The Best Lineman Cleats: What Football Players Need to Know

The physicality that offensive and defensive linemen endure in football is relentless. Offensive linemen must block defensive linemen, some that weigh more than 300 pounds, on every play. Defensive linemen have to try to hold their position against offensive linemen that are trying to push them out of the way. The constant need for leverage for both position groups requires proper cleat selection. You can’t be slipping and sliding on the turf when you're essentially engaging in a wrestling match with the player on the other side of the line. The average weight of a National Football League (NFL) offensive lineman exceeds 300 pounds. Defensive linemen aren’t far behind, weighing an average of 292 pounds in 2023. Because linemen need leverage and support, a durable, sturdy football cleat is usually their best option. Below is a look at the best cleat designs for the players in the trenches.

Why Football Linemen Need Specialized Cleats

Different jobs require different shoes. Nurses who are on their feet sometimes for 12 hours a day need comfortable footwear that holds up over a long shift. A business executive might need a comfortable shoe that’s visually pleasing. Linemen in football can’t wear the same kind of cleats that running backs and quarterbacks wear. Their job is more physically demanding and relies less on speed than it does on power and strength. Linemen require a comfortable, sturdy cleat.  

Below are some of the skills that linemen use that have an impact on their feet and are directly related to the types of cleats that work best for them. 

• Footwork: Having proper footwork is a fundamental skill for offensive and defensive linemen. Linemen are the largest players on the team. Lateral and forward movements are critical to their success. They must be able to plant and move quickly in short bursts to open and close holes. A sturdy, heavier cleat allows linemen to plant properly and keep their traction while pushing forward or moving laterally. 

• Leverage: It’s all about getting leverage for linemen. Leverage means that you’re controlling your opponent physically. For linemen, that usually means getting close to the ground and using your lower body for power, particularly when they’re run blocking. In pass blocking, the emphasis is more on using your upper body to get leverage to help protect the quarterback.  The extra stress linemen put on their lower bodies requires a cleat with wide studs and extra grip.  

• Balance & Mobility: Linemen need to be able to stay upright if they’re hit and they also need to have side-to-side mobility, particularly on the pass rush. A pair of cleats with sturdy ankle support can help keep your feet planted in the physical situations linemen have to deal with. 

Linemen Cleats vs. Skill & Hybrid Position Cleats

Not all cleats are built the same. Linemen need different cleats than wide receivers, who need different cleats than quarterbacks and linebackers. The table below is a general position guideline for the types of cleats players should wear. The suggestions, however, aren’t inflexible. Some quarterbacks who run the ball frequently might lean toward a skill position cleat while a tight end who primarily blocks instead of catching passes could prefer a heavier cleat that’s like what linemen wear. Below is a chart that summarizes cleat traits for different positions. 

Linemen typically wear high-top cleats, which cover their ankle for additional support, and they have wider, longer studs that help with the extra traction they need at the line of scrimmage.

Choosing the Best Linemen Cleats

Your cleats should be weight appropriate, durable, and comfortable. Generally, linemen wear cleats that can be planted onto the playing surface firmly without sliding.

• High-Top Cleats: High-top cleats are built to support the ankles and for players who aren’t overly concerned about speed. Some linemen might opt for mid-cut cleats because they might be more comfortable.  

• Molded Cleats: Football linemen often wear molded cleats, which are sturdy and offer excellent support. Detachable cleats are also an option for varying surfaces. Molded cleats are typically made of a hard plastic material, which gives them more grip on turf or a field. Detachable cleats can be removed and replaced for different surfaces. They’re often better for skilled players, who might need more grip on a grass field than a turf field.  

• Width: Linemen often need wider cleats for their feet because of their size. Wider sizes are offered for linemen to accommodate their bigger feet.  

Caring for Your Cleats

If you want your cleats to last for an extended period, taking care of them properly is necessary. Below are some suggestions for how to care for your cleats.

• Post Game/Practice: If you're playing on a grass field, make sure you clean the dirt or mud off the bottom of your cleats. Using a stick can help you remove the mud that gets stuck on the bottom of your cleats.  

• Washing: Use a cloth with a mild detergent and water to get the outside of your cleats clean. Don’t put the cleats in the washing machine because you can damage the cleat’s structure during the cycle.  

• Drying: Let the cleats dry in a cool, dry place. Don’t put them in the dryer. The hot air cycle can cause the cleats to change their shape and possibly shrink. 

Even though linemen often wear heavier, high-cut cleats, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule. Each player must figure out what cleat works best for their style of play.