4 Different Types of Cleats
September 5th, 2024
Shoulder pads and helmets are vital for football players. Shin guards are a must for soccer. Helmets and gloves are crucial for softball and baseball. But what’s needed across the board? Cleats. Discover more about the different types of cleats your athlete will need now.
Proper Fit
Always start with a proper fit. Cleats are designed to flex at the ball of the foot. Correct fitting properly positions the ball joint in the cleat and provides room for the toes, so they are not confined.
Improperly fit cleats can cause a variety of foot problems. Always use a Brannock Device to measure feet. A Brannock Device measures foot length (heel-to-toe), width and arch length (heel-to-ball). Learn more about how to use the Brannock Device and find fitting tips here.
Football
Football cleats are heavier than cleats made for other sports to withstand intense contact. These cleats provide movement, protection and sturdiness, allowing for better traction.
Football cleats are designed for turf and grass and come in various options, such as low- and high-tops. The selected style depends on the player and position. For example, a lineman may prefer a high-top cleat for ankle stability for lateral movement. A running back, on the other hand, may prefer a low cleat for agility and quick maneuvers.
Soccer
Soccer cleats are light and flexible, designed for consistent running up and down the field. Since players have to perform quick ball-handling techniques and slides, and there is the potential to collide, there is no toe cleat. These shoes usually have molded spikes.
Baseball/Softball
Lighter than other cleats, baseball and softball cleats have lower-cut sides for better lateral motion and traction. Intended to help players dig into the dirt and grass while throwing, taking off from bases and running, these cleats come in metal and molded options. The best cleat depends on the player’s age and the position.
Lacrosse
Like football, lacrosse cleats are additional types of cleats with a toe spike in the center to help the player dig in and run. The shoe is stiffer and has aggressive studs to assist with direction changes and maneuvering on turf or grass.
Another option is turf shoes. These shoes have tiny rubber spikes, are more similar to sneakers in comfort and are commonly used on artificial grass.
Summary
Now that you know more about the various types of cleats, start shopping for the right cleat for your athlete based on the sport, position and individual feet. Are you interested in learning more about fitting your player’s equipment properly? Visit HelmetFitting.com to enroll in our eLearning program.
In the meantime, continue reading our blogs for more sports tips, news and industry updates.
