S o c c e r C l e a t s By: Meghan Ray

Function The cleats gives the player balance, control and traction. It also gives player control over the ball.

Materials At first they had metal tacks, but then for the players safety they switched to leather cleats or studs. The most common cleats are plastic. They use Rubber because they are the safest. They use Rubber because they are the safest. Leather is mostly used in the upper part. Kangaroo skin is used because it will shape to your feet. YouTube - Making Nike Fo#782D9C A video of a Nike Cleat being made

Properties The cleats are water proof and light so they would last long. They have friction to help you walk, run, speed up, slow down, ect. With the leather cleats they are durable with a soft texture. Kangaroo leather sculpts to the foots shape.

Soccer Cleat

History of the Cleat The first pair of cleats belonged to King Henry VIII. Players would nail bits of leather to their shoes to give them a better grip. In the 1990s a new shoe concept called blades was introduced. What that was, was plastic on the sole of the shoes, which was intended to offer more stable traction. Again in the 1990s former Liverpool and Middleborough player Craig Johnston revolutionized the cleat. There was rubber fins around the laces and side which allowed the player to grip the ball better and have a better swerve pass.

Bibliography Fhaherty, Stewart. “History of Soccer Cleats”. Ehow. (10/22/10) Jedediah, M. “A Firm Step With Soccer Cleats”. Ezin Article. (10/22/10) N.A. “ How Are Soccer Cleats Made?”. eHow. (10/22/10) N.A. “How Does Friction Help You?”. Answers.com. (10/22/10) N.A. “How Does Friction Help You?”. Answers.com. (10/22/10) Plummer, Quinten. “About Soccer Cleats”. ehow. (10/21/10)