According to surveys, the demand for soccer boots adapted for women is increasing
Why soccer boots for women need to provide better support and how the CURREX® CLEATPRO helps
In 2023, an increasing number of players dropped out of the Women's World Cup due to knee injuries such as a torn anterior cruciate ligament. With the increasing popularity of women's soccer, the high incidence of injuries is also taking on a new significance and it is clear that soccer boots must be developed to provide the necessary support and take female biomechanics into account.
By developing soccer shoes for women and enhancing the fit with a CURREX CLEATPROinsole, women and girls get the support they need to avoid injuries and play better.
The need for improved footwear in women's soccer
A recent report by the British Parliament's Women and Equality Committee showed that female footballers are three to six times more likely to suffer a torn anterior cruciate ligament than male players. To prevent future injuries and support the physical health of female players, the report calls for cleats to be adapted to the needs and biomechanics of female athletes.
Although soccer boots alone cannot prevent injuries, the committee has pointed out that every player has the right to comfort and choice of footwear and that a long-term solution is urgently needed.
According to a survey conducted by the European Club Association (ECA) in June 2023 82% of the 350 female players surveyed highlighted the lack of comfort caused by the footwear caused by the footwear. The survey also revealed that
- A quarter of the players stated that the current market does not offer well-fitting soccer boots for women
- Two out of five female athletes say that there are no shoes that provide preventive protection against injuries
- One fifth of all female players use insoles for soccer boots to improve the fit and compensate for the lack of comfort
Soccer boots for women to accommodate anatomical differences
Shoes are usually developed based on the anatomy of the male foot. The ECA's research also included 3D scans that analyzed the shapes and movements of female players' feet. The results showed anatomical differences between men's feet and the feet of the female survey participants. In particular, smaller sizes, higher arches and different heel shapes stood out.
With their narrow fit, soccer shoes keep the foot in close contact with the shoe to ensure better ball control. This design results in small areas where more pressure is exerted on the foot. Due to their foot shapes, women feel a different level of pressure compared to male players.
Without an adapted shape and the corresponding anatomical support, female soccer players risk less comfort and a higher risk of injury if they play in shoes that are not adapted to their anatomical needs.
A better fit thanks to the CURREX CLEATPRO
An ill-fitting boot puts athletes at a higher risk of injury and prevents them from performing at their best on the pitch. There is no one size and fit fits all for soccer boots and certainly not for women's soccer boots. The easiest and best way to optimize the fit and comfort of any soccer boot is to wear CURREX CLEATPROinsoles.
Thanks to our Dynamic Arch Technology, specifically placed cushioning in the sole and different arch profiles, the CURREX CLEATPROinsole also supports a wide variety of female players' feet and corresponding pressure loads. With insoles from CURREX, players can customize their soccer boots to ensure a secure fit, greater comfort and the appropriate anatomical support.
CURREX soccer insoles fit perfectly in narrow shoes and provide the best conditions for full ball control thanks to their decoupled heel and the special grip zone for full contact in the shoe. CURREX CLEATPROinsoles provide the feeling of a customized soccer boot and help to prevent foot fatigue and injuries and support performance.
Professional athletes like Lindsey Horan, captain of the US women's national team and Division 1 Féminine championship winner, wear the CURREX CLEATPROfor soccer and benefit from a more qualitative fit of the shoe and can therefore always give their best.
Who produces soccer boots for women?
Female soccer players have gone through many trials and tribulations to achieve a better fit - from adult women wearing children's shoes to cutting a hole in the back of their shoes. It wasn't until 2020 that shoe manufacturer IDA Sports launched the "Classica", the very first shoe designed specifically for women.
As a pioneer in promoting the health and safety of female soccer players, IDA Sports spent years researching and developing the design of their footwear. The result is features such as a higher arch support, a narrow heel counter and a customized cleat configuration.
In response to the need for high-quality, more inclusive sports shoes, Nike launched the "Phantom Luna" in 2023. Designed for women, these soccer boots take into account the needs of female athletes with larger contact areas, comfortable ankle support and different arch heights.
Get the perfect fit with the CURREX CLEATPRO insole
When you feel better, you play better. CURREX CLEATPROinsoles also contribute to increased confidence on the pitch by preventing injuries and making soccer shoes more comfortable for women and girls.
With the CURREX Insole Finder, you can find the best insoles for soccer boots and get the best possible individualized fit.
Source list:
Gutierrez, J. (2023, December 20). How This Cleat Is Changing The Game For Women's Soccer. Forbes.
Nike Introduces Phantom Luna, a New Women-Focused Soccer Boot. (2023, September 14). Nike.
