A Guide to the Different Types of Cleats
When it comes to sports, having the right gear is essential to performance, and one crucial piece of equipment for many athletes is a properly fitting pair of cleats. Sports like soccer, baseball, football, softball, and track and field use cleats to improve athletes' performance on various playing surfaces. Whether you’re a player or parent prepping for the upcoming season, navigating the world of sports cleats doesn’t have to be hard. Our Footwear Experts guide you through the different types of cleats and how each type is optimized for their sport.
What Are Cleats?
Before breaking down each type of cleat and highlighting the features, it’s important to know what exactly a cleat is and why it’s important. Sports cleats are specialized shoes designed with studs or spikes on the outsole to provide traction, stability, and support when making quick movements and running on various surfaces.
The design of cleats varies depending on the sport they are intended for, with each type optimized to meet the unique demands of the game.
Features of Cleats
Our Footwear Experts share the features that change from sport to sport to meet the athletes’ needs:
Cleat Material
The studs on the cleat's outsole are typically made from one of three types of materials:
- Rubber: Molded cleats can be made from durable, flexible rubber. You’ll see molded rubber cleats for contact sports including soccer, lacrosse, and football. These are great options for any level, especially youth, and can be worn on a variety of surfaces.
- TPU: Molded cleats can also be made from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). These studs are lightweight to help promote speed while still offering a reliable grip. These are great options for any level, especially youth, and can be worn on a variety of surfaces.
- Metal: Sports like softball and baseball feature studs made from metal for better grip on both dirt and grass surfaces. Since safety is a concern with metal cleats, there aren’t as many options to choose from.
Expert Tip | Did you know that some leagues have regulations about what type of cleat material you can wear during games? Make sure to check all the rules and regulations before buying your pair!
Stud Shape, Length & Placement
Another feature of cleats that is different depending on the sport is the shape, length, and placement of the studs. These factors all influence how the cleat will perform on different surfaces. For instance, longer studs are ideal for wet and muddy conditions, providing deeper traction, while shorter studs are suitable for dry and hard surfaces, like turf.
Cleat’s Cut
There are three different cuts for the upper: low, mid, and high. Many sports offer a few different cuts to accommodate different positions and player preferences.
- Low-cut: The upper stops below the ankle to provide plenty of ankle mobility. This cut is designed for speed and agility.
- Mid-cut: The upper hits at or slightly above the ankle to provide more support than low-cut cleats yet still allows for adequate mobility.
- High-cut: The upper stop above the ankle to provide maximum ankle support and protection.
Types of Cleats
So many parents ask if a single pair of cleats can be used to play multiple sports. Our Footwear Experts highlight the distinctive features of each type of cleat to emphasize the importance of choosing the right cleat for your specific sport.
Football Cleats
Football cleats focus on support, stability, and traction. These cleats are made from synthetic leather and engineered textiles to withstand the demands of the game. They feature molded studs to provide traction and grip yet maintain player safety. Plus, you’ll notice that football cleats come in all three cuts to help provide the right stability depending on your playing position; for instance, linemen require more stability than quarterbacks.
Featured Expert Series: What to Know about Football Cleats >
Soccer Cleats
Soccer cleats are designed for agility and speed no matter the position, so they are made from lightweight, breathable materials. Since soccer can be played on different types of surfaces, you’ll notice them described as Firm Ground (FG) or Multi-Ground (MG) depending on the ideal surface. Most soccer cleats feature a low-cut upper to provide maximum mobility, but there are some mid-cut styles too.
Featured Expert Advice:
Baseball Cleats
Baseball cleats feature either molded or metal spikes to provide traction on dirt and grass. They are typically made from synthetic leather for structure and durability. Players can choose from low-cut or mid-cut uppers depending on their preference.
Featured Expert Advice:
Softball Cleats
Softball cleats are similar to baseball cleats but are designed for female players. They can feature molded or metal spikes to provide traction and support when running on dirt or grass fields. Like baseball cleats, these are made from durable materials to hold up all season long and come in a few different cuts depending on player preferences.
Featured Expert Advice:
Track Spikes
Track spikes are designed for track and field athletes, offering lightweight construction and superior traction for sprinters, jumpers, and throwers. Track spikes come in various styles adapted to different events, such as sprint spikes and long-distance spikes.
Selecting the right type of cleats is essential for athletes to perform on the field. Understanding the different types of cleats, their features, and how they are tailored to specific sports and playing conditions can help players and parents make the right choice when prepping for the season. Whether you're a soccer player needing cleats optimized for speed and agility or baseball cleats offering traction on different playing surfaces, the right pair of cleats can make a difference in the season ahead! If you have additional questions about which type of cleat you should get for the upcoming season, stop by your local ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN to speak with a Footwear Expert!
