Football players wear specialized football cleats for play. Governing bodies of football leagues, such as the NFL and the NCAA, provide detailed instructions for what type of cleats are allowed and how they should be worn. In general, the rules for which cleats are permitted are the same for most leagues. In certain instances, wearing cleats that do not meet specifications can result in penalties.
Function
Football cleats help players gain traction during play. Most football cleats are designed as a boot-style to provide some protection to the ankle. What separates cleats from regular sport shoes is the addition of exaggerated tread added to the sole of the shoe, referred to as cleats. The cleat pegs are typically made from hard plastic and are molded onto the shoe, but detachable metal cleats are also available, some of which, however, are not allowed in competitive play due to the danger they pose to other players.
NFL
Players in the NFL can choose their own brand of shoe for competition but the color depends on whether the player's team declares itself as a black shoe or white shoe team prior to the start of the season. Black and white shoes can be accented with one additional color, typically the team's primary color. The shoelace color must conform to the shoe's primary color -- namely black or white. Any tape applied to the shoe must match the color of the shoe or be transparent. The umpire has the responsibility and authority to decide whether a cleat is in breach of the league's rules.
NCAA
College football players must adhere to the same specifications for cleats as the NFL. In addition, the NCAA requires that cleats for competitive play meet a number of safety regulations. Detachable shoe cleats must be no longer than 1/2-inch, can't be made from material that chips or fractures and must have an effective locking device.
Conical cleats must be parallel to their bases and must measure at least 3/8-inch in diameter. Circular or ring cleats must have rounded edges and a wall thickness of at least 3/16-inch. Non-detachable cleats can't be longer than 1/2 inch and can't be made from material that burrs, chips or fractures. The cleats can't develop abrasive surfaces or cutting edges and may not contain any metallic materials.
Kickers
Players who kick field goals and punt do not have to abide by the cleat regulations set by the NFL or NCAA, except for specifications as to the measurements of detachable and non-detachable cleat pegs. Often, a kicker wears cleats that have a thinner encasing, such as soccer cleats, to give him a better feel when making contact with the football. The kicker's cleats can be a different color from the rest of the team. He can also wear a different cleat on each foot if he so chooses.
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