subject: Kicking Cleats For Football [print this page] In football it is common for kickers to use a different style of shoe than normal football cleats. This is true for kickers at every level of the sport, but at higher levels such as college and professional, it is extremely rare to find a kicker who doesn't use a specialized kicking cleat.
Football and Soccer Cleats
Not surprisingly, kicking cleats for football are strikingly similar to soccer cleats. In fact, many kickers rely on soccer cleats for their field goals and other kicking duties. Both kicking cleats and soccer cleats weigh less than regular football cleats and have thinner padding to enhance contact with the ball. On some cleats the laces are offset to the outside of the foot to provide a wider, smoother kicking surface.
Multiple Cleats
Another noticeable trend is for the kicker to wear two different cleats, one on either foot. Typically, the kicker will wear a heavier cleat with more support and traction on the plant foot and a lighter cleat on the kicking foot. This provides the kicker with the best of both traction and kicking ability.
Apparel Contracts
Different college football teams use different brands and styles of cleats. Many teams will strike an apparel contract with a single company to provide all the team clothing and gear, including specially fitted shoes for every player. For example, Auburn University is currently supplied by Under Armor, but has had deals with Nike and New Balance in the past. The University of Michigan has a deal with Adidas, while Nike supplies the University of Oregon as well as Alabama and North Carolina.
Limits With Apparel Contracts
Apparel contracts can change from year to year and often the most lucrative contracts are awarded to the most successful football teams. While this limits the kicker's choices as far as brand of cleats, the cleats they are supplied with are specially fitted shoes of the highest quality. Also, kickers can mix and match different styles within the brand to find the perfect balance of traction, support and kicking ability.
