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Football Cleat Buying Guide by Position

Sports Lifestyle

Football Cleat Buying Guide by Position

Apr 10, 2025

Choosing the right football cleats is vital for your game. Not all cleats are made equal or for every position, and you want to choose a pair that’ll help you drive down the field for a touchdown or zigzag away from blockers to secure that game-winning pass. Here’s a full rundown of cleat styles, sizing and playing surface, whether you’re searching for tackle or flag football cleats. 

Men in cleats

Types of Football Cleats

These sporting shoes vary based on height and cleat type. 

  • Low cut football cleats stop before the ankle, allowing for maximum speed, agility and maneuverability — a good option for skill positions. 
  • Mid cut football cleats, which extend to the ankle, offer increased support without restricting a player’s movement.
  • High top football cleats with ankle support offer the best stability, but they can restrict an athlete’s mobility, making these ideal linemen football cleats.

Football Cleats by Playing Surface

It’s a pretty safe bet that you’ll either be playing on an artificial turf or a natural grass field. Artificial turf cleats for football feature a series of shorter studs, while natural-grass cleats often have longer, fewer studs to ensure traction and balance. However, be sure to check your league’s regulations before you choose a pair.

Different Football Cleats for Different Positions

Different Football Cleats for Different Positions

Football cleats are made differently depending on the position in which a player will wear them. The best football cleats for running backs tend to be low or mid cut styles, while a punter needs the maneuverability of a low cut style. Here’s a handy list of what type of cleats best matches playing style: 

  • Quarterback football cleats: Mid or high cut cleats 
  • Running back styles: Low or mid
  • Wide receiver football cleats: Low 
  • Tight end cleats: Mid or high 
  • Offensive and defensive line cleats: High 
  • Linebacker football cleats: Mid or high
  • Cornerback cleats: Low 
  • Safety styles: Low or mid
  • Kicker or punter cleats: Low

Sizing & Fit Tips

You might have a preferred brand in mind, whether it’s Nike, Jordan or Under Armour. Regardless of your style preference, it’s exceptionally important to get the size and the fit right. When finding both, keep these tips in mind: 

  • For the optimal fit, ensure there’s enough room in your football cleats to allow your toes to move comfortably while you’re standing. In other words, a secure fit with adequate room for movement. Your heel should also fit snugly since the heel counter is more firm than padded.
  • If possible, try on football cleats, or at least measure your foot, late in the afternoon. Since feet tend to swell throughout the day, and since most football games take place in the afternoon or evening, you’re going to find a more accurate and comfortable fit shopping later in the day.
  • Most football cleats are designed to fit true to size; however, it’s always best to try them on and test them out before you buy. If you order online, stick with a brand you know, one that you’ve worn before and one in which you’re familiar with their sizing and fit.
  • If you need wide football cleats, look toward brands like Nike and adidas, which typically offer wider sizes. In brands that don’t have extended sizing, try going up a half size to accommodate your foot’s width.

When you’re gearing up for the season, head into a Hibbett store or shop online to find the football cleats that match your game. We also have all the football accessories you need, including helmets, gloves and footballs. Our Unboxed blog also offers more guidance for your game, including how to fit football shoulder pads and multi-sport cleat differences.

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