Football cleats are part of an extensive list of specialized equipment that football players must wear. Football cleats not only act to improve the performance of a player, but also are important for preventing injuries. Football cleats have advanced over the years and now come in many designs from many manufacturers. The word "cleats" is used to mean the whole shoe as well as the spikes or knobs on the bottom of the shoe.
Upper
The upper portion of football cleats comes in one of three major cuts: high, mid and low. The high- and mid-cut football cleats act to protect the ankle of the athlete, while the low-cut version allows for more movement for positions such as the kicker. The upper portion of the cleat typically is made of leather or other synthetic material.
Sole
The insole of football cleats provides arch support as well as cushioning for the bottom of the foot. The insole is thin to allow the athlete to properly feel the field under his feet. The outsole of cleats is firm and protects against puncture or other injuries while also providing a surface for the cleats to affix to. The insole is often made of foam or other synthetic material and the outsole is most often made from rigid plastic.
Cleats
Cleats are large spikes or knobs attached to the bottom of the shoe and those used by football players are larger than in other sports. There are two major categories for cleats, molded and detachable. Molded cleats are permanently fixed to the sole of the shoe, while detachable cleats can be removed and changed, allowing you to adjust for various field conditions.
Closure
There are several devices typically used as closure devices to secure the football cleat to the foot, including laces and Velcro. Straps are common on football cleats to provide extra support to the ankle.
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