The elite male amateur football medical staff’s perception of the current football boots market—a survey-based study of UK academies

Abstract

The premium football boot is commonly only designed, tested, and manufactured for adult male players. Footwear worn by academy players is therefore not designed with growing athletes in focus. The study objective was therefore to assess the medical staffs’ perception of football boot fit and their interactions with player’s football boots. Medical staff from academy male players from elite category 1 and 2 football academies in the United Kingdom (UK) were surveyed using an validated online survey. Descriptive analysis and thematic analysis of the open ended question were conducted. A total of 49 responses were received of which five responses were removed as they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Only one responder reported no complications with football boots for their academy players. The most reported area of concern in relation to players complain of pain/discomfort and/or fit in their football boots was the heel region (76%). Common concerns included blisters/corns/rubbing, sizing issues, adaptation issues with frequent change of boots, and players prioritizing aesthetics over fit and comfort. Education of players was also desired. The findings of this study highlight the desire for tailored footwear education and assessment programmes. The study also highlighted key concerns about injuries, fit, and performance not currently supported by research.