Selecting the proper football boots is critical for young athletes passionate about football. At the London Foot Pain Clinic, we have seen numerous cases, including Sever's Disease, where inappropriate footwear exacerbates this painful condition, which affects the heel growth plate. Among the various brands available, ASICS and Nike stand out for their focus on orthopaedic design and support, particularly with their respective ranges of football boots.
Understanding Sever's Disease and the Importance of Proper Footwear
Sever's Disease, or calcaneal apophysitis, is a common cause of heel pain in growing children, typically in sports involving running and jumping. The condition arises from repetitive stress and overuse, leading to inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. While rest and proper medical care are essential for recovery, the choice of footwear plays a crucial role in managing and preventing the condition.
Why Choose ASICS Football Boots?
ASICS is renowned for its commitment to designing athletic footwear that supports foot health and performance. Here's why ASICS football boots, particularly the ASICS Lethal Ultimate GS model, are an excellent choice for young athletes with Sever's Disease:
- Elevated Heel Height: All ASICS models incorporate foam within the sole to elevate the heel height. This design helps reduce heel and Achilles tendon stress, relieving pain and preventing further aggravation of Sever's Disease.
- Superior Cushioning: ASICS football boots have advanced cushioning technology that absorbs impact and provides a comfortable playing experience. The extra cushioning reduces pressure on the growth plate, which is essential for children suffering from heel pain.
- Optimal Support and Stability: The ASICS Lethal Ultimate GS model, in particular, offers excellent arch support and stability, which are vital for young athletes. This support helps maintain proper foot alignment and reduces the risk of injury.
- Durability and Performance: Beyond their orthopaedic benefits, ASICS football boots are designed to withstand the rigours of intense sports activities. They offer durability and high performance, ensuring that young athletes can play their best while minimizing the risk of foot problems.
The ASICS LETHAL BLEND GS
The ASICS Lethal Blend GS football boot is a standout model in the ASICS range, specifically designed for young athletes.
It features:
- Advanced Heel Support: The elevated heel design and foam cushioning significantly relieve heel pain, making it suitable for children with Sever's Disease.
- Enhanced Fit: The boot offers a secure and comfortable fit, ensuring the foot remains stable during play.
- Lightweight Design: Despite its robust support features, the ASICS Lethal Ultimate GS is lightweight, allowing for agility and quick movements on the field.
An Alternative Option: Nike Kids Air Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Pro
In addition to ASICS, the Nike Kids Air Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Pro is another excellent choice for young athletes with Sever's Disease.
This model offers:
- Ankle Support: The Nike Kids Air Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Pro features a dynamic fit collar for additional ankle support. This design helps stabilize the ankle and reduce the risk of injury, which is crucial for children with heel pain.
- Zoom Air Cushioning: The boot incorporates Zoom Air cushioning, which offers responsive comfort and impact protection. This cushioning helps alleviate pressure on the heel and supports overall foot health.
- Lightweight and Flexible: Designed for speed and agility, the Nike Mercurial Superfly 9 Pro is lightweight and flexible. Despite its high-performance features, it does not compromise on support, making it suitable for young athletes.
- Enhanced Traction: The boot's advanced traction pattern ensures excellent grip on the field, allowing for quick movements and stability during play.
SIDE NOTE: Checking signs of wear and tear
Just last week, the mother of a buddying footballer in an academy in Chelsea FC who was developing mild Sever's Disease was told to check the back of the boot when she got home.
This was because the plastic could start to appear and scratch the heel cord, creating False-Sever's or complicating Sever's recovery.
I told her that the child would rarely communicate this issue and get on with it.
ast this point the boy of 13 piped up, " yeah i have that"
This illustrated the point marvellously; she asked, "Why didn't you tell me?"
The teenage shrug said it all; sadly, many teenagers haven't found their voice yet. Well, not for this kind of stuff, and having minimal experience with injury. Because of this, they rarely link the wear and tear elements of equipment with pain or injury.
It's suitable for a parent of a buddy sports person to double check the kit that matters to the feet. As a rule of thumb, trainers and boots for a sports person playing regular sports should replaced boots every 6 months just because of wear and, notably, cushion degradation.
Conclusion
At the London Foot Pain Clinic, we emphasize the importance of choosing the proper footwear for young athletes, especially those with conditions like Sever's Disease.
The ASICS Lethal Ultimate GS and the Nike Kids Air Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Pro offer excellent support and cushioning, making them highly recommended options for children needing extra care and comfort while playing football. Parents can help their children enjoy sports without compromising their foot health by investing in proper football boots.
For more personalized advice on managing Sever's Disease and selecting footwear, please get in touch with the London Foot Pain Clinic at Wimbledon Clinic. Our team of experts is here to help you ensure your child's feet stay healthy and pain-free.