Shoes and Shin Guards for Soccer |
Dr. Goldstein's Recommendations
I am often asked about brands of shoes, when to get new shoes,
and importance of shoes.
Here is my opinion on the ever-debated topic.
For most sports, shoes are the most important piece of the uniform- especially in track, cross country, and
soccer. Shoes can also be the most expensive piece of the uniform and offer the most options. Parents and
young athletes can be found in shoe stores around the country arguing on the need for the newest, most
expensive, "coolest" shoes that MUST be purchased if success is to occur next season!
I do believe that shoes made by "name brand" companies are often (but not always) built better.
Comfort is number one. If the shoes don't fit or don't feel comfortable- don't waste your money. Realize that
shoes can be flexible or rigid, light-weight or heavy, weather proof, designed for running on different surfaces,
made for ankle protection or made to allow ankle movement, and made for different types of traction.
Cost is always a consideration- remember, your child is growing and will need a new size by next year,
maybe sooner. Spend what you can afford realizing another pair will be needed soon.
If your child has a flat foot, over-pronates, or has mid foot pain- get shoes with firm soles- and consider a
sole/arch insert.
If your child has a high arched foot, over-supinates, or has ankle instability- get shoes with softer soles.
If your child has heel pain, achilles pain, or hind-foot pain- consider a gel heel cup.
WHAT ABOUT CLEATS? The longer you wait to add cleats to your child's uniform, the better. Once
required, the safest cleats are those that are similarly sized across the bottom of the shoe and without spikes.
Spikes are safest once the athlete is high school aged (at least) and while playing in inclement weather such
as rain or snow. *Golf may be the exception where cleats could be used at an earlier age.
Injuries to the foot, ankle, and knee (especially when the athlete has open growth plates- is still growing) can
occur with cleats that are different sizes on the same shoe, are not placed at the outside border of the shoes,
have spikes, or are used on surfaces inappropriate for cleats (such as a basketball court or asphalt).
Every foot if different, and every sport requires a little different shoe. See an athletic shoe salesman or
your certified athletic trainer or doctor to insure the shoes your child is wearing is best for their feet.
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SHIN GUARDS
Believe it or not- studies have been conducted to compare shin guards. One of the more popular studies is
The American Journal of Sports Medicine 28:227-233 (2000)
Comparison of Soccer Shin Guards in Preventing Tibia Fracture
Anthony C. Francisco, MS, Roger W. Nightingale, PhD,, Farshid Guilak, PhD,,, Richard R. Glisson and William E. Garrett,
Jr, MD, PhD
Basically, shin guards are a necessary part of the soccer uniform. Any type of shin guard is better than none at
all. Stress fractures, severe bruises, compartment syndrome, and fractures are all less common when shin
guards are worn.
From the literature search- my findings revealed:
- Compressed air guards were better than fiberglass guards at lessening the
force of impact.
- Fiberglass guards distributed the force over the shin best.
- Plastic guards were better than fiberglass guards at lengthening contact time
(this is related to potential severity of injury)
- Compressed Air and plastic guards consistently did better than Kevlar and
Fiberglass guards.
Thicker and heavier guards did a better job at protecting the shin- but were more cumbersome to wear
and may be perceived by the athlete to make them slower or less agile.
***Dr. Goldstein has no financial interest in any equipment type or brand. He is not a paid consultant,
owner, or representative for any shoe, shin guard, or protective equipment manufacturer, retail business,
or research firm. The opinions contained here are not recommendations for a particular athlete-
decisions should be considered with the assistance of your physician and/or a certified athletic trainer.***
Talk to your coach, athletic trainer, or sports doctor to see which shin guards are
best for you.
wellbody
Focused on the healthcare of athletes
| Shoes- When to consider getting new shoes: Every 4 months of use or After 300-400 miles run or The Beginning of each new season of sport Damage to the shoes or New size due to athlete's growth |
| Shoes- What could be added? Gel heel cups (about $10.00) for achilles pain, heel pain Sole/arch inserts (about $10.00) for plantar fascia pain, flat feet, over-pronators |
| Dr. Goldstein's opinion on what NOT to do: Except in very special situations custom orthotics are not necessary during adolescence. They are expensive, often uncomfortable, and only last several months- since the child is growing into new size shoes two or three times per year. |
