Female football clubs are changing their kits to prevent sporting injuries

A recent study has discovered football boots and balls are putting female players at risk of injuries prompting clubs to change their uniform to make women feel supported and comfortable.

Sports scientists, who published their study in the Journal Sport Engineering, highlighted knee-ligament and foot injuries are the main cause for concern.

Due to football boots straining women’s feet, many major manufacturers are reportedly developing boots specific to female players ahead of the 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup.

Researchers say current football boots fail to support women’s heels and arches and wearing them is causing blisters and stress fractures, affecting their ability to play.

Author and Sports Rehabilitation lecturer at St Mary’s University, Dr Kat Okholm has explained that the studs on the bottom of the shoes are designed for male movement and states women run differently, meaning their feet get stuck in the ground, causing injuries.

Co-author of the study and Tottenham Hotspur Doctor, Craig Rosenbloom said knee injuries are ‘at least twice as common in elite female footballers when compared to male footballers.’

Dr Rosenbloom outlines that whilst male players return within seven to eight months of the injury, females need around 10 months recover time.

‘Elite female football squads are usually smaller than male squads, so missing players for longer has a big impact on player availability’, Dr Rosenbloom adds.  

As well as improving football boots, the study states more comfortable sports-bras, shorts and Hijabs need to be crafted.  

Manchester City are making the switch to dark-coloured shorts for women due to their concerns of leaking through whilst on their period. The northern football association says it wants their players to feel fully supported and will consider any suggestions they have for future kit designs.   

Photo by Joppe Spaa