The Fastest Football Cleats

The Fastest Football Cleats
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C.J. Spiller, running back for the Buffalo Bills in 2011, said, "Speed kills in this game. It's that simple." To improve running speed and the ability to make explosive moves on the field, football cleats are made with a specific design and lightweight materials along with removable cleats. While every position on the field requires speed and agility, skill players such as running backs, wide receivers and defensive backs look for the fastest football cleats.

Design

Football cleats are available in three basic designs -- low-cut, mid-cut and high-tops. But low-cut football cleats are generally used by skill-position players to maximize speed and agility. The lightweight, streamlined design provides an anatomical fit that allows for unrestricted running and quick cuts. The fastest football cleats also have internal reinforcement for lightweight stability and support for making sharp cuts and lateral changes of direction.

Materials

The fastest football cleats are made from a blend of genuine leather and lightweight synthetic materials. A synthetic upper material provides support and durability for a season of use. Other strategically placed synthetic materials decrease overall weight while improving ventilation to keep you cool, dry and comfortable. Foam midsole materials provide cushioning without adding significant amounts of weight, and a conforming sock liner is used to improve traction and control.

Weight

One of the lightest football cleats designed for speed weighs 6.9 oz., but most of the fastest football cleats weigh between 9 and 10 oz. Every ounce can make a difference in speed and agility to avoid tackles or close the distance on the opponent. The design and materials used on the fastest football cleats keep the overall weight to a minimum for unrestricted running.

Cleats

The fastest shoes feature detachable cleats and an aggressive cleat pattern. The specific layout of the cleats improves traction for maximum penetration into the playing surface. Detachable cleats make it possible to change the type and length of the cleat, depending on the quality and condition of the playing surface. Common cleat lengths range from 1/2-, 5/8-, 3/4- and 1-inch sizes. For example, if you are playing on a natural surface in muddy conditions, the 3/4- or 1-inch cleats will be the fastest cleats.

References

Article reviewed by Jay Lawrence Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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