5 Best Soccer Cleats For Heel Pain (2024)
Heel pain is a common problem for soccer players, and it can be challenging to find cleats that provide the right amount of comfort and support. However, there are many soccer cleats on the market that can provide you with optimal comfort on your heels.
That being said, if you are experiencing heel pain, it is essential to see a doctor or podiatrist to rule out any underlying conditions. They can also recommend specific treatments or exercises to help relieve your pain.
In this article, we will review the best soccer cleats for heel pain that you can get on the market right now. By considering factors such as comfort, support, cushioning, and traction, we’ll help you find the perfect pair of cleats to keep your heel pain at bay.
Heel Pain in Soccer Players: Understanding the Causes
Before choosing to look for a new footwear, you’ve got to understand what’s causing you heel pain. Soccer players frequently experience heel pain due to the sport’s demanding nature. The repeated stress of running, jumping, and kicking the ball can strain various structures in the foot, leading to discomfort and impacting performance. Here’s a closer look at the common culprits behind heel pain in soccer players:
- Plantar Fasciitis: This condition arises from inflammation or microtears in the plantar fascia, a thick ligament connecting the heel to the toes. Repetitive strain from running and jumping on hard surfaces is a major contributor.
- Sever’s Disease: Primarily affecting young athletes (between 9 and 15 years old), Sever’s disease involves inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. The rapid growth spurts during this age group make them susceptible to this condition.
- Haglund’s Deformity: This bony enlargement at the back of the heel can rub against shoes, causing irritation and pain. Tight hamstrings and poorly fitting footwear can worsen this condition.
- Stress Fractures: Repetitive impact and overuse can lead to small cracks in the heel bone, causing pain and tenderness.
- Nerve Compression: Entrapment of nerves in the heel, such as the sural nerve, can cause pain, numbness, and tingling sensations.
While these are some of the common causes, it’s crucial to remember that heel pain can also stem from other factors like improper footwear, biomechanical abnormalities, and underlying medical conditions. If you experience persistent heel pain, consulting a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment is vital.
What are the Best Soccer Cleats for Heel Pain?
When choosing soccer cleats for heel pain, it is important to consider the comfort and support of the cleats, the cushioning and shock absorption, the heel counter, the traction, your playing style, as well as your budget. The cleats should be made from materials that are comfortable and supportive for the heel, and they should have a snug fit that helps to prevent heel slippage.
The cleats should also have a cushioned midsole and outsole that provides cushioning and shock absorption, which can help to reduce impact on the heel and prevent pain. Moreover, it should also have a durable outsole that provides traction on the playing surface, which can help to prevent slipping and falling, which can aggravate heel pain.
Based on these considerations, we’ve come up with a list of the best soccer cleats for heel pain in 2024. So, without further delay, let’s go through each one of them.
1. Nike Tiempo Legend
The first soccer cleat on our list is the Nike Tiempo Legend. In the Tiempo Legend product line, the latest addition is the Tiempo Legend 10 but almost any model of this cleat can be great to alleviate heel pain.
The Tiemo Legend soccer cleats are designed for comfort, touch, and control. They feature a soft kangaroo leather upper that provides a snug fit and excellent feel for the ball. The cleats also have a padded heel counter and a flexible outsole that provides cushioning and shock absorption. These features make Nike Tiempo Legend cleats an excellent choice for players with heel pain.
Since it has a padded heel counter, the cleats prevent heel slippage and provide additional support for the heel. The heel counter is made from a soft, flexible material that conforms to the shape of the heel, which can help to reduce pain and discomfort.
The Tiempo Legend also has a soft kangaroo leather upper that provides a snug fit and helps to absorb shock. This can help to reduce the impact on the heel and prevent further pain.
In addition, the Tiempo Legend soccer cleats have flexible outsoles that allow for natural movement of the foot. This can help to prevent the heel from rubbing against the inside of the cleat, which can also cause pain.
Pros
- Soft kangaroo leather upper provides a snug fit and excellent touch for the ball
- Padded heel counter and flexible outsole provide cushioning and shock absorption
- New stud pattern provides better traction on firm ground surfaces
- Durable construction
Cons
- Not as breathable as some other cleats
2. Adidas Copa Mundial
The Copa Mundial is a classic soccer cleat that has been around for over 40 years. It has a simple, elegant design with a full-grain kangaroo leather upper and a black soleplate. Throughout the years, this cleat has been improved many times and now it stands as one of the most comfortable and durable soccer cleats out there.
The Adidas Copa Mundial can be an excellent choice for soccer players with heel pain as it is known for its comfortable fit. The full-grain kangaroo leather upper is soft and supple, and it will mold to the shape of your foot over time. This helps to reduce pressure on the heel and prevent pain.
Moreover, the insole is made of soft, cushioning material that helps to absorb shock and provide comfort. This can help to reduce the impact on the heel, which can help to prevent any sort of pain on your heels.
All in all, if you are a soccer player with heel pain, the Adidas Copa Mundial is a good option to consider. It is a comfortable, supportive, and durable boot that can help to reduce pain and improve your performance.
