Choosing the Right Football Cleat
Types of Cleats
Football cleats come in three types of outsole patterns to cope with various weather conditions and playing surfaces: molded, detachable and turf.
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Molded: Made of rubber or polyurethane, molded cleats are designed to be used on natural grass and semi-hard ground. They grip the surface and penetrate into the ground for quick starts and stops. These shoes may or may not have a midsole and also can be worn in most lacrosse leagues. |
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Detachable: Great for soft surfaces (as caused by excessive dew or rain). Individual cleats come in varying lengths (generally 1/2-inch for high school and college) so you can customize your shoes for maximum traction in any field condition. |
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Turf: If you play on dry, hard ground or artificial turf this is the shoe for you. Instead of a handful of large cleats, the outsole is covered with dozens of mini-studs. |
Shoe Styles
Football cleats come in three styles to accommodate the varying needs of players by position:
High: 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.
3/4 (Mid): Offers support while still allowing maneuverability.
Low: Preferred by some players - defensive backs, receivers and running backs - because they are lightweight. The lower cut provides extra maneuverability, allowing you to make quick cuts on the field.