National Football league (National Football League) is a professional American football league with 32 teams split evenly between the American Football Conference and the National Football Conference.
It is similar to soccer as it has a goal system and is played with a ball but with different rules and styles.
Similarly, the accessories used are similar to those used in soccer.
Do NFL kickers use soccer cleats?
Or
Are the NFL Cleats the same as the soccer cleats?
Let’s find the answer!
What kind of cleats do NFL kickers wear?
Football kickers select their footwear based on various considerations, such as the turf or grass surface, the weather, comfort, and support.
Except when it is wet, natural grass is the best surface for a kicker. The kicker would prefer to wear a removable cleat on natural grass. The kicker can alter the cleats’ length thanks to a detachable pair. This specific type functions best in typical and wet conditions.
The kickers wear turf shoes on synthetic turf (carpet-like surfaces). A turf shoe resembles a tennis shoe with numerous integrated cleats.
Moreover, it provides more traction and support on this specific surface, especially with the planted foot. On occasion, a kicker will only wear a turf shoe on the foot that is planted and a regular shoe on the foot that kicks.
Kickers have access to a wider selection of cleats than players at other positions on the field. But many football players wear cleats that are very similar to soccer cleats, and some even do. There are a few key components that one looks for in a cleat, regardless of type.
The cleat must be lighter than a typical football cleat. It should have less padding so there is better contact with the ball. Some cleats have offset laces to provide a wider, smoother surface for kicking.
A kicker frequently wears two pairs of shoes: one for traction (typically the planted foot) and one that is lighter and more flexible for kicking.
Why do NFL kickers wear soccer cleats?
Soccer cleats are the best-designed shoe for kickers’ tasks, so they wear them.
They provide more traction and comfort to their users. The soles of soccer cleats are shaped to facilitate the kicking of a ball.
Although it is not the same ball, the design offers more protection for the kicker’s foot while granting them greater control and accuracy in their kicks.
Are all kickers Soccer style?
Today’s placekickers are “soccer-style” kickers, which means they approach the ball from several steps to the left of it [for a right-footed kicker, or vice versa] and several steps behind, and they strike the ball with the instep of their foot. All of the current kickers in the National Football League use this style.
Do football kickers wear soccer cleats?
Yes, most football kickers use soccer cleats. It is because soccer cleats provide more protection and traction. They are lightweight, and they feel more comfortable while wearing them.
Can You Wear Soccer Cleats for Football?
Because soccer cleats and football cleats are similar, many people wonder if they can play football in soccer cleats. Especially if you already have a pair of soccer cleats but no football cleats, how much of a difference can there be between cleats? So, here’s the answer.
For football, you can wear soccer cleats. Referees allow players to wear soccer cleats during football games because they comply with football’s rules and regulations. Conversely, a referee will not allow players to play soccer while wearing football cleats.
The beauty of cleats is that they provide stability to the athlete’s foot as they run through the rain and on soft ground.
Are Soccer and Football cleats the same?
They look the same, but they also have some differences.
- Football Cleats Have a Toe Spike:
When comparing soccer and football cleats side-by-side, the additional stud on the football cleat’s toe will be the first thing you notice.
This stud, also known as a “toe spike,” increases traction between the player’s foot and the ground. This is especially useful at the start of a scrimmage when the players crouch down and face each other. You frequently grip with your toes when attempting to push a player away from you.
The toe spike is completely unnecessary in soccer and is even considered dangerous.
If you see a soccer referee inspecting a player’s cleats before the game, it’s to see if they are safe.
The presence of a toe spike indicates that the cleats are not suitable for use in a soccer game.
- Soccer Cleats Are Mostly Low-Cut Cleats:
Another difference is that almost all soccer players wear low-cut cleats because they must all be very agile and quick on the turn.
Soccer cleats’ low-cut design allows for more movement and flexibility around the ankles.
Although football cleats come in three styles: high-tops, mid-cuts, and low-cuts, the majority of football cleats are high-top.
It is because football cleats are designed to provide a player with grip and stability. The additional support around the ankle gives the player a firmer foundation for placing their feet.
- Soccer Cleats Are Lighter Than Football Cleats:
The third significant distinction between soccer and football cleats is that soccer cleats are lighter.
Soccer players, unlike football players, spend every minute on the field moving. Soccer players spend a significant portion of the game running or moving, despite spending time walking, jumping, and even standing.
That is why soccer shoes must be lightweight.
The heavier the cleats a player wears, the faster their legs tire and move slower.
A player is more stable when wearing a heavier cleat because their foot is more firmly planted on the ground. It can be a huge benefit for a football player.
Conclusion:
Yes, you can wear your soccer cleats for American football as a kicker.
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