Traction on artificial turf: development of a soccer shoe outsole

Abstract

Purpose: Official game play on high quality third-generation artificial soccer turf was approved by the FIFA already in 2004. However, it is still unknown how the 'new' surface affects traction requirements and thus potentially calls for specific footwear, especially with respect to the shoe outsole. This research project aimed to develop an artificial soccer turf outsole that provides very good traction performance to players. Methods: The whole project consisted of three phases that were carried out over three years: (I) status quo evaluation, (II) modified prototype testing, and (III) market comparison. In each phase an identical, comprehensive testing design, incorporating performance, perception and biomechanical testing procedures, was applied on FIFA 2-star artificial soccer turf. Four different shoe models were comparatively examined in each research phase and respective findings guided the selection of shoes for the following phase. Results: Soccer shoes that were traditionally designed for playing on natural grass were not (soft ground) or only limitedly (firm ground) suited for playing on artificial turf. Better traction performance on artificial soccer turf was achieved by usage of multiple and rather low studs being evenly distributed across the rearfoot and the forefoot areas. The final prototype shoe outperformed three commercially available artificial turf soccer shoes on the market at time of testing. Conclusion: This research provides an improved understanding of the mechanisms of artificial soccer shoe traction. Solid recommendations for the requirements of artificial soccer turf outsoles are stated, which generally confirm players' intuitive choice of soccer footwear.

Shoe traction and surface compliance affect performance of soccer-related movements

“…These modifications may be shoe outsole pattern and outsole material (Andreasson et al 1986, Schlaepfer et al 1983, Nigg and Yeadon 1987, Severn et al 2010, Wannop and Worobets 2013, shoe cleating (Villwock et al 2009, Wannop et al 2009, Severn et al 2010, Sterzing et al 2010, and also sport surface material (Nigg and Yeadon 1987, Schlaepfer et al 1983, Severn et al 2011, Villwock et al 2009, Wannop and Stefanyshyn 2012. While it has been shown that increasing footwear traction can lead to an increase in performance (Wannop and Worobets 2013), what is usually not considered when moving from one surface to another is the difference in the surface compliance.…”

“…Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine how shoe-surface interaction, specifically traction and compliance, affects performance and biomechanics of soccer-related movements. It was hypothesised that by increasing the traction characteristics of the footwear, performance times would improve as shown in previous research (Sterzing et al 2010). Further it was hypothesised that movements performed on the artificial turf would enhance performance due to energy return of the more compliant surface.…”

“…It is believed that differences in these playing surfaces require different footwear characteristics for optimising performance. Performance results comparing shoe-surface interactions in soccer are normally focused on the type of turf surface or outsole cleat design (Gains et al 2010, M€ uller et al 2010, Sterzing et al 2010. When comparing natural grass to artificial turf, some studies have shown an increase in athletic performance on artificial turf (Gains et al 2010, while other studies have shown no differences between the two surfaces (Ford et al 2006).…”

Effect of soccer shoe ball girth differences on fit perception, agility running and running speed perception

“…Shoe weight was 279 grams, generally reflecting the shoe weight participants were familiar with. The outsole of the shoe model, consisting of numerous rather small stud elements, was well suited for use on third generation artificial soccer turf (Sterzing et al 2010). The experimental shoes featured a straight lacing type.…”

“…Traction, referred to as the functional interaction of the shoe outsole with a given surface, was identified as a key aspect for agility running performance. Objectively measured running times were matched by players' subjective perception and were linked to biomechanical adaptations (Sterzing et al 2009, Sterzing et al 2010. Footwear fit is generally assumed to influence comfort, performance, and injury prevention (Hawes et al 1994, Miller et al 2000, Wunderlich and Cavanagh 2001, Witana et al 2004, Frederick and Wojcieszak 2005, Sterzing et al 2011.…”