Do Shock-Absorbing Insoles in cleats Help Prevent Overuse Injuries Compared to Manufacturer Provided Insoles in Collegiate Soccer Players?

 

Introduction

Soccer players deal with a lot of repetitive impact from running, cutting, and jumping, which is why injuries like shin splints and plantar fasciitis are so common. Because most cleats have very little cushioning, researchers have started looking at whether shock-absorbing insoles could help protect athletes from these overuse injuries. The results aren’t all the same across studies, but many of them suggest that insoles might make a real difference for certain players.

Evidence-Based Points:

• Several studies found that shock-absorbing insoles can reduce impact stress on the lower legs, which may help lower the risk of shin splints.

• Soccer-specific research shows that the type of insole you use in your cleats can change pressure on the foot, especially at the heel and metatarsal area, both spots linked to plantar fasciitis.

• Not all studies agree; some showed no major improvement in injury rates. This suggests that the effectiveness of insoles can depend on things like the athlete, the cleat design, and the type of surface they play on.

• Research on orthotic insoles also shows that they can reduce pain and thickness of the plantar fascia, which supports the idea that added cushioning could be helpful for prevention too.

Practical Applications:

Knowing how insoles affect the foot and lower leg can help athletes, coaches, and athletic trainers make better choices about soccer footwear. Since cleats don’t offer a lot of padding, adding a shock-absorbing insole could give players a little extra protection during long seasons.

This info also shows the importance of individualizing injury-prevention strategies. Not every athlete’s foot responds the same way, so the “best” insole might look different for each player. Trying out different designs and cushion levels during practice could help athletes figure out what feels best and keeps them comfortable.

Overall, insoles aren’t a complete solution, but they can be part of a bigger plan that also includes strength training, recovery, and proper load management.

Additional Resources:

1. How Footwear Affects Injury Risk in Soccer
A simple breakdown of how cleat design, stud patterns, and insoles impact pressure on the foot and lower leg.
https://www.verywellfit.com/soccer-cleats-and-injury-prevention-3120384

2. Tips for Choosing the Right Insoles for Sports Performance
Covers different types of sport insoles, how they reduce stress on the feet, and what athletes should look for.
https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a20865664/how-to-choose-the-right-insoles/

About the Author:

Isabelle Dias is a senior at Westfield State University majoring in Exercise Science. She hopes to pursue a career in nursing and has a strong interest in injury prevention and athlete performance. Isabelle can be reached at isabelledias340@gmail.com.