Pros
- Comfortable fit
- Classic Design
- Durable
- Excellent touch and feel
Cons
- A bit heavier
- Not as responsive as some modern boots
3. Under Armour Spotlight
The Under Armour Spotlight is a lightweight, speed-focused football cleat that is designed for players who want to make quick cuts and changes of direction. The cleat features a synthetic upper that is thin and flexible, providing a barefoot-like feel. This can help to reduce pressure on the heel and arch, which can be a source of pain for some people.
The cleat also has a molded rubber sole that provides good shock absorption. This can help to cushion the impact on your feet and reduce the risk of further pain.
Moreover, the UA Spotlight is known for its sleek and stylish design. Plus, they’re super affordable too. Another good thing about this cleat is its traction. The traction plate is made of molded plastic with nine circle studs and four-bladed studs, which provides a good grip on both natural and artificial turf.
Overall, the UA Spotlight is not only a great choice for players with heel pain but it is also an excellent soccer cleat for improved performance.
Pros
- Lightweight and flexible upper provides a barefoot-like feel
- Good traction on both natural and artificial turf
- Sleek and stylish design
- Affordable
Cons
- Not as durable
4. Umbro Speciali Eternal
Next up on our list is the classic leather boot – Umbro Speciali Eternal. This cleat can be an excellent choice for players with heel pain as it has been designed keeping comfort in mind.
It features a full-grain leather upper that is soft and supple, and it will mold to the shape of your foot over time.
Another thing that I really like about this cleat is that it has a traditional lacing system. It also has a fold-over tongue that helps to protect your laces from getting caught on the ground.
Moreover, the Umro Speciali Eternal has a shock-absorbing heel counter as well as a cushioned insole. These features can help alleviate heel pain to some extent. So, if you’re someone who struggles with heel pain, then I’d definitely recommend you to consider the Umbro Speciali Eternal.
Pros
- Comfortable full-grain leather upper
- Durable construction
- Traditional lacing system
- Fold-over tongue
Cons
- Not as responsive as some synthetic boots
5. Mizuno Morelia Neo 3
Another cleat on our list is the Mizuno Morelia Neo 3. Yes, Mizuno might not be a renowned brand like Nike or Adidas but they’re slowly making their mark in the sports world. They definitely have some comfortable soccer cleats that can be perfect for those with heel pain and the Mizuno Morelia Neo 3 is one of them.
First of all, this cleat is lightweight and this reduces stress on the players’ heels. Another important thing about this cleat is that it provides a snug and secure fit. This helps to prevent the heel from moving around. It also has a heel counter that supports the heel and prevents it from rolling inwards.
This soccer cleat not only provides excellent comfort but it is also a great choice for improved performance on the field. It’s in fact a great choice for players who value touch and control over speed. Moreover, these cleats are durable and long-lasting too.
Pros
- Soft and comfortable kangaroo leather upper
- Responsive and flexible Pebax Speedplate
- Snug and secure fit
- Durable construction
Cons
- Not the lightest boot on the market
Other Strategies to Alleviate Heel Pain for Soccer Players
Heel pain can significantly hamper your performance and enjoyment of soccer. Fortunately, several strategies can help you prevent and manage heel pain, allowing you to stay on the field:
Prevention
- Proper Footwear: Choose well-fitting cleats with good arch support and adequate cushioning. Replace worn-out cleats regularly. Consider separate cleats for different playing surfaces (grass vs. turf) to provide optimal support and traction.
- Warm-up and Cool-down Routines: Dedicate time to dynamic stretches and light jogs before training or games. Perform static stretches and cool down with walking or gentle rolling after activities.
- Strength Training: Regularly strengthening calf muscles and core improves overall stability and reduces stress on the heel.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight puts additional strain on your feet and increases the risk of heel pain.
Treatment
- Rest and Activity Modification: During acute pain episodes, reducing training intensity or taking temporary breaks from soccer can allow for healing. Consult a healthcare professional for guidance on appropriate rest duration and activity modifications.
- Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes, several times a day, can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Specific stretches targeting the plantar fascia and calf muscles, along with strengthening exercises for the core and legs, can improve flexibility and reduce stress on the heel.
- Orthotics: Custom-molded shoe inserts can provide additional support and distribute pressure more evenly, alleviating pain and promoting healing. Another great way to alleviate some of your heel pain is to use an athletic heel cup.
- Over-the-counter pain medication: Consult a healthcare professional for recommendations on pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for short-term pain management.
Remember, these are general recommendations, and consulting a doctor or physical therapist for personalized advice based on your specific condition is crucial. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help you manage heel pain effectively and get back to enjoying soccer pain-free.
Final Thoughts
Heel pain is a common problem for soccer players, especially for those who play on hard surfaces. If you’re a player who constantly experiences heel pain, then it would be a good idea for you to invest in some comfortable soccer cleats. Our top pick would be the Nike Tiempo Legend 9 but if you’re looking for the most affordable option, then Under Armour Spotlight would be the way to go.
Having said that, it is important to note that these soccer cleats may provide assistance to your heel pain but they’re definitely not a magical fix. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is important to see a doctor or physical therapist to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Only then will you be able to truly fix your problem of heel pains.
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