Affiliation:
1. Discipline of Podiatry School of Allied Health Human Services and Sport La Trobe University Melbourne Victoria Australia
2. La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre School of Allied Health Human Services and Sport La Trobe University Melbourne Victoria Australia
3. Faculty of Sport, Health and Applied Science St Mary's University Twickenham London UK
4. Sports and Exercise Medicine Queen Mary University of London London UK
5. Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence Doha Qatar
6. Bon Secours Hospital Galway Galway Ireland
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about factors that influence footwear selection by field hockey players.MethodsAn online survey was used to collect data on participant demographics and physical characteristics, factors influencing footwear selection, perceptions regarding footwear design features on injury and performance, and experiences regarding usability. Nominal and ordinal data were described as absolute frequencies and relative frequencies. Free text responses were analysed using content analysis. Sex‐related differences in quantitative and qualitative data were explored.ResultsA total of 401 hockey players completed the survey. Participants reported that fit, comfort, support, and cushioning were the most important factors when selecting hockey footwear. Most hockey players believed that stud design could influence athletic performance (65%) and injury risk (63%) but reported having no preference on outsole design or stud shape. Most participants (63%) used hockey‐specific footwear, but 46% of female hockey players did not, with 40% using trail running footwear instead. Qualitative analysis revealed that hockey players, particularly female participants, encounter difficulties finding properly fitting footwear. They desire more options for wide or narrow feet and face challenges in accessing suitable hockey shoes due to limited choices and availability.ConclusionsWith over a third of field hockey players not using hockey‐specific footwear, future research should attempt to understand the reasons and assess the impact of different footwear features on comfort, performance, injury risk, and usability.