Football boot

Abstract

A football boot ( 1 ) has a ball controlling surface which comprises an elasticated frictional surface. Conveniently the elasticated frictional surface may be provided in the form of a plurality of pieces of frictional material ( 11 a, 11 b, 11 c , . . . ) fixed to an elasticated surface ( 12 ). Alternatively the elastic material may be provided between adjacent pieces of frictional material. The surface may equally be provided in the form of a material which inherently has both elasticated and frictional properties. Optionally the ball controlling surface is provided with an additional layer ( 13 ) of confined fluid substance located beneath the elasticated surface ( 12 ).

1 . A football boot having a ball controlling surface which comprises an elasticated frictional surface having affixed thereto a plurality of pieces of frictional material and a layer of confined fluid beneath the elasticated surface.  
     
     
         2 . A football boot as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the pieces of frictional material are substantially diamond shaped.  
     
     
         3 . A football boot as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the frictional surface is provided by a rubber or rubber like material having a grooved, castellated or otherwise roughened surface.  
     
     
         4 . A football boot as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the elasticated material incorporates Lycra™ or Elastane™.  
     
     
         5 . A football boot as claimed in any of  claims 1  to  4  wherein the confined layer of fluid comprises a gel.  
     
     
         6 . A football boot as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the gel comprises silicone.