What happens when a podiatrist looks at the football boots on the market and thinks, “There has to be a better way”?
That is exactly what Edward Clinch did.
In this episode of the Podiatry Legends Podcast, I chat with Ed Clinch about his remarkable journey from working in private practice to designing his own football boot, Clinch Boots. What started as a simple clinic project eventually turned into a nearly ten-year mission to create a football boot that offered the support, comfort, and biomechanical features many athletes have been missing for years.
Why Ed Started Designing Football Boots
While working in Melbourne, Ed was encouraged by his former employer to create a guide comparing football boots. The idea was to help footy players choose better footwear.
As he reviewed the boots available, Ed noticed a recurring problem. Many football boots were incredibly minimal, with little structure, poor support, and flat soles that could contribute to issues such as Achilles pain, shin splints, and general overload injuries.
After recommending the so-called best, or least problematic option, he decided to create a better solution himself.
The Podiatry Principles Behind Clinch Boots
Clinch Boots were designed specifically with podiatric principles in mind. Key features include:
- A 7 mm heel raise to reduce stress on the Achilles tendon and lower leg
- A podiatry-designed arch-support insole
- A firm heel counter for rearfoot stability
- Improved torsional strength through the soleplate
- A kangaroo leather upper for comfort, which was also optimal for the Sherrin AFL ball.
These design elements aim to provide greater comfort, support, and performance for AFL players, while also being suitable for rugby, soccer, and other field sports.
A Ten-Year Journey of Persistence
The story behind Clinch Boots is a powerful lesson in entrepreneurship.
Ed worked with an industrial designer for 18 months to create a detailed three-dimensional render of the boot. He then collaborated with manufacturers in Indonesia and later China, learning firsthand how complex footwear production can be.
Along the way, he encountered quality issues, lost money, and had to start over more than once.
To date, Ed has invested a significant amount of his own money in the project.
That investment has resulted in:
- Custom moulds for sizes 9 to 13 US
- Final production-ready samples
- 1,000 pairs of boots manufactured and ready to ship
- More than 50 pre-orders from early supporters
The Valley of Death
During our conversation, Ed described himself as being in what one mentor called the “Valley of Death,” the challenging period many start-up businesses face before they gain momentum.
I often refer to this same phase as the “Valley of Despair.”
It is the stage where you cannot yet see the summit, but if you keep taking one step at a time, progress eventually becomes visible.
Ed’s story is a reminder that every worthwhile idea demands patience, resilience, and a belief that the long game is worth playing.
The Bigger Vision
Ed’s ambition extends far beyond this first production run. His ultimate dream is to see AFL players running onto the field wearing Clinch Boots.
But also, he would love to see his plans expand into:
- Women’s football boots
- Children’s sizes
- Custom orthotic-compatible boots
- Team and player-specific designs
Final Thoughts
This episode highlights something I have believed for years: podiatrists possess specialised knowledge that can lead to opportunities far beyond clinical practice.
Whether you want to create a product, launch a business, write a book, or build a stronger clinic, your expertise can become the foundation for something extraordinary.
To learn more about Clinch Boots or pre-order a pair, visit Clinch Boots. You can also find Clinch Boots on Instagram @clinch_boots, and you can email Ed directly at edclinch@gmail.com
If you enjoyed this episode of Podiatry Legends, please share it with a friend or fellow podiatrist.
Strategic Business Coaching
If you’re at that point in your podiatry business where you’re questioning your next move, whether it’s expanding, hiring, stepping back, or maybe developing a new product, it might be time for a conversation about strategic business coaching.