The influence of soccer shoe design on playing performance: a series of biomechanical studies

Contrary to the large amount of literature results for running footwear surprisingly little research has been published for soccer shoes. Therefore, this contribution will summarize established knowledge and discuss future possibilities in soccer shoe design, based on biomechanical research. Game analyses over the years demonstrate that soccer has become increasingly faster and is more powerful than ever. Comfortable footwear, providing high traction and good stability for fast accelerations, stops and turns are the most desirable features that soccer players want from their shoes. From questionnaires, listing desirable shoe properties, injury protection received only a low priority for both, female and male soccer players. Originating from the priority list of players several biomechanical studies were performed to study possible influences of soccer shoe design on performance. It was found that soccer shoe design can have a substantial influence on sprinting performance, improve kicking accuracy, and influences maximum kicking velocity. The challenge in future soccer shoe design will not only be a combination of these performance related properties but also to include injury protection features.