Turf Shoes Vs. Cleats

As sports continue to grow in popularity, the need for equipment to match the demands of performance and safety is at a premium. In the early 1900's the first football cleat was introduced to do just that. As more athletes began to play indoor events and play on synthetic turfs, the turf shoe was developed to accommodate that arena.

History

John T. Riddell, the head football coach and athletic director at Evanston (Ill.) Township High School, grew tired of sending the entire football team's shoes to the local cobbler to be fitted for "mud cleats" if it were to rain. So he set out to invent a shoe the players could wear in inclement weather. Riddell paired with J.P. Smith Shoe Company to develop the first football cleat in 1913.

Facts

Built much as a normal shoe, cleats are designed with a harder, more stable-plated outsole to which stubs are attached for traction. The stubs can differ in style, length and material, but the main purpose is to maximize stability of the shoe and "grip" the ground.

Turf shoes were first developed as an indoor cleat for soccer. Various patterns on the bottom are for use on everything from hard indoor surfaces to artificial turf.

Features

Because foot comfort is still a priority, most cleats are composed of synthetic leather uppers to provide support and cushioning around the ankle and heel. Technology of the outsole--the bottom plate--differs from company to company and their unique cushioning systems. Despite the design of the shoe being up to the manufacturer, there are three universally used cleat styles: rubber-molded, plastic and metal.

The "stub" design on a turf shoe is concerned with quality of grip while maintaining traction with the ground. Indoor turf shoes designed for artificial grass have many tiny stubs (they vary in width and design according to manufacturer) in order to prevent slippage but provide enough support and traction for the athletes to turn and accelerate.

Identification

Looking just like a normal shoe-often, however, with an added tongue flap for both style and to conceal the laces--cleats and turf shoes have many of the same characteristics. Arch supports, cushioned leather around the ankle and sometimes air pockets in the heel can all be found on either. Cleats can have up to one-inch-long rubber, plastic or metal spikes attached to the bottom in some fashion. In addition to having a molded design for stability and traction, turf shoes have very tiny rubber stubs.

Significance

With the development of the cleat, followed by the turf shoe, athletes were given equipment that not only allowed them to be at their physical best, but stay safe at the same time.

References

• Youth Soccer Guide
• Riddell Athletic Equipment
• Nike