Cleats for Women's Feet

Most soccer shoes are designed to fit men’s feet. Unfortunately, they aren’t always a good fit for women, who, on average, have narrower feet with higher arches. On the field, ill-fitting cleats can contribute to injuries and make it harder to feel the ball when dribbling or kicking. So Nike engineered a cleat specifically for women: the Phantom Luna.

Under the shoe’s toe are five studs arranged in a circle. These studs should allow players to quickly change directions without getting stuck in the turf. This may help reduce knee injuries, which are common for women soccer players. The shoes also have a snug ankle cuff to fit smaller feet. Off-center lacing gives players with smaller feet more surface area to make contact with the ball. The cleats got their first real test last summer, at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The shoes are now available for anyone to purchase.