Do you need new American Football shoes for tackle of flag football and don't you know if you have to go for speed of stability? After reading this guide you will know better what to look for.
You need cleats that provide different advantages regarding your position. You need cleats that provide support, comfort and traction.
When the score is a draw in the last play of the fourth quarter, you need cleats that will help you score the winning touchdown.
Cleats should offer you great traction, comfort and support on the field. The choice you make between the different shoes can have a big influence on your performance.
With too many options to choose from, it can be difficult to make the right decision. The Buying Guides are here by your side to help you with this choice.
All of the football cleats share the same general design. Each part impacts your game and plays.
Cut length: This part provides the support on your ankles. The higher the cut length, the more support you have. But a higher cut length also takes away agility and flexibility to turn fast.
Upper: This is where the eyelets and the lacing are located. This part offers a secure fit. It is created to withstand impact of other player’s cleats and rough weather conditions to keep you focused.
Toe cap: The part of the shoe that needs the most strength and grip to prevent you from sliding out.
Sidewalls: The part of the shoe that determines how tight it is on the inside and outside of your foot. This is different in every brand. The sidewalls are attached to the outsole, this provides the stability of the cleat. On the outsole, you can find the studs or cleats. These give you traction on the field. The way these studs are positioned on the shoe can impact your acceleration, stopping and your cutting.
Heel: The heel is the part that provides the most support in the shoe with the heel counter. This stops the heel from collapsing.
Different cleat styles
The right cut in the cleats is very important for you and your position. Keep your wanted level of ankle support and mobility when choosing the right cleats. Your personal preference is very important.
Low-cut cleats, these stop below the ankle. Without the extended top, the low-cut cleats allow the player to move and turn very quickly. These low-cut cleats are very light to wear and often used by skilled positioned players. For example Wide Receivers, Running Backs and Defensive Backs.
Mid-cut cleats, these cleats stop on the ankle. This provides more support to the ankle but still allow the player to move quickly. These mid-cut cleats are suited for multiple positions. These are often used by Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Tight Ends and Linebackers.
High-cut cleats, these shoes offer the most support for the ankle as these stop above the ankle. A disadvantage of the high-cut cleats is that these have a big impact on the mobility and agility of the players. These type of cleats are often used in the Lineman position.
Different cleat types
There are two different types of cleats to choose from. One is molded and the second is detachable. It is important to check your league if the detachable cleats are allowed.
Molded cleats, these are permanently attached to the bottom of the outsole of the shoe. The player often wears these kind of cleats for the provided traction. These kind of cleats usually require less maintenance than the detachable cleats.
Detachable cleats, the studs from this type of shoe can easily be replaced with new or other ones. You can replace the studs with a longer or shorter type. This depends on the weather conditions.
The shorter studs work best on a dry playing field.
The longer studs offer the best grip in a wet playing field, while they dig in further.
Once again, always check the league requirements regarding the footwear. Also the cleats come in a different sizes and are made out of rubber or plastic.
Youth football cleats
Is your mini Odell Beckham Junior ready to hit the fields? Be sure to get them a shoe size that fits them properly. Size is the number one factor to look at, especially in youth cleats. Never go for a shoe which is too large for your child to grow into. A shoe that is too big could increase the risk of injury’s.
Accessories
There are a lot of accessories that can have influence on your performance during the game. For example you can buy an extra pair of shoelaces in case one of them breaks during the game.
When using detachable cleats, a pair of extra studs would come in handy. But make sure to buy the right size of studs.
Apply these tips to select the right pair of cleats for you and destroy every yard that stands in your way.
