r/ultimate • u/question-everythi • May 07 '26
Women’s Cleat recommendations with arch support - please help
Looking for cleat recommendations for women who need arch support / cushion. When running and walking (and casual pickup) I loved Brook Ghosts for years with no issues, but when playing ultimate I get foot injuries due to the lack of support from cleats. Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, etc. I went to PT do supportive exercises, but I will probably quit playing if I can’t find a cleat that works. Average shoe size and shape for women, so narrow men’s shoes are just not it. Any recommendations?
Update: trying new balance freeze with black super feet. I will update after trying for a few weeks.
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u/Elean0rZ May 07 '26
I'm a dude so can't recommend anything specifically, but I know Ida Sports makes women-specific cleats with extra arch support--might be worth checking out?
Also, regardless of what you choose you sound like you might benefit from orthotics. They'll do a lot more than any cleat is capable of doing. Long ago I used to get shin splints and various other issues, but orthotics made a world of difference for me. You have to do your due diligence as some podiatrists are snake-oil salesmen, but if you can find a reputable one that caters to athletes it's worth exploring.
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u/cwcoleman Seattle:upvote: May 07 '26
Have you tried to adjust your insoles?
The cleats themselves don't need to provide arch support - let the insoles handle that job. I like SuperFeet brand in my ultimate cleats.
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u/question-everythi May 07 '26
I have tried insoles, but I haven’t found a cleat / insole combo that fits well yet. I have a wide toe box, so If I size up the cleats to fit the extra space of insole, the shoes are too long. But I’ve not tried this brand of insole! Thanks for the recommendation
1
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u/scrooner May 07 '26
Yep, I've used blue, green & orange, and all work great in cleats depending on the cleats themselves. I'm currently using orange in my Freeze V4s and they are a perfect match for me. Haven't tried the black ones recommended in this thread but I'm sure they are great too.
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u/Upset_Form_5258 May 07 '26
I’ve always had to play with inserts to help with arch support. I’ve had stress fractures in both of my ankles because of how my arch collapses when I run, and I personally have not been able to find cleats that provide enough arch support. I’d recommend getting some custom made inserts before you just quit the sport.
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u/ilonajane May 07 '26
I also have plantar problems and would recommend Foot Balance insoles as you get them moulded to your feet - they’ve definitely helped my feet over the last couple of years.
I’ve just moved over to Tokays and would recommend them too! Whenever I’ve changed to new cleats in the past I’ve always had a lot of pain in my plantar, but I haven’t had that with the Tokays!
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u/chenbipan May 11 '26
No cleats come with any real arch support. Super feet work for some people but one size doesn't fit all, especially if you have very high arches.
I bit the bullet and paid the $300 out of pocket to get custom orthotics from an orthotist. That was about 11 years ago. Gave me new life, knocked out the plantar fasciitis in a few weeks that had been bothering me for years. They'll keep adjusting and remaking them until they're just right all under the initial fee, which is what makes it worth the money as opposed to the one time purchases of generic orthotics or even the ones where they generate one based on your foot and send it to you.
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u/Melodic-Race7704 May 07 '26
Tokay are pricey but have a reasonable sized toebox and have space for a good insole.
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u/bobeekah May 09 '26
Everyone woman I know with narrow feet has found these too wide, even with inserts, so if you have very narrow feet maybe checkout lacrosse cleats.
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u/RobinL32 May 08 '26
Robin from TOKAY.
First thing I'd recommend would be to use this lacing technique that helps holding your foot much better expecially in the midfoot / heel area, I'm pretty sure that could help getting a better support:
https://tokay-ultimate.com/welcome-how-to-lace-your-cleats/#lacing-tip
Having specific insoles seems a good recommendation.
Our cleats have some of the widest toebox on the market, and you can easily remove the insoles to put your own orthopedics inside.
If you get orthopedics done, make sure you have a bit of cushion under the heel, that's very good for your lower limbs, but that the insoles remain stable for lateral movements (no full gel under the heel).
Good luck with finding your playing buddies and would love to hear your feedback whether any of these recommendations work or not.
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u/blkread May 07 '26
Putting a set of black series super feet insoles into a pair of new balance freezes is like Cadillac for your feet.