With the return of sports on the horizon and the high school, college, and professional football leagues preparing to start up, now is the time to review and buy the best wide receiver cleats for the 2020/21 season.
In football, equipment requirements differ for each position on the field. Offensive linemen are going to need different cleats and equipment to wide receivers. As a wide receiver, the common attributes needed to separate from coverage and get open are speed, agility, and quickness, therefore, equipment needs to be light, sleek, flexible, and durable.
One of the most important pieces of equipment for a football player is their cleats. Finding the right pair of cleats for your position, and the type of player you are at this position is imperative when it comes to performing at a high level on the field.
Here Are The Best Wide Receiver Cleats Of 2020
Under Armour Men’s Spotlight Lux Mc Football Shoe
Just from looking at these cleats, you know that they’re built for speed. The main body of the shoe is a mixture of a knit and thermoplastic polyurethane, which creates a light but extremely durable cleat. As a big, powerful receiver you want to know that when you cut hard while running routes that your shoe is going to be able to endure the force that you’re putting through them. The only ankles that you want to break are the guys that are trying to cover you right? The Under Armour Men’s Spotlight Lux Mc Football Shoe is durable enough to deal with these on a dime stops and cuts. Sometimes when a cleat is sleek and lightweight, comfort can be compromised. This is not the case with the Under Armour Men’s Spotlight Lux Mc Football Shoe. The foam insoles provide fantastic cushion and comfort to the point where the cleat feels like a trainer rather than an uncomfortable football cleat. On a hot day during summer practice or a cold game in the depths of winter, this extra cushioning will definitely be appreciated. Either way, this light, durable, and comfortable cleat will look great as you’re burning defensive backs.
Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro 3 Cleat
If you’re looking for speed, this is the cleat for you. This is arguably the best cleat that Nike has ever made when it comes to a speed position cleat. The entire upper part of the cleat is mesh making it extremely light, but will still fit snugly around your feet. The plate on the bottom boasts a multitude of different shaped studs, from triangles to diamonds to ensure that no matter if you’re accelerating off the line or shaking off defenders, your feet are going to be sticking to the ground like glue. The sock liner really holds the foot firm within the shoe and the heel plate affords protection to this vulnerable area. Not only do these shoes feel great, but they also look great and come in a variety of different colors and styles so that you can pick and choose which ones you wear depending on your uniform.
Nike Vapor Edge Elite 360 PRM
These cleats look like something from the future while allowing you to leave opposition defensive backs in the past. The FlyKnit exterior really molds to the foot and helps to hold it correctly, especially when changing direction. This FlyKnit exterior is also nice and flexible so that it’s comfortable to wear too. The invisible ghost lacing really gives these boots the futuristic look. No laces exposed and the low profile really makes them feel and feel like a light track spike or soccer cleat. Not only does the exterior of the cleat look futuristic, but the cleat plate follows suit. Nike redesigned this cleat plate with different studs that help propel forces forward, backward, and laterally. The colorway of this plate is pretty spectacular too. This plate has two studs very close to the edge on the forefoot to provide extra stability when cutting and stopping on a dime. The forefoot plate and the heel plate are separate on this plate to cut down some weight and to focus on further traction in the heel area, which is crucial when stopping and changing direction fast. This cleat is sure to turn heads and turn defenders in the wrong direction as you’re blowing by.
Adidas Adizero PrimeKnit Cleats
Just going on looks, these cleats have got to be one of the cleanest looking on the market. The PrimeKnit outer almost makes them look like slippers, really giving them a comfortable, but light look and feel. The plate at the bottom of the shoe is the same plate used on all the previous AdiZero shoes. This sprint frame is lightweight and great for many different playing surfaces. There are four smaller cleats in the forefoot area to assist with changing direction, making it easier for you to shake off any trailing defensive backs. Although the FlyKnit outside makes it look like the shoe wouldn’t offer much protection, it’s surprisingly durable and provides sound structure. The cleat also offers extra padding in the Achilles area for comfort and protection, there’s nothing worse than developing blisters or being stepped on in this area! It boasts a tight-knit collar that holds the ankle firmly to help stop any foot slippage, so the cleat not only looks snug but feels snug too.
Jordan Retro 1 TD
One of the most iconic Jordan shoes around, this cleat is sure to turn heads. I feel like a lot of people have owned at least one pair of Jordan’s in their lifetime and for a lot of people, it was the Jordan Retro 1. With its distinctive style, this fashionable sneaker has made its way onto the field with the likes of All-Pro Wide receiver Michael Thomas and Super Bowl winning Wide Receiver, Alshon Jeffrey wearing Jordan cleats. Michael Thomas often wears a white and gold pair, which are massively eye-catching. These cleats come in both a low and mid version just like the sneakers too, so you can switch it up depending on what look you prefer. The plate at the bottom of the cleat is one of Nike’s older cleat plates, which works great on a multitude of surfaces. These cleats are also nice and wide in the arch area of the foot, which may be more comfortable for those of you with wider feet that find sleek, thin cleats uncomfortable and achy in this area if wearing them for a long time. The cleat also features Nike Lunarlon in the midsole that provides further cushioning, although this added cushion sometimes can feel a little bit too bulky for players looking for an all-out speed cleat. These cleats fit great and they feel snug on the foot. There’s no foot movement within the cleat when they’re tied up and they offer a great amount of support and are extremely breathable.
Q&A
Q: Are high top cleats good for wide receivers?
A: It honestly depends on personal preference. Some wide receivers like high top cleats due to the extra ankle support and stability that is offered with them. When running, cutting, stopping, and being tackled it can be comforting knowing that the ankles are secure and are protected further against rolling or twisting. Although, this additional protection can slightly reduce mobility in the ankle and reduce speed due to adding extra weight to the cleat.
Q: What football cleats are best for wide feet?
A: If you have wide feet certain types of cleats can be extremely uncomfortable to wear. If you suffer from your feet arches aching when wearing cleats it’s because the plate on the bottom of the shoe is too narrow for you. A good way to check is to look at the pictures of the cleat and see if they look like they’re narrow or wide, next it’s good to read the specs and reviews for the cleat to find out further information on whether the cleat is a good fit for wide feet.
Q: Can wide receivers wear soccer cleats?
A: If you’re just looking for an out and out speed cleat then, yes, you could use a soccer cleat. But often soccer cleats don’t offer the same protection as a football cleat. Football cleats usually have a bit more ankle support and also often boast different plates on the bottom of the shoe to help deal with all the starting, stopping, and cutting that occurs on a football field.
Conclusion
The type of cleat a wide receiver wears can have a dramatic effect on the level of play on the field. A wide receiver needs to find a cleat that’s comfortable and matches their style of play. If you’re a speed wide receiver, you don’t want a big, heavy cleat that’s going to dull the speed advantage you have over the opposition. Similarly, if you’re a possession receiver going up for contested jump balls regularly, then you may want extra ankle support from your cleats.
Football cleats are at the forefront of yearly innovation by sporting brands who are consistently looking for ways to improve player performance out on the field. This usually occurs by reducing weight, increasing traction, and stability, all the while keeping the durability high.
It’s well known that football is a game of inches, so having the correct equipment and cleats can help give you an added advantage over the opposition. This little improvement may be the difference or not between a first down, a touchdown, or a championship.
