#037 The problem with women’s football boots - beyond pink it and shrink it with Dr Amanda Jagielo

The Problem with Women’s Football Boots: Beyond ‘Pink It and Shrink It’

🎙 Guest: Dr. Amanda Jagielo
🎤 Host: Carolyn Kent

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Women’s Football Hub podcast, host Carolyn Kent sits down with Dr. Amanda Jagielo, a sports medicine expert and researcher specialising in sports footwear. Dr. Jagielo shares groundbreaking insights into how football boots (or soccer cleats) impact female athletes’ performance, injury risk, and overall game experience. She also discusses her scoping review on cleat design and the crucial need for gender-specific football boots.

Key Takeaways

⚽ Football Boots and Injury Risk

• Dr. Jagielo’s research highlights how current boot designs can contribute to common injuries like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and even other injuries.

• Many female players experience increased ground reaction forces and higher plantar pressures compared to men, which could be linked to boot design.

👟 Why Women's Boots Are Just ‘Shrunk’ Men’s Boots

• Historically, women’s football boots have been scaled-down versions of men’s boots, ignoring anatomical differences.

• Most cleats are based on an adult Caucasian male foot shape, which doesn’t accommodate the wider forefoot and narrower heel seen in female athletes.

🧐 The Importance of Stud Configuration and Boot Stiffness

• Bladed studs may increase rotational torque and risk of injuries, while conical studs may provide better force distribution.

• Increased bending stiffness in boot design can limit natural joint movement and shock absorption, potentially leading to more injuries.

🏟️ The Impact of Artificial Pitches on Footwear

• Artificial turf increases plantar pressures, exacerbating issues with current cleat designs.

• Many players don’t switch to artificial turf-specific boots due to access, cost, or habit, increasing their injury risk.

🚀 The Future of Women’s Football Boots

• Ida Sports is leading the charge in designing gender-specific boots with wider toe boxes, increased arch support, and better traction.

• Dr. Jagielo advocates for more investment, research, and changes in industry standards to prioritise injury prevention and performance.

Where to Follow Dr. Amanda Jagielo

📌 LinkedIn: Dr. Amanda Jagielo
📌 Twitter: @TheVeganAT
📌 Live Presentation: Isokinetic Conference, Madrid, 2-5th May 2025

Listen & Subscribe

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📢 Join the conversation: What do you think about the current state of women’s football boots? Let us know in the comments on social media! #WFHPodcast #WomensFootball #FootballBoots