Linemen in football have one job. They protect the quarterback from being sacked. Linemen are usually the tallest and strongest players in the league, meaning they require high-quality jerseys and cleats to perform.
Sure, they don’t run as much as quarterbacks and running backs do. But they’re like sumo wrestlers who exert great strength to block opposing players.
If you’re an aspiring NFL lineman, perhaps in high school or college, you need to invest in reliable cleats. Compare the best cleats for linemen. Then select a pair of shoes within your budget.
Choose the latest cleats in the market. They’re so advanced thanks to these tech features:
Detachable Studs
Molded cleats are great. They’re affordable, durable, and require little maintenance. But if you play on different surfaces, you should try out cleats with detachable studs.
Detachable cleats allow you to attach studs designed to handle different terrains. Maybe you’re playing on a wet surface. You can attach sharp, strong studs created to provide maximum traction.
Studs come in various types. And they require special maintenance to last long. As such, buy detachable cleats only if you need them. Otherwise, stick to the molded type.
Nike’s Protective Technology
Nothing hurts more than being stepped on your toes. This is especially true when the person stepping on you is a 300 lbs. athlete. Fortunately, you don’t need to worry about being stepped on if you buy cleats with Nike’s protective technology.
Nike calls the patented technology NIKESKIN. It’s a layer added to cleats to make them more robust without adding unnecessary weight. With that in mind, there’s a catch. Cleats that feature this technology are considerably expensive.
Locked-Down Construction
Shoes becoming loose in the middle of a game can be a nightmare. Not only do you lose focus, but it could also cost your team points or the match. This is why it’s essential to buy cleats with a locked-down feeling.
Shoe designers have been improving the construction of linemen’s cleats for years. That’s because every pair of cleats needs to fit in the legs of different players seamlessly. The shoes also need to improve a player’s athleticism and help them minimize injuries.
Ankle Support
Ankle injuries are popular among linemen. However, you can minimize injuries by buying cleats designed to protect your ankles. The best shoes provide a blend of support and mobility. They’re known as mid-cut cleats.
Some boots are designed with ankle support in mind. They’re great for linemen who barely run. But if you need to be agile on the field, you may want to consider low-cut cleats. They maximize your speed even though they don’t offer great ankle support.
Buy mid-cut cleats for great ankle support. These are the most recommended cuts for linemen in the NFL, after all. That’s because they don’t limit your mobility as much as the high-cut cleats do.
Full-Length Sole Cushioning
The best cleats in football all feature full-length cushioning for your feet. And that’s not all. They have been engineered to absorb maximum shock to keep you comfortable throughout the game.
While many manufacturers tend to use synthetic fibers for inner soles, the outer section can also be leather. Synthetic shoes are light, breathable, and more affordable.
By comparison, leather cleats are stronger and more durable. They’re also more expensive albeit worth it if you’re a professional player.
Sleek and Light
You’ve probably already noticed this. But many cleats in the NFL are beautifully designed. They also come in a wide variety of colors to ensure players have shoes that rhyme with their jerseys.
Another common feature of great cleats is that they are light. This helps reduce fatigue and improve mobility. Some cleats tend to sacrifice durability in favor of lightweight. So, ensure you read reviews to avoid shoes that wear out quickly.
3D Printing
Some of the biggest sports brands in the world are now using 3D printing to create personalized cleats for NFL players. 3D printing allows manufacturers to scan players’ feet to create shoes that will give them excellent comfort and traction on the field.
3D printing is not yet a mainstream technology in the NFL. But it might soon become the standard way of designing shoes for players.