Dissertation Review - Boots and Injury

[dave_clark]

I replaced my Lethal 8's with these Lethal IGS (although I got mine for about £30).

size six boots not a tad small for you?

[Owen Bisto Taylor]

Slightly different to an ankle injury, however up until about 18 months ago I had recurrent calf problems using Adidas predators, switched into Asics lethals and not had an issue since

With the calf pain, do you have any heel pain at all? Sort of in the middle of the heel or like a pulling sensation at the toes?

Sounds like everyone needs a trip to the podiatrist

[Browner]

Which now makes your dissertation claim , appear more like an advertising pitch

[winchesterref]

No heel pain at all. I'm a physio so did my rehab properly! But it was purely a recurrent calf strain usually towards the end of the match when fatigue started to set in a bit more, especially came on while playing. Added 10 degree heel gradient from the asics boots and when sprinting repeatedly these work like a charm, big difference towards the end of the game

[Owen Bisto Taylor]

Do you have an equinus? Cos i'm thinking thats what i might do it on, they effect of certain boots on soft tissue equinus

[winchesterref]

Potentially slightly, but only mild. Worth looking into as I'm sure many referees, and even players, would be keen to hear more about how their footwear can help them

[bodybyvi]

you need to take the rest perfectly and if you really want to join the field and need the boots then definitely the best is Asics Gel.

[L'irlandais]

Hi Owen,
Welcome to the forums. My current boot : R300 8-stud rugby boots from KIPSTA (Read cheap and cheerful.)
Not helped much with my sore Achilles Tendon. Also unsuitable for use on hard ground (frequent here in winter) - results in calf problems for me! Of course wearing "Asics Lethal Gel" or similar would help, only not everyone can afford to splash out over €100 on their past-time.

Donal1988 discussed his final thesis dissertation on RRF about 4 years ago. "Civil Liability of Rugby Refereeing" not being your choosen topic, but his approach might be of passing interest to you.

[Blindpugh]

Hi y'all,

Im currently looking at titles for my Disser for next year, and been told to try and do some initial research, as i'll be getting my own data.

Basically, if anyone has had any ankle/heel injuries can you please just tell me and also what boots you wear and what style of stud they have (Blades, Studs, Moulded Studs, Hybrids)

No matter what the injury, whether that be 'twisted' ankles, plantar fasciitis or anchilles problems... anything is helpful! This is just an initial look into the correlation between boot type and injury!

Bisto

Hi Owen,

During the early part of my 10 year refereeing career like many referees i suffered with calf problems then my physio suggested Asics Lethal Gel. Bought a pair on ebay at £40 and didn’t look back.

Of interest to your thesis might be my son. Like many younsters he wanted the latest fashion e.g. F50’s from Adidas to look like the stars but knowing Mum and Dad couldn’t afford the equivalent to Carter, Wilko et al he chose the cheaper version.

After 3 broken metatarsals specialist advised my son to give up rugby and take up cycling! Thankfully we were put in contact with a podiatrist in London who dealt with several African Premiership/ international footballers as well as Premiership rugby players.

After a video session on treadmill she identified his ankles were in the red zone so when he turned his ankle the boots did not prevent the pressure going through to his metatarsals causing them to break.

He was given a series of exercises to strengthen his ankles and measured for orthotics which he now wears all the time.

She showed me a test to use when buying boots to check the strengthen and support. Basically if there is no spine/ core to the boot when you twist it in opposite directions the boot will not resist and support ankle.

Thankfully it has worked and he now only wears the boots and trainers recommended by his podiatrist.

It has been money well spent in helping our son achieve his goal.

I hope this contribution helps other parents trying to chose the right boots.

[Owen Bisto Taylor]

Cheers for the feedback fellas! I'm too aware of problems with the lower limb and how peoples choice of footwear can ruin being sporting lives! I don't start my project for another year or so, just putting out feelers. I too use asics boots, but THEY ARE NOT specific to certain foot types or pathologies, which is what im wanting to look in to, maybe designing the 'perfect' boot and insole?