Protective Speed Boot
Player DNA
The modern game of football has changed on its head. Nowadays, defending simply isn’t enough. What else can wing players offer to the team? Seen as the workhorses of the team, players like Héctor Bellerín, César Azpilicueta, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all serve a specific purpose for their respective clubs. Many premier teams have called on their wings to provide both defensive and attacking duties by recycling play to the wings for quicker transitions. This puts not only physical strain on the wing players, but also increases their opponent battles. While covering more distance than most players on the team, these attack-minded wings rely on lightweight footwear to keep them in the game until the final whistle. However, the demands on these athletes put them at a higher risk of tackles and game-ending injuries.
Background Research
Analyzing the total distances some of these players cover in a full 90-minute match, wing players cover incredible distances compared to their more central playing teammates. In a study conducted over the 2005-2006 English Premier League season, it was found that wide midfielders covered an average of 11.8 km per game. Furthermore, they cover these distances at a higher intensity and complete more full-speed sprints than any other position on the field (Grendstad, 2015).
Exercising at a more frequent rate, these athletes are physically tested to the max each weekend. These wing positions are also prone to injuries not only because of the frequency at which they play, but also the demanding level of athleticism that is required to carry out this role on the pitch. Responsibilities are as follows: Contribute defensively, win battles, prevent crosses getting into their own box, expand the field, advance & overlap, cover the whole side of the pitch (Soccercoachingpro.com, 2018). In a study analysing positions to sustained injuries, it was found that forward players were prone to the most injuries on the team, however, defensive players received the most cases of muscle damage in their lower limbs compared to their teammates (Onaka, 2017). When tested in areas of agility, speed, flexibility, endurance, and muscular strength, it was recorded that different playing positions demanded different biomechanical needs, resulting in more stress for those on the wings, playing at a higher speed and having the space to output more energy.
Evolution
Although the term “speed boot” has been around for a long time, the race for having the lightest cleat on the market has somewhat dissolved.
“A speed boot is often defined as a boot with a low weight, a thin upper, aggressive traction, and usually with a slim fit (consoccer.com, 2019)”.
It wasn’t until 2015 when adidas debuted the F50 Crazylight 99 gram boot, and where brands began to see the possibilities as well as downsides of creating the lightest boots possible (Schwartz, 2015). Durability is one of the main issues as the lightweight upper needs to have enough structure to survive the average season. Tearing at the soleplate and lacing is common due to the excess stress out on these structures without the proper support. Brands like Puma and Nike have also joined the race, and all seem to max out just past the sub 200 gram weight. Leaving wiggle room for advancing technologies, players are choosing a variety of boots from the adidas X 19.1, Puma One, and the Nike Hypervenom.
Patents
US20030167658A1
adidas AG, (2016) DE102016216716A1
JP2010259559A
US6408542B1
EP2091369B1
Goal: Develop a sub 200-gram speed boot with protection in the heel and forefoot for the elite attack-minded defenseman.
Where the market hasn’t penetrated is in the protection minded players, particularly those going forward. This is almost opposite thinking, wanting to go fast but having to add material for safety? Speed boots are meant to be as light as possible, who cares about protection from getting stepped on? Studies have shown that teams in the lead face a greater risk of injury due to the more aggressive playing style of the opposing team. Taking data from the 2002, 2006, and 2010 Men’s World Cups, it was found that injury frequency does in fact vary depending on the scoreline and which team you play on (Ryynänen, 2013). When in the lead, those players face a more dangerous challenge as their opponent will fight harder to gain the lead.
Citations
DE102016216716A1 – Shoe top for a shoe. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/DE102016216716A1/en
Grendstad, H., & Grendstad, H. (2015, September 25). Total distances covered during a game. Retrieved from http://fotballviten.no/physical-performance/total-distances-covered-during-a-game/?lang=en
How to Dominate as a Fullback in Soccer (Tips and Secrets). (2018, September 13). Retrieved from https://www.soccercoachingpro.com/fullback-soccer/
JP2010259559A – Soccer shoes. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/JP2010259559A/en?oq=JP2010259559A
Onaka, Giuliano Moreto, G.-J., José, J., Graças, das, D., Barbosa, … de, S. A. (2017). Sports injuries in soccer according to tactical position: a retrospective survey. Retrieved from http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0103-51502017000500249
Ryynänen. (2013, October 9). Soccer players suffer more injuries when their team is ahead. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131009125953.htm
Schwartz, J. (2015, April 13). adidas F50 Crazlight 99, the lightest cleat in history. Retrieved from https://www.soccer.com/guide/adidas-f50-crazlight-99-the-lightest-cleat-in-history
The Best Speed Boots of 2019. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.consoccer.com/posts/the-best-speed-boot-for-soccer-of-2019.html
US20030167658A1 – Football boot. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US20030167658A1/en
US6408542B1 – Padded shoe. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US6408542B1/en?q=protective+shoe+soccer&oq=protective+shoe+soccer