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. 2024 Jun;17(2):e12019.
doi: 10.1002/jfa2.12019.

Factors that influence field hockey footwear selection: An online survey

Christopher R Derry  1 , Hylton B Menz  1   2 , Katrine Okholm Kryger  3   4 , Athol Thomson  1   5 , Caoimhe Hoey  6 , Daniel R Bonanno  1   2
Affiliations

Factors that influence field hockey footwear selection: An online survey

Christopher R Derry et al. J Foot Ankle Res. 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Background: Little is known about factors that influence footwear selection by field hockey players.

Methods: An online survey was used to collect data on participant demographics and physical characteristics, factors influencing footwear selection, perceptions regarding footwear design features on injury and performance, and experiences regarding usability. Nominal and ordinal data were described as absolute frequencies and relative frequencies. Free text responses were analysed using content analysis. Sex-related differences in quantitative and qualitative data were explored.

Results: A total of 401 hockey players completed the survey. Participants reported that fit, comfort, support, and cushioning were the most important factors when selecting hockey footwear. Most hockey players believed that stud design could influence athletic performance (65%) and injury risk (63%) but reported having no preference on outsole design or stud shape. Most participants (63%) used hockey-specific footwear, but 46% of female hockey players did not, with 40% using trail running footwear instead. Qualitative analysis revealed that hockey players, particularly female participants, encounter difficulties finding properly fitting footwear. They desire more options for wide or narrow feet and face challenges in accessing suitable hockey shoes due to limited choices and availability.

Conclusions: With over a third of field hockey players not using hockey-specific footwear, future research should attempt to understand the reasons and assess the impact of different footwear features on comfort, performance, injury risk, and usability.

Keywords: female; hockey; male; questionnaire; shoes.

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Conflict of interest statement

Katrine Okholm Kryger and Athol Thomson have previously received research funding from sportswear manufacturing companies. Athol Thomson is a consultant for a sports footwear company. All other authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Infographic of footwear use in field hockey.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Percentage of participants rating a footwear factor as ‘important’ or ‘very important’ by sex (0%–100%). The non‐binary participant (n = 1) has not been included in the radar plot, as the small number of participants will under‐ or over‐state the percentage of frequencies for this gender.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Importance of footwear features rated by field hockey players as percentage share (top to bottom = most important to least important, n = 401).
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Important factors and most preferred features in footwear by field hockey players (n = 401).
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 5
Percentage of participants rating a footwear factor as ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ by gender (0%–100%). The non‐binary participant (n = 1) has not been included in the radar plot, as the small number of participants will under‐ or over‐state the percentage of frequencies for this gender.
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