What type of shoes should football kickers wear? | Football (2024)

Football kickers choose their shoes based on a variety of factors, including turf or grass surface, weather conditions, comfort, and support.

Natural grass is the optimal surface for a kicker except when it is wet. On natural grass, the kicker would want to wear a detachable cleat. A detachable cleat allows the kicker to change the length of the cleats. This particular type performs best on normal and wet conditions.

On artificial turf (carpet-like), the kicker should wear a turf shoe. A turf shoe is similar to a tennis show with multiple built in cleats. This offers more grip on this particular surface, as well as more support and traction, especially on the planted foot. Sometimes a kicker will wear a turf shoe on the planted foot only, and the normal shoe on the kicking foot.

Kickers, in comparison to other positions on the field, have a larger variety of cleats to choose from. However, the cleats that most football players wear are very similar to soccer cleats; some even wear soccer cleats. No matter the type, there are some important elements that one looks for in a cleat. It is important the cleat weigh less than a normal football cleat. It should have a thinner padding, which enhances contact with the ball. Some cleats have laces that are offset so that there is a wider, smoother surface for kicking. As mentioned above, it is not uncommon for a kicker to wear two different shoes—one for traction (usually the planted foot) and one for kicking that is lighter and more flexible. (This answer provided for NATA by the Saint Louis University Athletic Training Education Program.)

What type of shoes should football kickers wear? | Football (2024)

FAQs

What type of shoes should football kickers wear? | Football? ›

Most college and pro kickers

kickers
In American football, the placekicker, or simply kicker (PK or K), is the player who is responsible for the kicking duties of field goals and extra points. In most cases, the placekicker also serves as the team's kickoff specialist and occasionally in youth football, also acts as the punter.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Placekicker
wear a leather soccer cleat that is simple in design. If you are only kicker or only a punter
punter
A punter (P) in gridiron football is a special teams player who receives the snapped ball directly from the line of scrimmage and then punts (kicks) the football to the opposing team so as to limit any field position advantage.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Punter_(gridiron_football)
without having to play other positions, you could wear two different shoes. Plant foot shoe is usually a football cleat with good support and grip.

What kind of shoe does a football kicker wear? ›

On natural grass, the kicker would want to wear a detachable cleat. A detachable cleat allows the kicker to change the length of the cleats. This particular type performs best on normal and wet conditions. On artificial turf (carpet-like), the kicker should wear a turf shoe.

What kind of shoes are good for football? ›

Most football players wear one of two types of shoes: "football style" shoes, which have long cleats, or "soccer-style" shoes, which have short cleats. Long-cleat football shoes are associated with a greater incidence and severity of knee and ankle injuries when compared to soccer-style shoes.

Should football kickers wear soccer cleats? ›

Soccer cleats are most commonly used in football by kickers and punters. Soccer cleats are designed to give players a better 'feel' of the ball, which is why football punters and kickers choose them over traditional football cleats.

Do football kickers wear pads? ›

The NFL requires every player to wear league-approved shoulder, thigh and knee pads under his uniform. Punters and placekickers may omit thigh and knee pads.

Are running shoes OK for football? ›

Here are some key features of running shoes that make them unsuitable for other sports: Lightweight mesh uppers – perfect for breathability and weight reduction, terrible for durability so it will wear out when used for any activities where there could be abrasion on the outside of the shoe (i.e. football).

Are normal shoes good for football? ›

Yes, you can play football with your normal sports shoes, but it's important to note that football-specific shoes, such as cleats or studs, are designed to provide better traction and support on the grass or turf.

Should football shoes be hard or soft? ›

It really depends on how the ground feels on the day and whether your footwear can grip it while you run, whether to choose hard or soft ground football boots.

Who wears kickers? ›

Also adopted by legendary artists (from David Bowie to Miss Dynamite, via Rod Stewart, Roger Daltrey of The Who as campaign muses, or Liam Gallagher, Jarvis co*cker, the Artics Monkeys, or even Pomme, Spri noir, Le Juiice, and so many others) Kickers has become the official member of all groups, in all eras.

Do kickers wear less pads? ›

Kickers and Punters Pads

These players wear lightweight shoulder pads with minimal padding, along with thigh and knee pads to shield against unexpected impacts. This equipment ensures that kickers and punters can focus on accurate kicks without compromising their safety.

Do football kickers wear soccer shoes? ›

Yes, you can use soccer cleats for football since there are no rules against it. The low-cut cleat can help running backs, wide receivers, and kickers improve their agility and speed on the field.

What football cleats are best for me? ›

You'll want the forefoot and the heel to fit comfortably snug. Also, pay attention to what kind of material the upper is made from because a full leather upper will stretch while a synthetic upper will not. Take some time to walk around to make sure the football cleats are both comfortable and flexible.

Why do kickers not like laces? ›

Professional kickers will have a certain way they like the lean to help play the wind. If the snap is off and the laces are facing backward or to the side the holder must try to get the laces facing forward while still getting the correct lean on the ball.

Do NFL kickers wear cups? ›

Nobody wears cups in today's NFL.

Which company makes kickers shoes? ›

Kickers (brand)
Company typePrivate
HeadquartersCholet, France
Key peopleDaniel Raufast, (Founder) Jacques Chevallereau, (Designer)
ProductsShoes, apparel
ParentGroupe Royer
4 more rows

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Last Updated:

Views: 5653

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Birthday: 1992-08-21

Address: Apt. 237 662 Haag Mills, East Verenaport, MO 57071-5493

Phone: +331850833384

Job: District Real-Estate Architect

Hobby: Skateboarding, Taxidermy, Air sports, Painting, Knife making, Letterboxing, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.