Addressing Footwear Inequality and Discomfort Among Female Rugby Players

Recent research highlights significant challenges faced by female rugby athletes related to footwear comfort and design. A striking 89% of women participating in a comprehensive study reported experiencing pain or discomfort from their rugby boots. The study, conducted by the University of Exeter in collaboration with IDA Sports and supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), underscores the persistent footwear inequality affecting women in sports.

Discomfort in boots often originates from poor fit and unsuitable design, especially since traditional rugby and football boots have historically been modeled after male anatomy, neglecting the unique structural needs of female feet. The survey data reveals that, despite 78% of players prioritizing comfort when choosing footwear, many still endure pain, particularly under the first metatarsal (big toe), where standard boots often have a stud placement not optimized for women.

This discomfort not only hampers performance but also increases the risk of injuries. In recent seasons, knee and ankle ligament injuries have been prevalent among female rugby players, emphasizing the need for ergonomically designed footwear tailored for women.

In response, the research team developed the inaugural soft ground rugby boot specifically designed for women, utilizing biomechanical testing and 3D foot scanning to ensure an optimal fit. Nearly 1,000 foot scans from amateur and professional players informed the design process, which aims to reduce injury risk and improve comfort.

Laura Youngson, CEO of IDA Sports, emphasized the importance of this innovation, especially with the growing prominence of women's sports following events like the Women's Rugby World Cup and recent successes of the England teams. She expressed hope that this research will motivate other brands to invest in female-specific sports equipment.

Players like Abby Middlebrooke, who participated in the survey, have voiced the frustrations caused by ill-fitting boots and the subsequent injury risks. Middlebrooke highlighted how uncomfortable footwear impacts performance and leads to foot injuries, pointing to the urgent need for industry-wide change.

This pioneering work marks a significant step toward addressing gender disparities in sports equipment, with ongoing research and future publications expected to further refine footwear technology for female athletes. By focusing on comfort, fit, and injury prevention, this initiative aims to empower women in rugby and other sports, fostering safer and more equitable sporting environments.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-inequality-female-rugby-players-discomfort.html