Why Women’s Soccer Needs Better Gear? How Kelme Is Making a Difference
Women’s soccer is growing fast. From record-breaking World Cup viewership to the rapid expansion of youth leagues across the United States, female athletes are changing the game.
But there’s one area that still hasn’t caught up: the gear.
While the talent, visibility, and investment in women’s soccer are rising, most sports equipment is still designed with men in mind. Female players of all levels, from young athletes to professionals, continue to wear cleats, jerseys, and training gear that simply doesn’t fit their bodies.
So the question is simple:
If women’s soccer is this strong, why is the gear still made for men?
At Kelme, we believe all players deserve access to high-quality, well-fitting gear. That means listening to female athletes and building products that match their performance needs.
Let’s break down why this matters, what the impact is, and how Kelme is working to bring change.
The Reality: Most Gear Isn’t Designed for Women
Many sports brands still offer “unisex” gear. But in practice, that often means gear designed for male athletes and slightly adjusted in size or color for women. This approach has serious limitations.
Female athletes have different biomechanics than male athletes.
Women’s feet are often narrower at the heel and wider at the forefoot. Their hips, knees, and muscle structure affect the way they move, especially in a sport like soccer that demands agility, speed, and control.
Despite this, girls and women are often wearing:
- Cleats that cause pain, blisters, or poor traction
- Jerseys that are too baggy or long
- Shorts that don’t fit comfortably during play
-
Shin guards and socks that need constant adjustment
A recent study by the Women’s Sports Foundation found that more than half of female soccer players aged 13 to 21 experienced injuries or discomfort due to poorly fitting gear.
This is not just a minor inconvenience. It’s a major barrier.
How Poor Gear Affects Performance and Confidence
Soccer is a fast-paced game that relies on balance, precision, and endurance. Wearing gear that doesn’t fit right can make it harder to stay focused and perform well.
Here are some of the most common effects:
- Increased injury risk, especially ACL injuries due to poor cleat support+
- Lower confidence, when athletes feel uncomfortable or self-conscious
- Frustration on the field, from constant gear adjustments
-
Early dropout, as younger players lose interest because they don’t feel supported
Wearing the right gear boosts both physical safety and mental performance. It helps athletes move freely and feel like they belong.
When female players are given gear made for them, their game improves. So does their motivation to keep playing.
Kelme’s Solution: Gear Designed for Her Game
Kelme has spent decades developing soccer gear for high-performance athletes. Now, we are focusing even more on the specific needs of female soccer players, starting from the ground up.
Here’s how Kelme is working to change the game:
1. Footwear That Supports Her Game
- While most soccer cleats on the market, including Kelme’s—are currently unisex, we recognize that female athletes often need a different fit for peak performance.
- At Kelme, we’re actively gathering feedback from female players to inform the future design of cleats that better support women’s biomechanics—from narrower heel cups to more flexible traction patterns.
In the meantime, we offer a range of lightweight, high-traction cleats that many female players choose for their comfort and performance. Our sizing guide and customer support team are here to help every athlete find the best fit.
2. Female-Fit Jerseys and Teamwear
Kelme’s jerseys are tailored to fit the female body with:
- Shaped seams that follow the body’s natural curves
- Shorter sleeve and torso lengths
-
Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to stay cool under pressure
This helps female players move with ease while still looking sharp and unified on the field.
3. Inclusive Sizing and Customization
Kelme also works directly with schools, universities, and clubs to create customized teamwear. This ensures players of all shapes and sizes feel confident and comfortable.
We listen to coaches, parents, and athletes and adapt based on feedback. This ongoing collaboration helps us create gear that meets real-life needs.
Why Better Gear Builds a Better Future for Women’s Soccer
Investing in women’s gear means:
- Reducing injury and increasing long-term participation
- Building self-esteem among young athletes
- Sending a message of equality and respect
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Attracting new talent who feel seen and supported
When girls and women are given the right tools, they stay in the game longer, perform at a higher level, and help grow the sport from the inside out.
Brands that invest in women’s sports gear aren’t just filling a market gap. They are advancing gender equity in athletics.
Kelme is proud to be part of that movement.
Why This Matters to Everyone, Not Just Female Players
Whether you’re a coach, a parent, a teammate, or a fan, supporting female players means pushing for access, opportunity, and the tools to succeed.
If a young athlete quits because of shin pain from poor cleats or frustration with oversized uniforms, that’s a loss for the entire soccer community.
The future of soccer is diverse, inclusive, and built on quality. We all win when everyone is equipped to thrive.
Explore the Kelme Women’s Soccer Collection
Kelme’s women’s soccer gear is built with performance, fit, and style in mind. From footwear to jerseys, each product is carefully designed to help players play better and feel stronger.
You can browse our full women’s collection at:
👉kelme.store
Join the Conversation
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Together, we can raise the standard for every player — starting with the gear they wear.
Final Thoughts: Gear Equality Is the Next Step in Soccer's Evolution
Women’s soccer is stronger than ever. Now it’s time to match that strength with gear that performs just as hard.
Better gear is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.
It’s how we protect players. It’s how we improve the game. And it’s how we show that female athletes matter — at every level.
Let’s keep pushing for the support female soccer players deserve.
Call To Action
It’s Time to Level the Playing Field.
Join Kelme in demanding better gear for female athletes, because strong players deserve strong support.