Search for "togs meaning" and you might expect a simple answer about shoes. The real answer is more interesting: according to Wiktionary, togs means clothes in UK slang, and swimwear in Ireland, Queensland and New Zealand. None of the dictionary entries we checked list togs as a word for shoes.

Need kit for your team or have a question? Call Ronex on +27 11 830 1072.

So where does that leave South Africans looking for soccer boots? This short guide explains what togs actually means, what South Africans call sports shoes, how boots, football boots and cleats compare, and what to look for in your next pair.

What Togs Means

Wiktionary lists several English senses of togs:

•      UK slang for clothes. Charles Dickens used it in the 1830s, and it is still heard in Britain today.

•      Clothes for a specific activity, as in "gardening togs" or "swimming togs".

•      Swimsuits, in Ireland, Queensland and New Zealand, where "grab your togs" means bring your costume.

This is not a word for shoes in any of those entries, and South Africa is not listed as a region where it is used. If you have heard someone call their boots togs, it may be local or family usage, but it is not the documented meaning.

What South Africans Call Sports Shoes

The word South Africans usually use for sports shoes is takkies. According to the Dictionary of South African English, a takkie (also spelled tackie) is a rubber-soled canvas shoe, and by extension a sports shoe or running shoe. The dictionary notes the origin is uncertain, possibly from the English word "tacky", meaning sticky.

Takkies covers everyday sneakers and trainers. For football, most South Africans just say soccer boots. You will also hear "boots" on its own, especially among players and coaches.

Boots, Football Boots and Cleats

These three terms all describe the same thing: a studded shoe designed for playing football on grass or artificial pitches.

•      Soccer boots is the common term in South Africa.

•      Football boots is the usual term in the UK and much of the world.

•      Cleats is the American term, taken from the studs on the sole.

There is no difference in the product. A pair of soccer boots, football boots or cleats will have the same studs, upper and fit, whichever word the shop uses. Here's the thing: if you shop online from international sites, searching for all three terms can turn up more options.

Choosing Your Next Pair of Soccer Boots

The name matters far less than the fit and the studs.

Match the studs to the surface. Multi-ground boots are designed for both natural grass and artificial pitches, which suits players who play on mixed surfaces.

Get the fit right. Try boots on later in the day, wearing your match socks, with about a thumb's width of space at the toe.

Think about your foot shape. If you have wide feet, look for a roomier toe box rather than going up a full size. Our guide to soccer boots for wide feet explains how to check.

Ronex stocks the Ronex Turbo Soccer Boots Multi Ground and the Ronex Fly Soccer Boots Multi Ground, listed in sizes from junior UK 13 upwards. You can try them at the Ronex store in Crown Mines, Johannesburg, or order online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is togs a South African word?

It is not listed as South African in the dictionary entries we checked. Wiktionary gives togs as UK slang for clothes and as the word for swimwear in Ireland, Queensland and New Zealand.

What are takkies?

Takkies are rubber-soled canvas shoes, and more broadly sports or running shoes, according to the Dictionary of South African English.

Do South Africans say soccer or football?

Most South Africans say soccer, so soccer boots is the common term. Football is also widely understood.

What is the difference between cleats and boots?

There is no difference in the product. Cleats is the American word for football boots.

Words Change, Studs Do Not

Every country has its own words for sports kit, and that is part of the fun of the game. Whatever you call them, the right pair is the one that fits your feet and suits your pitch