The Ultimate Checklist for Choosing Flag Football Cleats
We say it all the time, but you wouldn’t wear something like basketball shoes on a soccer field. Or baseball cleats on a basketball court. The same can be said for the kind of cleats that you wear when you play flag football. You want to be quick with your cuts to evade flag pulls, twitchy in your routes to keep them crisp and get separation from defenders, and feel supported when you’re the one going for flags on defense. Luckily, the right pair of flag football cleats let you do and feel all of that—and more. Dynamic movements are key in flag football, so having the comfort and confidence in your gear to perform them makes a world of difference. Here, we’ll talk about what kind of cleats flag football leagues allow and don’t allow, which ones are good for specific surfaces, and more.
League Rules on Flag Football Cleats
Before you go out and get yourself a new pair of flag football cleats, make sure you’re checking in on the rules of whatever league you plan on playing in. Most recreational leagues will prohibit metal studs at any level, while official flag football organizations like NFL FLAG and USA Flag prohibit them entirely. Also, if you’re playing with USA Flag rules in a beach league, they don’t allow shoes or cleats, but do allow players to “wear a form of low-profile soft padded sand socks.” So the general consensus on flag football leagues is to stray away from metal studs. But, when it comes to the type of football cleats you can look for, here’s a little guidance.
Molded plastic or molded rubber cleats are widely accepted because they offer premium traction while being safer on more playing surfaces. Rubber football cleats are designed to perform on dry surfaces like grass or turf. Plastic cleats, which usually feature studs made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), are designed for durability (if properly maintained) and are tough on surfaces like wet grass, dirt, and in the rain and snow.
Matching Cleats to the Playing Surface
So, we mentioned that it’s almost never appropriate to wear a pair of metal spikes onto any kind of football field, grass or turf. That makes you left with molded cleats, turf shoes, and even detachable cleats. Which should you take onto the field? Here’s a look at each:
Molded cleats: Molded football cleats have hard plastic studs or spikes that are permanently attached to the outsole of the shoe. This can make them easier to maintain, since there’s nothing to remove and adjust. You’ll find that the studs of molded football cleats vary in length and location depending on the position they’re designed for. For example, a pair of high-top football cleats that are designed for linemen might have more studs in the heel for more support when blocking. These cleats are good for all surfaces, offering you the traction you need in grass, mud, rain, and turf surfaces.
Detachable cleats: Detachable cleats are self-explanatory. Instead of having studs that stay in place throughout the entirety of use, detachable cleats have points on their soles to screw in or snap on the studs of your choosing. This means your football cleats have an extra layer of personalization and some added versatility, as you can pick and choose your own studs based on the surface you’re playing on.
Turf shoes: Football turf shoes or turf cleats use small nubs and treads instead of full-on studs and spikes. This helps improve the traction you’ll have on artificial surfaces, while the nubs and treads pose a smaller threat to damaging the surface. You’re better off not wearing these on grass or rainy, muddy surfaces, as the traction you’ll get won’t be nearly as good as a pair of plastic or rubber studs give.
Cleat Cuts & Ankle Support
As with other types of cleats like baseball cleats, and shoes like basketball shoes, football cleats come in different cuts. The support you’ll want to have and look for is completely your choice, of course, but the position that you play is a huge factor in what you’ll want to be lacing up on gameday, too.
Here’s what you can expect for each type and the positions that wear what.
| Low-Cut Cleats | Mid-Cut Cleats | High-Cut Cleats |
Positions | Best for positions that prioritize speed like wide receivers, cornerbacks, and safeties | Best for positions that look for stability while also needing speed like quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends, and linebackers | Best for positions that spend their time in the trenches like offensive and defensive linemen |
Benefits | The feeling of speed should flow through low-cut cleats. They’re lightweight and should be flexible enough to take on the most versatile route trees and movements when the ball is in your hands | As balanced as a football cleat can get. They offer support for players that need to shed or create blocks, as well as those that need to fill gaps for tackles. They’re lighter than high-top cleats too, so you’re still getting speed when you need it | Higher ankle support helps linemen dig into the ground, while longer spikes offer more support and traction. |
Buying & Care Tips
These steps can be applied to any type of cleat, including molded, detached, rubber, or plastic. Each may require some additional attention to ensure all portions are cleaned thoroughly.
Here are 10 easy steps to cleaning cleats:
Tap your cleats against a hard surface, or against each other, to free any clumps of dirt or grass stuck to the soles.
Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to remove excess dirt and debris from the exterior or your cleats.
Fill a small bucket or sink with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent or soap. If your cleats have leather uppers, swab a cloth with a specialized leather-cleaning solution.
Remove the laces and the insoles if they’re removable. Dip the brush or cloth into the soapy water and lightly scrub the exterior of the cleats. Spend extra time on stubborn stains.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or cotton swab to clean off hard-to-reach spots like the grooves in the soles or the lace holes.
Hand-wash the laces in water with mild detergent. Alternatively, you can put them in the washing machine inside a mesh bag and run a cold, delicate cycle.
If your shoes have removable insoles, gently scrub them with warm water and mild detergent using a soft-bristled brush. Rinse them off, then pat them dry immediately so they don’t become saturated.
Thoroughly rinse the soap off your cleats with clean water, taking care not to get them wetter than necessary. If your cleats have leather uppers, instead use a clean cloth to apply a thin layer of leather conditioner.
Insert a shoe tree, or stuff the inside of the cleats with a clean cloth or balled-up newspaper, to help them dry faster and maintain their shape.
Let the cleats dry naturally in a cool, dry area without direct sunlight, preferably one that’s well-ventilated. Don’t use anything like a hair dryer or space heater that applies direct heat. Dry the laces by hanging them or laying them flat.
Keeping your cleats well maintained can give them a longer life, letting them stay fresh throughout an entire season and more.
Flag Football Cleats FAQ
Q: Are metal cleats allowed in flag football?
A: Metal cleats are widely banned from being used in flag football, as well as most—if not all—levels of the sport. They present a higher risk of injury. It’s important to ask your league representatives what gear is allowed and not allowed before making purchases.
Q: What are the best cleats for youth flag football players?
A: Youth players often benefit from lightweight molded cleats with mid-cut ankle support. Comfort and flexibility are key, since kids are still growing and may need new pairs each season.
Q: How do I know if my flag football cleats fit right?
A: Your flag football cleats should be snug at heel, not allowing for any slipping, and come with a comfortable toe box that allows your feet to be secure but still breathe to stay cool.