Global sports giants accused of failing women by not going far enough in designing women’s football boots

Global sports giants have been accused of failing women by not going nearly far enough in designing boots for the specific needs of female feet.

Experts have told talkSPORT that neither traditional or 'gender-neutral' boots properly cater for women’s physiology and body mechanics.

Despite big brands saying they promote the women's game and design 'inclusive' products, talkSPORT’s analysis reveals a lack of boots designed only for female feet. 

The findings come with the number of women and girls playing organised football rising to 16.6 million in 2023.   

talkSPORT found Nike released The Phantom Luna, their first boot designed ‘with her in mind’, last year. 

But this boot is technically unisex as it is available in men’s sizes and uses an outsole seen in many male-focused boots.

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Adidas has not released a boot specifically for women since 2016 - in the same timeframe, the company has spent over 1 billion euros on general research and development. 

Under Armour had not released a female-specific boot until last year.

The findings have prompted concern amongst specialists in women’s physiology, with Associate Professor in Sports Medicine at St Mary’s University, Kat Okholm Kryger saying the situation 'of course' fails women and girls. 

She says female athletes generally have narrower heels, higher foot arches and wider hips, which affects the way pressure runs through their feet.  

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Outsoles on most boots are targeted to men’s traction and grip, which all impacts on knees.

But because women are generally lighter and smaller, it is argued they need designs catered for their own body mechanics. 

CEO of IDA Sports, a brand dedicated to women-only football boots, Laura Youngson said: “Women are not being served in the