The differences between flat sole and cushioning sole footwear on shielding skill performance among futsal players with chronic ankle instability

Chronic ankle instability is a frequent problem for futsal players that impairs sensory feedback, muscle control, and dynamic balance needed for essential maneuvers like shielding the ball. External factors such as footwear design may influence stability, as flat soles offer minimal cushioning for direct ground feel while cushioned footwear absorbs impact at the cost of tactile input. To explore how footwear choices affect dynamic stability in affected athletes, a study recruited ten male recreational futsal players with ankle instability to perform stability reach tests across three directions. Using a randomized crossover design with a rest period between trials, participants completed the balance assessments wearing both flat sole and cushioned footwear to determine which design better supports dynamic postural control during athletic movement.