The majority of women’s football boots are just men’s boots that have been sized down, but because women’s feet are structured differently, this puts women at a greater risk of injury.
Boots designed for men’s feet have been suggested as a contributing factor to the current epidemic of ACL injuries in elite women’s soccer.
Nike is attempting to answer this need with the launch of the Phantom Luna boots, announced June 7.
Nike announced that the boots, marketed as being the most-researched women’s-led design ever, are the result of two years of research into the women’s game, in partnership with star players Debinha, Crystal Dunn, and Grace Geyoro.
A boot that changes football for athletes changing everything.
Introducing the all-new Phantom Luna—a testament to female footballers’ talent, dedication and
passion. Coming June 28.🌙#NikeFC pic.twitter.com/c6fD0WoDKx— Nike Football (@nikefootball) June 7, 2023
Women’s soccer tends to require more touch passes than men’s. To compensate for women’s smaller feet, the Phantom Luna includes larger touch zones.
Women’s feet also range more widely from high arches to flat feet, so the midfoot of the Phantom Luna is designed to be exceptionally adjustable.
Nike also revealed the Cyclone 360 feature, a circular stud pattern on the forefoot. Critically for ACL injury prevention, the grip reduces rotational traction in a new design which Nike says hits “the sweet spot of traction with less resistance.”
The design will be available to purchase ahead of the World Cup, which begins July 20.