Preventing Soccer Injuries with Effective
Insoles and Smart Shoe Selection
A recent study from the University of Calgary
demonstrated that cleats with high forward
traction but low rotational traction had the
lowest risk for injury on the soccer field.
Unfortunately, most soccer cleats don't advertise
their traction values. So how do you pick a good
pair?
Select the Right Soccer Shoe to Prevent
Injury
John W. Wannop, the kinesiologist who led the
study, says:
Avoid styles with numerous large, toothy cleats
or rubbery cleats along the outside of the sole.
These can create too much rotational traction.
Find shoes with groups of shorter cleats in the
forefoot. These will provide better forward
traction.
Pick soccer cleats with a snug fit. A looser shoe
will cause more blisters than a close-fitting shoe.
Cleats with a removeable insole will afford
more choices for aftermarket insoles or custom
orthotics.
Finding cleats with the correct traction and fit
is the first step in preventing acute injuries on
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the field. But for repetitive or overuse injuries,
after-market soccer insoles are necessary for
stability and comfort during the game. Strong
biomechanics will lead to better performance.
How to choose the Right Soccer Insoles
Soccer cleats usually come with a thin, generic
insole that provides minimal support. Because
the shoes are low volume, there is not a lot of
space inside the cleat for soccer insoles.
Assess the fit of the shoe
If it is just right, you will want to replace
the generic insole with one of similar
forefoot thickness.
If the shoe is too snug, you can increase
interior space by using an insole that is
thinner or in some cases 3/4 length.
If the shoe is too roomy or has
stretched out, using soccer insoles
that are slightly thicker in the
forefoot will improve the fit.
Add arch support
The best insoles for soccer will have firm
support to prevent the foot from over-pronating.
An over-pronated foot will tend to elongate in
the shoe, contributing to friction, heat, blisters
and bruised toes. This is especially important
when there is minimal room in the shoe.
Insure the insole fits the foot. An arch that
Rotational traction is associated with increased
injury. If you cut quickly around an opposing
player, your cleats can stick to the ground
as your body continues to move in another
direction. This has the potential for injury.