Football Cleats

Note to non-US readers: Akin to the way we label the North American baseball championship the World Series, we don't really register the fact that when you talk about football cleats, you mean what we call soccer cleats. We're bizarre that way.

Kinds of Football Cleats

Cleats come in three different kinds of cuts and manufacturing. Pick a cut by the kind of position you play and choose between molded or detachable manufacturing based on how much versatility you need.

Studs, whether detachable or molded, usually come in 1/4 inch, 5/8, 3/4, and 1-inch heights. Usually the shorter the grass or turf, the shorter the stud you'll require. 3/4 inch is the most common height.

Cuts

Mid-cuts are the most common kind of football cleats. This style offers a middle ground between the extra support of a high-top and light weight of a low-cut. A majority of quarterbacks, running backs, and other skill players wear this cut.

High-tops rise to cover the ankle and thus provide the most stability support. Most linesmen and centers choose high-tops because they help you to keep steady during a block and are best for moving laterally. Low-cuts are the lightest shoe and are the usual pick of wide receivers and defensive backs; positions in which running speed is more important than the extra support, though some wide receivers choose mid-cuts.

Molded Cleats

Molded football cleats are either permanently attached to the shoe or molded into the sole. Because they cannot be removed from the shoe, it's vital to pick the kind of cleat that works for the kind of conditions you face most often in your games as well as the most comfortable fit.

If you'll be playing most of your games on normal length turf, then molded cleats are an economical and easily-maintained choice. Your coach can advise you on what kinds of conditions to expect.

Detachable Cleats

Even though are initially more expensive, if you play on a wider variety of fields, particularly on grass fields, detachable cleats might be easier and more cost-effective than molded. With these, you can vary the kind and height of the studs so you can transition easily from playing on wet artificial grass one day to soft turf the next to hard-packed turf after that.

Another advantage is that you can get the shoe and the studs that work best for you without having to give one up for the other. However, detachable football cleats require more post-game maintenance.

Famous Manufacturers

• Adidas is known for its rapid innovation. They're usually among the first to develop or use new technologies.
• Nike carries over its air features to most of its football shoes
• Reebok designs cleats to be comfortable from the start, avoiding long breaking-in periods

Taking Care of Cleats

Just like any other kind of specialized sports gear, you prolong the effectiveness of your cleats if you only wear them on the field. Check your cleats regularly for any uneven wear, since this hinder your balance. Test your cleats before games by running, turning, stopping, and starting.

To keep them in good condition, after you remove your cleats, loosen the laces and brush them clean. A medium-bristle natural brush is best. Lubricate detachable cleats very lightly, just enough to put a very thin film on the surface. Over-lubricating can keep them from fixing firmly.

Never use heat to dry your football cleats. Put newspaper in wet shoes to help them keep their shape. If they are leather, treat them with oil to keep them supple and water-resistant.