Improving the performance of soccer boots on artificial and natural soccer surfaces

An improved understanding of studded shoe-surface interactions is needed to optimise athletic performance in soccer. Soccer studs are required to penetrate the playing surface and provide traction to a soccer player. The translational traction at the shoesurface interface is important for soccer players performing dynamic accelerating movements. A study has been carried out to evaluate the performance of studded footwear on a natural surface and a third generation artificial surface. A mechanical traction test device was used to quantify the performance characteristics of soccer studs in terms of penetration and traction for both surfaces. Results found from testing an existing soccer stud were used as benchmark values in order to evaluate the performance of five other soccer studs. The effects of the surface properties and stud geometry on stud penetration and traction are discussed.