The injury burden on women
A new research project involving the University of Essex and Brunel University of London is putting gender‑specific football boots under the microscope, seeking to verify whether designs tailored to women can actually lower injury rates on the pitch.
Dr Carla Harkness‑Armstrong and her sister Dr Alice Harkness‑Armstrong are leading the investigation, which will test the promises made by manufacturers that these boots reduce strain on joints and muscles.
Charlotte Kellett, a defender with Hashtag United, recounts a career punctuated by severe knee problems, including a 35,000‑word paper she authored on the subject, and explains how she has had to resort to men’s boots that are often too wide and uncomfortable.
Ellie Moore, another United player, shares how repeated injuries have forced her to step back from playing and has jeopardised her role as a coach, underscoring the broader impact on women’s careers in the sport.
Both athletes point out that women are statistically more prone to certain injuries, especially during phases of their menstrual cycle when hormonal changes affect ligament laxity.
Kellett has disclosed that she has spent more than £10,000 on private medical treatment, a financial burden that highlights the economic stakes for female players seeking proper care.
The study aims to fill the evidentiary gap; while brands market their boots as injury‑preventive, peer‑reviewed data supporting these claims remain scarce.
Researchers stress that anatomical differences between male and female feet necessitate distinct boot designs, and that addressing this need could reshape equipment markets and player safety protocols.