Research shows rugby boots are failing women players

A University of Exeter study has revealed that almost nine in ten female rugby players experience pain or discomfort from the boots they wear.

The research, carried out with IDA Sports and supported by UK Research and Innovation, comes as the Women’s Rugby World Cup is being staged in England, with matches held at Sandy Park in Exeter.

Players reported that comfort was their number one priority when choosing boots, yet 89 per cent said their footwear caused problems – often around the big toe where studs are placed on boots originally designed for men.

The Exeter team has used the findings to help design the first-ever soft ground boot built specifically for women, which has already been tested in international competition.

Exeter Chiefs player and University of Exeter student Abby Middlebrooke said: “Most boots I try don’t fit me and are uncomfortable. It has a negative impact on performance, and lots of players end up seeing specialists because of injuries. Research like this is really important.”

Further analysis is continuing, with full results set to be published later this year.