History of Football Cleats
Football cleats originated with Henry VIII - despite banning football, the king was recorded as having a pair in his wardrobe as early as 1526! For years, football cleats -- or boots -- were made from leather, with wooden studs. This all changed in 1925, when the Dassler brothers created removable metal spikes. Two years later, the first removable cleats were released by Riddell. Cleat technology continued to advance, as manufacturers prioritized using lightweight materials in order to help players increase their speed. In the 1970s and 1980s, we saw specialty kicking boots and cleats designed for AstroTurf. In the modern day, Nike and Adidas dominate the market with a range of different colored designs and in mid-cut, low-cut, molded cleat and removable cleat versions.
Football Cleats Buying Guide
Football cleats are available in mid-cut, which include an ankle support. Low-cut football cleats resemble soccer cleats, so this style of cleat is usually preferred by kickers (although any position can wear them). Molded cleats are permanently attached to the shoe and are suitable for a range of different types of turf, while detachable, or removable cleats, can easily be removed if you're unsure as to the weather conditions you'll be playing in.
Best Football Cleats
Some football cleat models to take note of in particular include the mid-cut Under Armour UA Highlight cleats, which wrap around your foot like a second skin for comfort and added protection. Adidas' Crazyquick boots are also mid-cut, and a classic option. In contrast, the Adidas Filthyquicks are low cut and are therefore better suited for kickers, or running backs and wide receivers. Also popular among NFL players are the Under Armour Crusher RMs, which have a Die-cut EVA footbed to provide maximum comfort and flexibility. Lastly, we also recommend checking out Nike's Alpha Pro cleat, a 3/4-height cleat that support mobility and also include extra protection for the middle of the foot.
