Football Cleats

Styles of Cleat Shoes

Buying cleats isn't just about price and style. Form and fit are crucial elements in getting the most out of your investment. Companies such as Nike,  Reebok,  Adidas,  and New Balance  make cleats in three main styles that accommodate the varying needs of players by position. High tops,  Mid-tops,  and low-cut  shoes are all designed for a specific purpose, so choose the style that best suits your position and needs.

Cleat Styles
High-tops  High-tops extend up the ankle to provide extra support, especially for lateral movements. Linemen benefit from this support because of the pressure put on their ankles by the numerous lateral movements during the course of a game.	Mid-cut  A mid-cut shoe offers more support than a low-cut shoe, but more maneuverability than a high-top. This style fits a range of players including defensive backs, linebackers, running backs, wide receivers and quarterbacks.	Low-cut  Low-cut shoes offer little angle support, but have increased maneuverability. They're lightweight and ideal for skill players who make constant quick cuts.

Types of Cleats

The two main cleat types are molded  and detachable. 

Molded

• Molded cleats  are permanently attached to the bottom of the shoe.
• Turf shoes are a form of molded cleat that offers traction, and spring on hard turf surfaces.
• Molded cleats are generally less expensive.

Detachable

• Detachable cleats  involve removable studs that can be attached and detached to accommodate varying field conditions.
• They are far more flexible allowing players to tailor their cleat length based on weather and surface, (shorter studs for a hard, dry surface and longer studs when you play on a wet, sloppy field.)
• Additional equipment used with detachable cleats include additional studs and a wrench to attach and detach them.

Shoe Materials

Leather

• Leather offers flexibility and breathability, both excellent qualities for sports shoes.
• Very durable.
• Leather cleats  are generally more expensive.

Synthetics

• Usually less expensive than leather.
• Lack the durability and breathability of leather shoes.
• Synthetic  material is often used in leather shoes stabilize certain areas of the shoe.

Cleat Accessories

• Buying extra laces  will help you avoid the annoyance of trying to tie a broken lace together in the middle of a game.
• Applying protection, such as mink oil  (or cruelty-free vegetable alternatives ) will help to condition your leather keeping it soft and comfortable, while protecting against the elements.
• For detachable cleats you should purchase replacement cleats.  They generally run in 1/2-, 5/8-, 3/4- and 1-inch sizes. Each size gives you different traction on a variety of surfaces.

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