A new study has found that 89% of female rugby players experience pain from wearing boots made for men. The research, carried out by IDA Sports, shows that most rugby boots are not designed for women’s feet, leading to discomfort and a higher chance of injury.
The study scanned the feet of nearly 1,000 players and surveyed over 300 more. While 78% of them said comfort was their top concern when choosing boots, almost nine out of ten still reported pain. Many players said they felt pain under the big toe, where a stud is usually placed on men’s boots. IDA Sports, a brand that makes footwear for female athletes, is calling for more companies to design proper boots for women. They say women deserve the same attention and care in sportswear as men, especially with the Women’s Rugby World Cup coming up soon in England.