Specifically designed for each leg and overall very light. Slight down side is that the cups of the ankle protectors can get in the way of your boots.

Notable for having ankle padding that also protects the achilles tendon, but the guard isn't curved enough to sit snugly around the leg.

Offers good protection with the curved pad stretching around most of the shin. Only reservation is that the ankle protection could be thicker.

Light as you could wish for, but they only reach about halfway up the leg - might not do anything for your confidence in a dirty match.

Another winner for Adidas. This consists of a knee-high inner sock with ankle padding, onto which the separate shinpad is positioned. Very secure in play and impressively comfortable.

Contains the revolutionary 'pain transfer system' that makes you clutch your face when the ball hits you in the knee. Only kidding - this is a connoisseur's boot; kangaroo leather and the lightest of the lot. But some might want a tad more protection.

A flexible but firm sole that combines studs with blades and offers good grip and comfort - this works well on both firm and soft pitches. Relatively light and yet the upper is of sufficient thickness to cushion and protect the foot.

The tiny tongue doesn't know what to do with itself and the truncated lace arrangement seems to leave the front of the foot a bit loose, but these were one of the most comfortable pairs of boots tested.

You might have expected some corners to be cut given the price, but no - a simple design with soft but thick leather, a good fit around the mid-foot and the comfort of blades make this an excellent firm ground boot.

Features the 'speed stud' - narrow tips but wider than usual at the base - which the manufacturers claim can give you that crucial extra yard. In practice this is hard to gauge, but they do offer excellent grip and they cushion impacts very well. The best value boot.

A lighter version of a classic boot, which gives good grip and yet feels like they haven't sacrificed too much durability for lightness. And the sturdy heel cup means this should repel the agricultural challenges the Sunday league can throw at you.

A classic looker which, despite being reasonably light, still felt quite durable. More suited to a heavier pitches though - on firm ground the studs could be felt through the sole, especially when twisting and turning.

An elastic inner sleeve hugs the contours of your foot and makes this well-constructed boot feel secure around the mid-foot. Blades were sure-footed enough on dry ground, less so on greasier surfaces. Screw-ins would be a better bet.

A light yet sturdy boot with the blades providing both good grip and comfort. But the slanted lace arrangement meant the mid-foot area felt slightly loose and for those who prefer to tie their laces around the sole the ones on these aren't long enough.

Despite their widespread hype, a lot of thought and innovation has gone into these boots. Just the right mix of comfort, weight and protection, with features like the elasticated tongue, hard heel cup and exchangeable cleats marking them out.