaches at grassroots level.

Across his career, Ian has:

• Reviewed every major Nike, adidas and PUMA boot generation

• Spoken directly with designers, engineers and brand representatives

• Worked alongside retail and boot-fitting specialists

• Conducted detailed elite vs takedown vs academy comparisons

• Tested boots on natural grass and multiple artificial surfaces

His knowledge is built on continuous learning, hands-on testing and long-term involvement in the game.

Trusted Beyond FootballBoots.co.uk

Ian’s work and insight into football boots has been referenced beyond his own platforms. He has been quoted in football boot articles for the Daily Telegraph and has been asked to appear on talkSPORT radio to discuss new-season boot releases and trends.

He has also contributed to an article on football boot choice for the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) magazine, helping explain how fit, comfort and suitability influence player performance at all levels of the game.

These opportunities reflect Ian’s long-term involvement in the football boot space and his ability to translate technical design and testing into practical advice players can understand.

Published Work

Alongside his work on FootballBoots.co.uk, Ian has been involved in the creation of multiple football boot guides designed to help players make better, more confident boot choices. These books distil years of hands-on testing, research, and real-world experience into practical resources players can use away from the pitch or screen.

24/25 Boot Secrets: How To Choose Your Football Boots

Co-authored with Dean Ariola, this guide was created for the 2024/25 season to help players understand which football boots from Nike, adidas, Puma, New Balance, Mizuno and Skechers are best suited to their feet and style of play.

The book breaks down each brand’s boot silos and tiers, explains the key technologies used at different price points, and helps players identify which models offer genuine value rather than relying on marketing claims. It reflects the same approach used across the website: clarity, practicality and real-world understanding.

Boot Secrets: How To Choose Football Boots

This earlier edition was updated for the 2023/24 season and focuses on guiding players through the increasingly complex football boot market. It explains how to assess fit, materials, comfort and performance across the major brands, helping readers narrow down their options and avoid common mistakes when buying boots.

The book is aimed at players who want a clear framework for choosing boots that suit their football and their feet, rather than simply following trends or professional endorsements.

Football Boots: How To Choose Your Next Pair

Ian’s first book focuses on the fundamentals of boot selection. It explores how factors such as brand, foot shape, playing position, surface type and level of play all influence which boots are likely to work best.

Covering everything from classic leather models to modern speed boots, the guide helps players understand what actually matters when choosing football boots and how to prioritise comfort, confidence and suitability over hype.

Ongoing Editions

Ian continues to update and expand his published work as boot technology evolves, with a 2026 edition currently in development. Each new release builds on previous editions, incorporating the latest boot generations, materials and design changes to keep guidance relevant and accurate for modern players.