The NFL, unlike the NBA, doesn't allow players to wear the shoes of their choice, with the league implementing a strict colour code rule.
Even then, some players break the in-game dress codes, particularly when it comes to cleats. The good news is that the NFL now permits players to alter their cleats before and during games. However, the NFL's choices regarding what qualifies as customised cleats aren't always clear to the players.
The new NFL rules
The NFL modified its footwear policies in 2017, moving away from a rigid requirement that all club footwear adhere to specific colour and design guidelines to one in which players are permitted to wear customised cleats during pregame warmups and throughout the game.
The approval of such customised cleats is still pending. But outside of the actual game, players are free to use any cleat colours they want, provided there are no objectionable designs or unlicensed branding.
The players must then change back into cleats that are black, white, or what is known as a "constitutional colour," or the official team colour, once the game has started. (This was another modification. Previously, teams had to decide whether to wear all black or all white.)
What the players had to say about custom cleats
Several players in the league started using unique cleats to make statements about everything from social injustice to family members.
DeSean Jackson, who was playing for Washington in 2016, was just one of those who made a splash. He raised awareness of police brutality by choosing to warm up for Week 4's game while donning a pair of BrandBlack protest cleats.
"I felt like I was silent long enough," Jackson told Bleacher Report's Donte Stallworth.
"This is my ninth NFL season. I have a platform and the visibility to take a stand and do it in the right way."
Antonio Brown, plying his trade for the Pittsburgh Steelers at the time, was another player who spoke on the NFL's rules when it came to cleats. In the 2016 season, the league made the player switch out his cleats three times until that point.
Brown wore a set of cleats in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles that honoured his four children. Before the NFL ordered him to take off the blue-and-yellow spikes or risk a second-half suspension, he momentarily wore them on the field.
Brown was required to take off his spikes for a game against the New York Jets in remembrance of the late Muhammad Ali. Brown was aware that as long as he wore custom spikes, the violations would continue.
"There are rules and guidelines you've got to follow. I've just got to follow the rules," the wide receiver told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
FAQs
Players are allowed to use any cleat colors they desire outside of games, as long as there are no offensive graphics or unauthorized branding. However, during the game, cleats must be black, white, a "constitutional color," or the official team color.
Can you wear custom cleats in the NFL? ›
That's not my battle to fight." Per NFL policy, players can wear either white, black or a tertiary team color during games, with the exception of "My Cause, My Cleats" week where players are able to wear customized footwear supporting issues they are passionate about.
Does the NFL allow metal cleats? ›
Any cleat worn by participants must be a NFL approved on field shoe worn by football players during games. Track spikes, metal spikes or elements similar to a track spike will NOT be allowed. Nike, Adidas and Under Armour are the only football licensees permitted to show visible branding /logos.
What brand of cleats can NFL players wear? ›
Adidas, Air Jordan, and Nike supplied NFL players with the best footwear of the season. The 2022-23 NFL season was unforgettable for many reasons. Not only did teams compete on the gridiron, but they took their footwear game to the next level.
Are pink cleats allowed in NFL? ›
As per the NFL's rules, players are allowed to wear cleats that can either be black, white, or of a team's color. However, during weeks four through six of the season, players are allowed to wear custom rainbow apparel to support cancer research as a whole.
What is the NFL cleat rule? ›
The rule states that players can either wear white, black or a tertiary team color during games. The only exception comes during the "My Cause, My Cleats" promotion that allows players to wear cleats that support issues they care about.
Can NFL players wear any shoe brand? ›
Players may wear other brands, as long as they remove or cover the name or logo. For example, NFL compliance vice president Akil Coad said, if a player chooses to wear specially molded shoes from a company that isn't an official league partner, “who are we to tell them not to wear it? Just don't show the mark.”
Do NFL players get fined for custom cleats? ›
The NFL's Stance on Custom Cleats:
Players are allowed to use any cleat colors they desire outside of games, as long as there are no offensive graphics or unauthorized branding. However, during the game, cleats must be black, white, a "constitutional color," or the official team color.
Why can't NFL players wear bright cleats? ›
Most of the custom made cleats violate these color conducts and use exotic colors such as neon and bright pigments to grab the attention of the audience. The NFL, NBA, and MLB all want their players looking uniform so they place these restrictions on the colors that players on respective teams can wear.
Is there a weight limit in the NFL? ›
The maximum weight of a fully equipped NFL player varies by position, but generally ranges from around 250 to 350 pounds. The average weight of an equivalent person in terms of height and build would likely be lower, as NFL players are typically in peak physical condition and have a high muscle mass.
Nike | Worn by 63% of NFL Starting Wide Receivers
There are several popular Nike cleats, but the most popular pair was the Nike Vapor Edge 360 Speed. The 360 Speed is a super lightweight, low-cut cleat that released in 2020. The cleat features Nike's newest traction plate – the “edge” plate.
What cleats does Patrick Mahomes wear? ›
For supporters it's pregame rituals, Super Bowl snacks and lucky underwear; for Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes it's a new pair of cleats for the big day. Mahomes has been an Adidas athlete since 2017 and tends to wear the brand's Freak Ultra 21 cleats.
What studs are banned in football? ›
CONICAL OR CYLINDRICAL STUD
- Must not be longer than 21 mm.
- Must not have any burring or sharp edges.
- At least 10mm diameter at the end.
- All edges of the studs/cleats should be finished smooth and rounded to a radius of not less than 1mm.
The least used colors of NFL teams are charcoal, aqua, burgundy, brown, and teal. Only 1 NFL team uses teal color. The colors that NFL teams use can be seen in the NFL Color Table below.
Does the NFL allow colored visors? ›
The rule is basically the same across all leagues (MS, HS, NCAA, NFL, CFL)- it states that visors are only allowed in game play if they are 100% clear unless you have a medical excuse that requires you to have tint to protect your eyes.
Do football players wear custom shoes? ›
Many players will wear new boots in training, and once they're broken in, then wear them for matches. On top of that, the top payers typically wear boots provided by a manufacturer, which are custom-fitted to their feet.
Can you wear any cleats for football? ›
It's a bad idea to use soccer cleats for football. Football cleats have longer and thicker studs, offering extra support and protection from impacts. The one exception to this rule is kickers in football.
Can NFL players wear whatever shoes they want? ›
The NFL, unlike the NBA, doesn't allow players to wear the shoes of their choice, with the league implementing a strict colour code rule. Even then, some players break the in-game dress codes, particularly when it comes to cleats.
Are custom cleats worth it? ›
The biggest pro of getting a pair of custom cleats is right in their slogan “Bring Comfort Back to the Game.” As I'm sure a lot of you know, the first time wearing a brand new pair of baseball cleats isn't typically the best experience, since the materials cleats are made out of are typically very stiff until worn a ...
