Women’s Football Boots: Are Global Sports Giants Failing Female Players?

Global sports giants have come under fire for failing women by not adequately designing boots to meet the specific needs of female feet, according to experts interviewed by talkSPORT. Despite the rise in women and girls playing football, traditional and ‘gender-neutral’ boots do not properly cater to women’s physiology and body mechanics.

Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour, among others, have been criticized for not releasing boots specifically designed for women. Nike’s Phantom Luna, marketed as a boot designed ‘with her in mind’, is technically unisex and uses an outsole seen in many male-focused boots. Adidas has not released a female-specific boot since 2016, opting for gender-neutral designs instead.

Specialists in women’s physiology, like Associate Professor Kat Okholm Kryger, have expressed concern over the lack of female-specific boots. Women generally have narrower heels, higher foot arches, and wider hips, which affect the way pressure runs through their feet. The current outsoles on most boots are targeted towards men’s traction and grip, impacting women’s knees.

The issue is further highlighted by the alarming number of ACL injuries in women’s football. Stars like Leah Williamson, Beth Mead, and Sam Kerr have suffered from this potentially career-ending injury. While there is no proven link between female boot design and ACL injuries, experts like Okholm Kryger believe it is a factor that needs to be considered.

Brands like IDA Sports have rejected the gender-neutral approach, advocating for boots specifically designed for women. The lack of female-specific products has raised concerns about equity and equality in the sport. As the number of women and girls playing football continues to rise, the call for sports giants to prioritize designing boots for female athletes is becoming increasingly urgent.