Equipment Resources for Female Athletes
As coaches, it’s essential to ensure that our athletes are equipped with the best gear to support their performance and development on the field. Female athletes have unique needs when it comes to sports equipment, and using the right gear can make a significant difference in comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Below are some resources and products tailored specifically for female soccer players.
Cleats Designed for Female Athletes
IDA Sports
IDA Sports has conducted extensive research to develop cleats specifically designed for the anatomy of female athletes. These cleats offer a better fit, comfort, and performance, helping reduce the risk of injuries.
Website: IDA Sports
Nike’s Phantom Luna
Nike’s circular cleat pattern is specifically designed for female athletes, who are 2-8x more likely to tear their ACL (based on research conducted by Yale University’s School of Medicine). This technology accommodates a female’s wider pelvis, aiming to reduce ACL injuries.
Website: Nike’s Phantom Luna
Puma’s Women’s Fit
Puma designed a cleat with a soleplate that fits the shape and measurements of women’s feet. The conical studs make these cleats especially suitable for artificial fields.
Website: Puma’s Women’s Fit
Caddix Women’s Cleats
Caddix, with KC Current NWSL defender Kayla Sharples on its advisory board, has created cleats that allow more natural movement by not locking a player’s foot to the playing field. This design aims to reduce the risk of injury while improving performance.
Website: Caddix
Injury Prevention
Q-Collar
FDA approved, the Q-Collar is designed to reduce the risk of concussions by increasing blood volume in the brain, limiting excessive movement. It’s especially useful for players who have already experienced concussions or want to prevent them.
Website: FDA’s Approval
Website: Q30
Goalkeeper Gear
Storelli
Storelli offers protective gear for both youth and women athletes, focusing on injury prevention and performance. Their line includes padded pants/shorts, head guards, leg guards, and rib cage protection.
Website: Storelli
Keepher
Keepher specializes in goalkeeper gloves designed to fit female hands better, providing enhanced grip and protection for female goalkeepers.
Website: Keepher Soccer
Apparel and Sporting Goods
Unbreakable Female Athlete
This brand offers a range of clothing designed specifically for female athletes, focusing on fit, comfort, and performance.
Website: Unbreakable Female Athlete
SPRHRA
Founded by a former athlete, SPRHRA creates sportswear designed with functionality and style, tailored to the needs of female athletes.
Website: SPRHRA
Disclaimer
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and does not endorse any specific brand or product. Use these resources at your own risk.
