Change direction in a fraction of a second. Brake in tight spaces. Start again with explosiveness.
They are all athletic gestures that in football (and many other sports) make the difference between a normal player and one dominant. But behind these actions there is a variable often ignored: the grip.
We are not only talking about the sole of the shoe, but also what happens inside: between foot, insole and sock. And science has much to say about this.
What is grip and why it’s crucial in lateral movements
Grip is the ability of a system (shoe + foot) to remain stable and responsive during an action that imposes a change of direction, deceleration or lateral thrust.
In other words: it is what allows you to brake and restart without losing control.
When the foot slips inside the shoe, even just a few millimeters, you lose energy, reaction time and precision.
A study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences (2021) has shown that an unstable footing increases the risk of knee injuries by up to 28% in changes of direction.
Where does the slippage occur? Inside, not under
Many athletes think that the grip depends only on the sole of the shoe.
In fact, the first point where you lose stability is inside the shoe itself, where your foot may slip on the insole or rotate slightly when pushed.
This type of internal slippage is subtle: you can’t see it, but it affects every athletic gesture.
The solution: create internal adhesion
GEARXPro tackled the problem with a systemic approach.
Instead of thinking only about the sole, he developed an interaction between sock and insole:
SOXPro Classic: micro silicone inserts on the sole and heel that adhere to the shoe
Football Insole: textured surface that blocks the rotation of the foot in the shoe
Anatomical structure: which accompanies the natural movement, without creating excessive friction
This synergy creates an "internal anti-slip" effect that keeps the foot in the correct position throughout the movement.
The result: more efficiency, less risk
At the biomechanical level, the more stable the foot is inside the shoe, the more effective the force transfer to the ground.
This translates into:
- Faster changes of direction
- More controlled braking
- Reduction of lateral slippage
- Less joint stress (ankle and knee)
In a GEARXPro study conducted with semi-professional athletes, the combined use of SOXPro and Football Insole led to a 6.2% reduction in direction change time compared to standard socks and insoles.
Experience the difference for yourself. Discover the Total Stability System and feel what it really means to have grip, inside and out.
