Sports Equipment: Exercise Caution with Cleats

By Michele Blandino

In the last twenty years, the game of soccer has gone from a relatively obscure sport to one played by virtually every child at one time or another during their growing-up years. It’s easy to see why: compared to many other sports, there is little required in the way of equipment, making it more widely accessible to children regardless of their financial situation. And, because the game is relatively uncomplicated - a typical match lasts less than an hour - it is appealing to those who don’t want to devote entire afternoons to the activity.

An Unlikely Culprit

Despite this, there is one safety issue that parents should be aware of: heel and foot pain brought on by excessively wearing soccer cleats. Unlike sneakers which are designed to absorb the pounding feet receive during activities such as running and basketball, soccer cleats actually place additional pressure on the heel which over time, can lead to chronic heel and foot pain. This is a particularly troublesome problem with children and young adolescents who are still in their growing years and often find themselves wearing ill-fitting shoes.

What Can be Done

Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to reduce or even eliminate this type of pain. The first thing you can do is minimize the amount of time you spend wearing your cleats. Make it a rule to wear sneakers or sandals to and from the practice field or game and put the cleats on only once play is about to begin. By doing this, you potentially cut the amount of time you are actually wearing the cleats, in half.

You can also cut down on the stress placed on your feet by placing cushioning in the heel of your shoes. The key here is to insert enough extra padding to absorb the pounding without making the shoe uncomfortable. It may take a little experimentation to achieve the right level of thickness, but with a little patience, it shouldn’t be difficult to strike the correct balance between proper fit and comfort.

Some players find that turf shoes make a good alternative to cleats and help to eliminate the problem. While turf shoes may not be allowed in all leagues, it may be worth asking about, particularly if you are able to make a case based on medical concerns. 

If All Else Fails

In extreme cases, it may be necessary to sit out practice for a few days to give the heel opportunity to heal. While this may be a difficult decision to make, the long run benefits cannot be overlooked. Those choosing to attempt to play through their pain may find themselves left with a chronic condition that never really goes away.