Finding the right cleats is more than just grabbing the flashiest pair from the shelf. The cleats you choose can directly affect your performance, comfort, and injury risk. Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or a coach helping someone gear up, knowing what to look for in cleats is crucial. Cleats are sport-specific, surface-dependent, and should match the demands of your position and play style. This guide breaks down what to consider, from cleat types and fit to recommended models by sport and position.
Start With Your Sport and Position
Each sport requires different traction patterns and support features. Even within the same sport, positions can vary significantly in terms of movement demands. For example, a soccer striker prioritizes speed and agility, while a goalkeeper needs more stability and impact protection. Football linemen require high ankle support and durability, whereas wide receivers focus on acceleration and lateral cuts.
Use this table as a foundation for choosing a cleat that complements your role on the field.
See also: Best soccer cleats for wide feet and our Cleats: Questions and Answers.
| Sport | Position/Role | Recommended Cleat Type | Recommended Model (Amazon) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soccer | Striker/Winger | Lightweight, firm ground cleats for speed and agility | Adidas X Crazyfast.3 FG |
| Soccer | Defender/Goalkeeper | Sturdier cleats with added ankle support | Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Pro FG |
| Football | Lineman | High-top cleats with extra traction and support | Under Armour Highlight Franchise RM 2.0 |
| Football | Wide Receiver/Cornerback | Lightweight, low-cut cleats for speed and cuts | Nike Vapor Edge Speed 360 |
| Baseball | Pitcher/Catcher | Metal cleats for grip on mound and behind the plate | New Balance 4040v6 Metal Cleats |
| Baseball | Outfielders/Infielders | Molded or metal cleats depending on league/surface | Under Armour Yard Low ST |
| Lacrosse | Midfielders | Mid-cut cleats for balance between speed and support | New Balance Freeze LX V4 |
| Lacrosse | Defense/Goalie | High-cut cleats for stability and ankle protection | Under Armour Highlight MC Lacrosse |
| Rugby | Forwards | Soft ground cleats with longer studs | Canterbury Phoenix Genesis Elite |
| Rugby | Backs | Lightweight cleats with good pivot control | Adidas Kakari Z.0 SG |
Choose the Right Cleat for the Playing Surface
The type of field or turf you’re playing on has a huge impact on what cleat configuration you should pick. Choosing the wrong one can result in poor traction or even injury.
Here’s a quick breakdown of common cleat types by surface:
- Firm Ground (FG): Best for natural grass that’s dry or slightly wet. These are ideal for most outdoor soccer games.
- Soft Ground (SG): Made for muddy or soft fields. These cleats often feature longer, sometimes detachable, metal studs.
- Artificial Ground (AG): Designed for artificial grass or turf. These cleats feature shorter, more plentiful studs to distribute pressure and reduce injury risk.
- Turf Shoes (TF): Used for hard surfaces or artificial turf. These have small rubber studs or nubs for flat grip.
Many cleat brands mark these categories clearly on the shoe box, so be sure to match the cleat type with your surface needs.
Materials and Build Quality
The build of a cleat impacts everything from how the shoe feels on your foot to how long it lasts. Here are some elements to pay attention to:
Upper Material:
- Leather uppers mold to your foot and give a natural feel, often preferred for ball sports like soccer.
- Synthetic uppers are lighter, often more water-resistant, and usually less expensive.
Ankle Cut:
- Low-cut cleats are best for speed and agility, offering little ankle support but maximum freedom.
- Mid-cut cleats balance mobility and support, great for midfield players and skill positions.
- High-cut cleats provide stability and ankle protection, ideal for linemen or defense-heavy roles.
Closure Type:
- Most cleats use standard laces, but you may also find models with Velcro straps or laceless slip-ons. The goal is always a secure, locked-in fit with no heel lift.
Fit and Sizing Tips
Cleats need to be snug—almost like a second skin—without being painful. Unlike running shoes, you don’t want much extra toe room. A few tips to get the fit just right:
- Try cleats on with the actual socks you’ll wear during games.
- Your toes should be close to the end but not crunched.
- Your heel should not slip when walking or running.
- Break them in gradually to avoid blisters—don’t wear them for the first time on game day.
It’s especially important for growing kids to have cleats that fit properly. Resist the temptation to size up too much “for growing room,” as this can compromise stability and cause injury.
This youth-specific chart helps narrow down cleats that are affordable, comfortable, and durable enough for rapid growth phases.
| Sport | Typical Use | Recommended Cleat Type | Recommended Youth Model (Amazon) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soccer | All positions | Lightweight, molded firm ground cleats | Adidas Kids’ Goletto VIII Firm Ground Soccer Shoe |
| Football | Skill positions | Low to mid-cut for speed and mobility | Nike Alpha Menace 3 Shark Boys Youth Football Cleats |
| Football | Lineman | High-top cleats for ankle and impact support | Under Armour Boy’s Highlight Franchise Rm Jr 2.0 Football Shoe |
| Baseball | All positions | Molded cleats for grip and comfort | New Balance Kid’s 4040 V6 Molded Baseball Shoe |
| Lacrosse | All positions | Mid-cut with traction for turf and grass | Nike Huarache 9 Elite Low LAX Lacrosse Cleats |
| Rugby | General use | Soft ground molded cleats with support | Vizari Striker FG Soccer Shoes |
Consider Gender-Specific Design
Many cleats now come in models designed specifically for women’s feet, which tend to be narrower with different arch and heel profiles. Women athletes may benefit from models built for that fit, which can prevent discomfort and slippage on the field.
These women’s cleat models are chosen for comfort, fit, and performance across sports.
| Sport | Position/Role | Recommended Cleat Type | Recommended Women’s Model (Amazon) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soccer | All positions | Molded firm ground cleats with cushioned insole | Adidas Predator Accuracy.3 FG |
| Football | Skill & defense (flag/tackle) | Low-cut cleats for speed and maneuverability | Under Armour Women’s Highlight MC |
| Softball | Infield/Outfield | Molded cleats for grip and pivoting | New Balance FuelCell Fuse V3 Molded Softball Shoe |
| Lacrosse | Midfield/Attack | Lightweight mid-cut cleats for turf or grass | Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Elite |
| Rugby | Forwards/Backs | Hybrid cleats for natural grass | Canterbury Speed Infinite Team Boots |
Think About Your Budget
Cleat prices can range from $30 to over $250. For beginners or recreational players, a mid-range cleat often offers excellent value. High-end cleats might be lighter and more responsive, but unless you’re playing competitively, you may not notice much of a performance difference. See also: Budget cleats under $100.
Watch for seasonal sales or clearance of last year’s models. You can often score a high-end cleat at a major discount this way.
Where to Buy Cleats
You can find cleats at sporting goods stores, specialty outlets, and online retailers. Buying in-store lets you try before you buy, but online platforms like Amazon usually offer better pricing and selection. Just be sure to check the return policy in case sizing is off.
