Cleat (shoe)

A cleat is a type of shoe designed especially for sports played on grass or dirt, such as soccer. Unlike "spikes" for sports such as track and field and baseball, the shoes generally have large studs on the bottom to assist in gripping the surface, preventing sliding and assisting in rapid changes of direction. The stud itself is often called a cleat.

A metal or plastic piece that attaches to the bottom of a shoe is also called a cleat, especially a cycling shoe that interfaces with a clipless pedal system.

In soccer there are three different cleat types. There are soft ground cleats which are made for wet weather. There are firm ground cleats which are made for firm natural surfaces. Also there are hard ground cleats which are made for hard natural surfaces.

In the UK they are known as football boots.