Crampon

Cleats are specialized sports shoes designed with protrusions or nail-like structures on the sole to prevent athletes from slipping when moving on surfaces such as grass, soil, or artificial turf.

History

The earliest known example of cleats is a football shoe specially manufactured in 1526 for King Henry VIII of England. Made from leather, this heavy shoe aimed to protect the king from potential injuries during play. Weighing approximately 500 grams, this shoe is historically regarded as the first form of cleats. With the spread of football in the 19th century, the evolution of cleats accelerated. Metal-toed shoes were developed to enhance player safety, and spikes were added to the soles. This design formed the first modern version of cleats.

An old pair of cleats (generated by artificial intelligence.)

Industrial Development Process

In the 1920s, cleat production was limited to a small number of manufacturers, with brands such as Gola, Hummel, and Dassler Brothers rising to prominence. The Dassler Shoe Factory reduced the height of the ankle collar to produce lighter and more flexible cleats, granting players greater freedom of movement.

In 1954, a replaceable-stud cleat model developed by Adidas was used by the West Germany national team during the World Cup. Designed to adapt to a heavy, rain-soaked pitch, these cleats allowed players to swap studs according to field conditions and played a decisive role in Germany’s victory, marking a turning point in cleat technology.

In the 1960s, the first ankle-less cleat designs emerged, enabling footballers to move faster and more agilely. The Adidas Copa Mundial, launched in 1979, stood out with its kangaroo leather upper and 12-stud configuration. Recognized as one of the best-selling cleats of all time, this model was worn by many legendary footballers.

In 1994, former footballer Craig Johnston designed the Adidas Predator, the first cleat to use a rubberized upper instead of leather to enhance ball control. Initially rejected by Adidas, the model later achieved massive success and sold millions of units.

In 1998, Nike introduced the Mercurial series, ushering in a colorful era in cleat design. Worn by Ronaldo, this model stood out for its thin and lightweight construction. From the 2000s onward, cleats were developed to be tailored to individual players’ playing styles, enhancing speed, balance, and ball control.

Types of Cleats

Cleats are designed in different types according to the playing surface:

• Firm Ground (FG) models are used on dry natural grass surfaces.
• Soft Ground (SG) cleats are designed for wet and muddy fields; they typically feature metal studs with a screw-in system.
• Artificial Grass (AG) models are manufactured with shorter and more densely spaced studs to suit artificial turf surfaces.
• Turf (TF) cleats are suitable for synthetic surfaces such as artificial turf; they feature numerous short protrusions.
• Indoor Court (IC) cleats are used in indoor sports; they have a flat, non-slip rubber sole.

Cleats (generated by artificial intelligence.)

Materials and Manufacturing Technologies

Modern cleats are manufactured using advanced technological materials to achieve both lightness and durability. The upper is made from microfiber or knitted fabrics, while the sole incorporates durable composites such as TPU, Pebax, and carbon fiber. Studs can be produced from plastic, rubber, or metal alloys. Some modern cleats also incorporate microchips and sensor technologies to measure player performance data.

Sustainability Approaches

Plastics and synthetic materials traditionally used in cleat production can have environmental impacts. As a result, brands such as Adidas, Nike, and Puma have developed sustainable production strategies using eco-friendly materials. For instance, under Adidas’ “Parley Ocean Plastic” initiative, plastic waste collected from oceans is recycled and used in cleat manufacturing.

Cultural and Sporting Significance

Cleats are not merely technical equipment but also one of the symbols of football culture. For professional players, customized models become integral parts of their careers, while for amateur players and children, they form the foundational element of their first football experience. Throughout history, many footballers have become iconic through their distinctive cleats.