Football players have to wear a lot of equipment. If you’re planning on tossing around the football this fall, make sure you have all the gear you need, including for your feet. The right football cleats ensure you have the traction and power you need to play well.
The Adidas Adizero 8.0 Football Cleats are a great pair of cleats. They are lightweight and come in multiple designs. These shoes allow for maximum freedom of movement, making them a wonderful choice for receivers, defensive backs and other skill position players.
What to know before you buy football cleats
How your football cleats fit is extremely important. Different players need specific levels of support. Certain positions need to emphasize flexibility in the shoe, while others need support to generate power.
Low-cut cleats
A low-cut football shoe lines up just below the ankle. This allows the ankle to have maximum movement, which is important for players who rely on quickness and precise cuts. Lightweight football cleats often fit in this category. These are good shoes for receivers and defensive backs.
Mid-cut cleats
A mid-cut football shoe goes across the ankle. This provides a little bit of support for the ankle and some freedom of movement. Running backs, quarterbacks, tight ends and linebackers need this mix and often appreciate a mid-cut cleat.
High-cut cleats
A high-cut football shoe lands just over the top of the ankle. This design limits freedom of movement but provides maximum support. This support allows the players to push off against the ground, generating as much power as possible. Linemen often use high-cut cleats, as well as some quarterbacks and players who have ankle injuries.
Football cleat features
After deciding on the type of fit you want, you can focus on some of the other features of these shoes.
Shoe materials
Shoes come in either leather or synthetic materials in the shoe. Synthetic materials are more widely available, mainly because synthetics are more affordable than leather.
Leather is the better choice for those who have a bigger budget or who want the highest level of performance from the football cleats. Leather lasts longer and delivers better flexibility than synthetics in football shoes.
Some shoes use leather in certain elements of the shoe that need maximum flexibility and use synthetic in others to save on manufacturing costs.
Design and color
When football players want to bring a bit of personality to their uniforms, cleats are a great way to customize. They come in various designs and colors. However, high-end designs and atypical colors typically cost significantly more than more basic colors. And for those who play on natural grass, you may want a darker shoe to hide mud and grass stains. Be sure to consider your field conditions before you make your selection.
Types of studs
The studs, or cleats, on the bottom of the shoe can vary in pattern and material. It’s common to find studs permanently attached to the bottom of the shoe. These usually consist of rubber or hard plastic.
Some studs are removable and screw into the bottom of the shoe. Higher-end shoes use these studs, which allow players to adjust the cleat length as needed.
Football cleat cost
The least expensive cleat shoes cost $25-$50, but these typically don’t have many design choices. A more typical price range is $50-$100 per pair, which usually works nicely for most players. Cleats with high-end designs and materials can cost up to $300 or more.
Football cleat FAQ
How do I keep my football cleats clean?
A. Football cleats usually get wet and muddy when you play, which causes odors. Use a brush to remove mud and grass after you play. You can also place odor-eater balls inside the shoe to draw out moisture and smell. Deodorizing sprays help with odor too.
Do I have to wear cleats to play football?
A. If you’re playing on natural grass and dirt, you’ll want cleats to have the traction you need for the game. On artificial turf, it’s possible to wear shoes with grips instead of actual cleats. So it all depends on the makeup of the turf.
Which football cleats should I get?
Best of the best football cleat
Adidas Men’s Adizero 8.0 Football Cleat: available at Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods
Our take: Adidas created a lightweight shoe that’s perfect for skilled players looking to maintain speed throughout the game.
What we like: Players can make sharp cuts with these shoes, as the cleat pattern around the edge provides plenty of grip on the ground.
What we dislike: Doesn’t have the ankle stability and support that some players may need.
Best bang for your buck football cleat
Under Armour Spotlight Franchise Rm Football Cleat: available at Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods
Our take: Those who need to save some money on their cleats will appreciate a trusted brand name shoe at such a low price.
What we like: Contains a mid-cut design, so it supports many different kinds of players without being too restrictive on ankle movement.
What we dislike: Those wanting a splash of color in their cleats will be disappointed with the basic design choices.
Honorable mention football cleat
Zephz Wide Traxx Football Cleat: available at Amazon
Our take: Linemen will appreciate the wide design of these shoes, providing plenty of foot room and ankle support.
What we like: Layout of the studs on the bottom of the shoe ensures a good level of traction, allowing linemen to dig in for a solid footing.
What we dislike: No option for a narrower fit. Lack of options in terms of colors.
Kyle Schurman is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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