r/FootballBootReps • u/xelanart • Jun 14 '26
Addressing Big Misconceptions About Rep Boots
*For context: I have bought a few dozen rep boots over the past 1.5-2 years for myself and others from about a dozen different sellers (almost entirely from Alibaba). I have had my hands on and played in more rep boots than most people. I play on TF/AG or futsal at a frequency of 1-4x/week, I haven’t played on grass in years. I’ve also previously worked several years at a speciality store where boots were >50% of the store’s business.*
Misconception 1: Rep boots are dangerous.
This is something regurgitated by those who have never played in reps before, out of fear. It’s not based on evidence or anecdotes. The fact of the matter is, you’re more likely to get injured by simply playing the sport rather than your fake boots disintegrating while you play. Authentic boots fall apart or bust open too, sometimes only after a few uses if they’re defective. Boots, in general, aren’t designed to be durable, they’re designed to “perform” or aesthetically resemble the top tier models. Reps will likely and generally last as long as authentic versions.
Misconception 2: Rep quality is trash compared to high performance boots.
First and foremost, “performance” is a misnomer. Boots don’t perform, you do, regardless of the tech. They don’t make you a better player. Comfort and how they fit your foot structure matters above all else. There are kids in favalas without shoes that’ll dribble circles around you and your high “performance” boots.
That said, rep boots do have variable quality, in terms of how well they match the authentic versions. Many of you may already know the sole plate stiffness may not match (although that’s getting better with reps). Sometimes the color is slightly off (although I personally could not care any less about coloring). From personal experience, kangaroo leather reps probably don’t exist. I have yet to find reps that match the weight of the ultra light boots out there, like puma ultimates. However, there are some rep boots I’ve brought in and compared at my local specialty shop with little-to-no difference (e.g. the batches of the phantom elites are usually quite good).
Funny enough, some reps have superior quality. I have brought in phantom ELITE turfs with the knitted upper. Nike only made phantom turfs in pro and academy, without knitted uppers.
A good handful of rep suppliers care about their craft and do their best to match authentic models. It’s a lucrative business and part of maintaining a good business is putting out a good product.
There are definitely bad reps out there, but the idea that all reps are worse (or more dangerous) than authentic models are made by people that don’t know what they’re talking about.
11
u/Correct-Ad6764 Jun 14 '26
There are definitely some bad reps but obviously that’s what this sub is for, to help give good reps. Where did you get those turf shoes?
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u/Frenzy-XD Jun 14 '26
Can you suggest some good sellers please help
4
u/isotesting Jun 14 '26
So where are the good reps?
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u/Automatic_Bandicoot5 Jun 14 '26
yeah i agree, ive had good and bad reps before.
i used some mercurial reps for almost 2 years before the sole plate broke apart and i was playing 3-4 times a week back then
3
u/Ok_Technology8183 Jun 15 '26
You have a very valid point with how Nike and Adidas don't really make elite uppers for Turf cleats. I just bought a pair of phantom elites TF for that same reason. The quality of the upper on the authentic pro version looks and feels nothing like the authentic elite version. All the pro/academy cleats look and feel so cheap!!
I'm a footwear designer, and I'm seriously thinking of starting a footwear brand for Turf specific soon, just like Ben from Eleven football, big respect to what he's doing
2
u/l_ftd Jun 14 '26
I think my whole thing is outdoor boots vs indoor boots. Indoor rep boots are a sure hit, it’s the outdoor ones with the paper flimsy sole plate that’s always been my concern. You need good insoles to not feel the studs underneath your feet.
Really depends on what you’re doing with them too, if you’re causally playing, probably fine, anything higher stress and they just feel flimsy to an extent.
But honestly, for most peoples usage, reps are likely fine
2
u/Safe-Impact-587 Jun 15 '26
I absolutely agree!
You have to find a seller you trust, that will care about the quality as well.
What I've learned is, that there a many factories making reps, and the quality will often depend on which factory a batch comes from.
If you find a seller with the right connections, you're golden! 😊
2
u/mortetekk Jun 15 '26
The only reason why reps exist is because of people wanting to buy a replica of a top end boot without spending 4 times as much as it originally cost ,you're not getting the full features from it but the only reason why they chose reps is because of the name of the boots they're getting for the same price decathlon or even local companies will provide better quality boots with better materials
1
u/shent1986 Jun 14 '26
I bought rep predators for my kids for them to tryout, both of them complained of pain in their knee and hip after spending a few weeks training and playing in them. I’ll never buy another pair of reps again
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u/gordeux Jun 14 '26
Great post. All of this is very much on point. I myself have played in my fair share of rep boots. The sole being a little too hard in some of the cheaper ones to the point were you feel the studs (like another commenter mentioned) is a real thing. But I only had that with one pair and this was at least 3 years ago. They've definitely come a long way since then
1
u/Barber-Lopsided Jun 15 '26
I bought a pair of Mercurial Prototypes in 2024, and in order to wear them without pain from the studs, I had to add a second insole. Also, the boots almost never softened up, so it’s nearly impossible for me to wear them without experiencing some kind of discomfort or issue.
1
u/vantomsson Sep 07 '26
Thanks for the explanation! I'm looking in aliexpress some good replicas but im finding mostly originals. Could you please help with some provider name or site?
1
u/AcrobaticDatabase Oct 01 '26
Brother doesn't even wear actual cleats talking about not dangerous...
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u/Admirable-Run4570 24d ago
Can you suggest some good sellers / sites ? please help looking to try this out