Buying a pair of shoes to play football seems simply enough but in reality there are plenty of questions to ask. Professional and college teams usually have dozens of styles available based on the field, weather, even player preference. According to "Podiatry Today," football cleats should meet the demands of the position, the field, the temperature and address the foot type of the player.
Shoe Height
Dick's Sporting Goods notes that football cleats come in three heights: high-tops, mid-cuts and low-tops. Often players have a personal preference, but certain shoes can help to protect you more or give you more flexibility. According to Dick's Sporting Goods, high-tops provide more support and are often recommended for linemen. Dick's notes that mid-cuts fit the game of skill players, including defensive backs and wide receivers, because they still provide support, but also offer more flexibility. Low-cuts are extremely lightweight, and allow quick cuts and extra maneuverability, according to Dick's Sporting Goods.
Molded Cleats
Molded cleats are made of rubber and are permanently attached cleats. According to Dick's Sporting Goods, molded cleats are generally cheaper than other types. Molded cleats are often used in youth leagues and some high schools that do not allow metal spikes.
Detachable Cleats
Detachable cleats are adjustable, featuring cleats that can be screwed in or out based on field conditions or personal preference. Detachable cleats are usually made with some form of metal and are usually the most expensive models. According to Dick's Sporting Goods, they are the best option if you primarily play on grass surfaces. In addition, Dick's notes that shorter cleat studs work best on hard, dry fields while longer studs are a better choice for wet fields.
Turf Cleats
Turf shoes are designed for use on artificial turf surfaces and they are significantly different from regular cleats. The spikes on turf shoes will be much smaller than other models or even non-existent. Depending on the type of turf and preference, turf shoes can range from similar to molded cleats to closer to ribbed design training shoes.
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