# Functional Design and Clinical Implications of Modern Soccer Footwear: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

## TL;DR

Modern soccer shoes affect performance and injury risk through their design, and customizing them based on scientific evidence could improve player safety and performance.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of how specific soccer footwear components influence biomechanics and injury risk, advocating for evidence-based customization.

## Key findings

- Conical studs reduce rotational stiffness and joint torque, while bladed studs increase linear traction but raise ACL strain risk.
- Upper materials like knitted fabrics improve proprioception and thermal regulation but may sacrifice durability.
- Soleplate stiffness affects performance, with increased stiffness aiding sprinting but reducing multidirectional agility.

## Abstract

Soccer is the most widely practiced sport globally, but is also associated with a high incidence of lower limb injuries. Among multiple risk factors, soccer footwear represents a crucial biomechanical interface affecting traction, proprioception, and joint loading. This narrative review aims to explore how each component of modern soccer footwear impacts performance and injury risk, with a focus on evidence-based functional customization. A comprehensive narrative review of available literature was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, integrating biomechanical, clinical, and materials science studies. We included studies concerning the structures composing soccer technical footwear. Conical studs were associated with reduced rotational stiffness and lower joint torque, while bladed studs enhanced linear traction but increased ACL strain risk. Upper materials, such as knitted fabrics and engineered mesh, improve proprioception and thermal regulation but show trade-offs in durability and protection. Soleplate stiffness influenced load distribution and performance: increased stiffness improves sprinting but compromises multidirectional agility. Fatigue and proprioception were modulated by insole and soleplate synergy. Soccer footwear should be seen as a clinical and performance tool requiring evidence-based customization. Advances in material technology, 4D foot scanning, and plantar pressure mapping enable functional matching between footwear and athlete characteristics. Translating these insights into player-specific footwear designs may reduce injury rates and enhance on-field performance.