ISPO Award Winner 2024: Tokio Sports Women’s Football Boot

Forget pink it and shrink it or watered-down versions of men’s footwear. Tokio Sports is the first women-focused company designing football boots for female athletes specifically, in line with unique biomechanical needs to reduce the risk of injury and optimize performance. Developed with medical expertise and cutting-edge technologies like 3D foot scanning, it is both performance-oriented and eco-friendly marking a significant leap forward in women’s sports footwear while using advanced materials, and a conscious construction.

During the development of the Tokio Sports football boot, special attention was given to the unique biomechanics of women’s feet. Through the use of 3D foot scanning technology and pressure platform analysis, detailed data was gathered on foot shape, arch height, and pressure points. This allowed us to create a female-specific last, ensuring a superior fit, comfort, and performance. Additional focus was placed on injury prevention by optimizing heel stability, arch support, and traction for women’s physiology.

The results of these detailed analyses show in the football boots. Designed to fit the narrower heel of women, they provide a narrower heel cup for a secure and snug fit, which reduces heel slippage and improves comfort. A wider toe box allows for better toe splay and accommodates the natural shape of a woman’s foot, enhancing stability and reducing pressure on the toes and in the area of the front foot. The arch support has also been specifically tailored to the female build. The Tokio Sports Boots align better with the typically higher arches in women’s feet, reducing fatigue and enhancing comfort. The studs have also been adapted for female players: 

The conical-shaped studs offer superior maneuverability and ease of pivoting, helping reduce the risk of injury during quick movements. Specifically designed shorter studs also provide improved ground contact and control, catering to women’s lower average body weight for better traction. The elastane content in the sock-like entry offers both compression and stretch for a snug yet flexible fit.

Sustainability was also prioritized and eco-friendly materials were selected that maintain high performance while reducing environmental impact. Tokio Sports uses 50% recycled polyester to reduce plastic waste, TPU for durability and recyclability, and natural rubber for its biodegradability. These materials offer performance benefits like flexibility, traction, and lightweight comfort. The elastane and EVA components also ensure stretch and cushioning. A thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) upper provides excellent abrasion resistance, extending the lifecycle of the boot, while the lightweight, fully-knitted upper ensures breathability, keeping the foot cool and dry during intense matches. The boot’s outer materials are also water-repellent, ensuring performance and comfort in wet conditions without compromising breathability. A tiered pricing structure ensures accessibility for both professional and amateur players while maintaining high performance and quality across all models.

Tokio Sports also provides a repair service for minor damages, such as sole replacement. At the end of use, they encourage recycling through their take-back program or donating the boots to community programs.

• Specifically designed for female athletes
• Narrow heel cup, wider toe box, higher arch and shorter studs
• Use of cutting-edge technologies and conscious choice of eco-friendlier materials