Non Barefoot Soccer Cleats: Reactivate Athletic Abilities with This Discovery!
Did you know that the feet are the foundation to the rest of the body?
Today, we’re shedding light on a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of soccer gear: the impact of soccer cleats on foot health and overall performance. Specifically, we’ll explore the hidden consequences of traditional soccer cleats on foot structure and how opting for barefoot soccer cleats can mitigate the risk of structural issues in the ankles, knees, and hips. Let’s lace up and dive into the effects of soccer cleats as a foundation for the rest of the soccer 80/20 strategies!
note: AT THE TIME OF WRITING THIS POST – there really aren’t any available barefoot shoe inspired soccer cleats meaning that nearly 100% of the soccer niche is going to encounter this same exact issue.
This Truthful Footwear Problem for Athletes
The general population tends to overlook the effects of shoes in general.
For instance, when taking a look at various foot shapes across society, we tend to notice that kids have a much different foot-shape than most adults. Kids tend to have a wider toe splay, while many adults tend to have their toes significantly closed in together.
At first, we might believe that this phenomenon of changing footshape is considered “normal” and may even have more to do with genetics as we grow into the adult version of ourselves.
However, what many of us don’t initially realize is that we have experienced a modern day version of something called “foot binding” where our footware drastically influences the shape of our feet.
This means that our footshape would be much different if we lived out of our shoes our entire lives.
You might be thinking – “what does this have to do with my soccer performance or injury prevention?”
Aren’t Soccer Cleats Built for Performance?
In the world of soccer, footwear is paramount. Yet, the design of traditional soccer cleats often prioritizes traction and support over foot function and natural movement. This can have profound implications for foot health, as conventional cleats can alter foot shape and mechanics, leading to structural issues in the lower body. One common consequence is weakened toe muscles, which play a crucial role in maintaining foot arches and providing stability during movement.
Understanding the Impact on Ankles, Knees, and Hips
The feet further serve as the foundation for the entire kinetic chain, influencing the alignment and function of the ankles, knees, and hips. When foot mechanics are compromised due to ill-fitting or restrictive footwear, the ripple effect can extend upwards, predisposing players to a host of musculoskeletal issues. Weak toe muscles, for example, can contribute to collapsed arches, excessive pronation, and altered gait patterns, increasing the risk of ankle sprains, knee injuries, and hip imbalances.
The truth is that these closed toe shoes are making our toes weak. In fact, it is very common for bunions and hammertoes to be so common among individuals, that we believe it is normal – when in fact it is not.
Understanding this concept is important because when it comes to sports, especially soccer, there is no wide toe barefoot soccer cleat currently on the market. Some designs have been created, but are still a work in progress.
Because there is no wide toe soccer cleat – the more the soccer athlete plays, the more that they are likely to develop weak toes -> leading to weak ankles -> leading to weak knees -> leading to weak hips -> leading to weak back and even shoulder or neck mobility.
So in order to become a more advanced athlete with increased performances, less chances of injuries, and also the ability to play more frequently… we need to reverse the effects of being in closed toe shoes. Surprisingly, consciously reversing the effects of shoes on foot-shape can begin to take place over weeks and even months!
Soccer 80/20 Strategy IMMEDIATE ACTION solutions:
1. Head over to a place like Amazon, and search for “barefoot shoes“
The main qualifications for a great barefoot shoe is that it is:
#1 WIDE TOE BOX
#2 FLEXIBLE SOLE
#3 NO RAISED HEEL SUPPORT
#4 THIN SOLE SO FOOT CAN SENSE GROUND
The main idea of wearing barefoot shoes outside of soccer is to help reverse the effects of cleats and other tight footware. If the shoes with support are the support, the foot never will be. Have the mindset of building up strength in foot, while allowing the toes to widen in the tox box and become more functional.
Some of these shoes are also very cost effective and can be used for training off the field; especially during runs or the gym. One of our content creators at Soccer8020 got WeWeya brand for about $40!
2. Head over to a place like Amazon, and search for “toe spacers“
The idea of toes spacers is to help re-train your foot for toe splay. The alignment and movement of the toes can affect the tension and alignment of certain connective tissues within the foot, such as the plantar fascia or the tendons that control toe movement.
These toe spacers can even be used to workout, while walking around the house barefoot, or even as you relax during sleep. The toe spacers may feel uncomfortable and even hurt to wear for long periods at first; then after getting used to them, it becomes comfortable and more natural to wear.
One of our content creators uses YogaBody Toe Spacers. They are about $20 in price range and comes with 2 pairs (2 sizes) in a wooden box. Sometimes he will wear directly in the wide toe box barefoot shoes for general everyday use.
It is amazing how fast the toes can start to splay again over following weeks and months.
The athletic ability for soccer should increase since will now be able to move fast with changes of direction so much easier. It is simple, Train smarter… Play better!
